Cistus ‘Maculatus’

Cistus produces masses of flowers from May into June, each flower only lasting one day. They are mainly large white flowers often with coloured blotches near the centre; however there are also a few pink flowered varieties. All varieties have slender fresh evergreen leaves that provide a good backdrop to smaller shrubs when out of flower.

There are a few dwarf varieties that grow to 90cm (3 ft) but the majority will reach 120-150cm (4-5 ft).

Like other Mediterranean plants, cistus grows best in full sun in very well drained positions ideally sheltered from cold winds. It is not fussy on the acidity of the soil with the exception of the extremes.

It is generally pest free, with any problems more likely as a result of poor planting such as in a cold damp position, so site in full sun and dig in horticultural sand when planting to improve the drainage.

Flowering at the same time as ceanothus, the whites of the cistus complement the blues of ceanothus, which can act as an excellent backdrop or alternatively with the silver leafed Convolvulus cneorum.

Cistus ‘Warley Rose’	Cistus ‘Snowfire’	Cistus paviflorus	Cistus obtusifolius