Also known as Rockrose · 29 gardener saves
Cistus: the varieties gardeners actually grow
Cistus, the genus most gardeners know as rockrose. We track 3 varieties; these are the ones gardeners actually save and plant, ranked by real saves rather than catalog marketing. Each links to full care, bloom, and live price data.
The 3 most-saved Cistus varieties
Of 3 in the catalog — ordered by how many gardeners actually grow them.
#1 most savedOrchid Rockrose
Cistus x purpureus
#2 most savedHoary Rockrose
Cistus incanus
#3 most savedVictor Reiter Rockrose
Cistus x purpureus 'Victor Reiter'
How to grow Cistus
What the Cistus varieties in our catalog actually agree on — drawn from the care records of the 3 most-grown of them, not from a generic template.
The Cistus year
- PlantMarch, April, September and October100% of varieties
Plant in well-drained soil during mild weather.
- PruneMay and June100% of varieties
Prune lightly immediately after flowering to maintain shape; avoid cutting into old wood.
- MulchMarch67% of varieties
Apply a light layer of gravel or stone mulch; keep crown dry.
- Spring CleanupFebruary67% of varieties
Remove any dead or damaged foliage from winter.
Do
- Water sparingly once established 💧
- Prune lightly after flowering ✂️
- Apply a balanced fertilizer in spring
- Mulch to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature
- Water deeply but infrequently to mimic natural drought conditions 🌱
Avoid
- Overwater, which can cause root rot ❌
- Heavy pruning during the growing season
- Use high-nitrogen fertilizer that promotes excessive foliage
- Heavy fertilization, which may promote leggy growth ❌
What goes wrong with Cistus
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky residue and distorted leaves | Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Scale insects | Yellowing and weakening of stems | Apply horticultural oil during dormant season |
| Root rot | Wilting and blackened roots | Improve drainage and reduce watering |
| Powdery mildew | White powder on leaves | Apply fungicide and improve air circulation |
| Root Rot | Wilting, yellowing leaves, and mushy roots. | Improve drainage and reduce watering. |
Making more Cistus
Cuttings
- Take semi-hardwood cuttings in late summer.
- Dip in rooting hormone and plant in well-draining soil.
- Keep soil moist and place in partial shade for 6 weeks.
Seeds
- Sow seeds in well-draining soil in early spring.
- Keep moist and place in full sun.
- Germination occurs in 2-3 weeks, seedlings grow slowly.
Cistus questions
How many types of Cistus are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 3 distinct Cistus varieties. The most popular — ranked by 29 real gardener saves — are shown first above.
What zones does Cistus grow in?
Across its varieties, Cistus covers USDA Zones 7–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Cistus bloom?
Most Cistus varieties bloom in late spring to early summer, late spring. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Cistus should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.
Keep exploring
Cistus shows up in
By hardiness zone
Design with Cistus in your own yard
Snap a photo of your space and see these varieties planted in it — sized correctly, matched to your zone, with care reminders included.
