Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Shrub
Height
48 inches
Width
48 inches
Light
Full Sun
Zones
8, 9
Water
Low
Humidity
Average
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
Mediterranean region
Toxicity
Non-toxic to humans and pets
The Story
Plant Bio
Cistus x purpureus, a hybrid rock rose, is a compact, rounded, evergreen shrub with aromatic, dull green leaves. It produces large, showy, deep pink to reddish-purple flowers, each with a distinctive dark red spot at the base of the petal, from late spring to early summer. This cultivar is highly valued for its drought tolerance and ability to flourish in poor, rocky soils, making it an excellent choice for xeriscaping and low-maintenance gardens.
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck seeds or cuttings into well-draining soil in spring.
- Water thoroughly after planting and keep soil slightly dry.
- Place in full sun for optimal flowering.
- Mulch lightly to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Fertilize with a low-nitrogen fertilizer once in early spring.
- Prune after flowering to maintain shape and encourage new growth.
Pro Tip
Ensure excellent drainage to prevent root rot and promote healthy growth.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water sparingly once established 💧
- Prune lightly after flowering ✂️
- Apply a balanced fertilizer in spring
- Mulch to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature
Don't
- Overwater, which can cause root rot ❌
- Heavy pruning during the growing season
- Use high-nitrogen fertilizer that promotes excessive foliage
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mulch | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Prune | ||||||||||||
| Spring Cleanup |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Orchid Rockrose questions
What zones can Orchid Rockrose grow in?
Orchid Rockrose is hardy in USDA Zones 8–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Orchid Rockrose deer resistant?
Yes — Orchid Rockrose is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Orchid Rockrose bloom?
Orchid Rockrose typically blooms in late spring to early summer through late fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Orchid Rockrose need full sun?
Orchid Rockrose does best in full sun (6+ hours).
Is Orchid Rockrose drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Orchid Rockrose handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
More Cistus to compare
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Collections featuring this plant
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Orchid Rockrose with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.
