The Story
Plant Bio
Cistus incanus, commonly known as the rock rose, is a hardy evergreen shrub featuring aromatic leaves and attractive flowers.
It is particularly noted for its ability to thrive in poor, rocky soils and has excellent drought resistance, making it suitable for Mediterranean-style gardens.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Shrub
Height
36 inches
Width
36 inches
Light
Full Sun
Zones
7, 8, 9, 10
Water
Drought tolerant once established
Humidity
Prefers low humidity
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
Mediterranean region
Toxicity
Non-toxic to humans and pets
Bloom period
Late spring – Early summer
In flower about 2 months of the year
Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck seeds into well-draining soil in early spring.
- Mist cuttings regularly to maintain humidity and promote rooting.
- Water young plants weekly during first growing season.
- Prune lightly after flowering to shape and remove dead wood.
- Apply a slow-release fertilizer in early spring for healthy growth.
- Mulch around base to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.
Pro Tip
Ensure excellent drainage to prevent root rot and promote robust growth.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water deeply but infrequently to mimic natural drought conditions 🌱
- Prune after flowering to maintain shape and health
- Apply organic compost annually for nutrient boost
- Monitor for pests and treat promptly
Don't
- Overwater, which can cause root rot ❌
- Heavy fertilization, which may promote leggy growth ❌
- Prune in late fall or winter ❌
- Neglect drainage, leading to waterlogged soil ❌
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
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Hoary Rockrose questions
What zones can Hoary Rockrose grow in?
Hoary Rockrose is hardy in USDA Zones 7–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Hoary Rockrose deer resistant?
Yes — Hoary Rockrose is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Hoary Rockrose bloom?
Hoary Rockrose typically blooms in late spring through early summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Hoary Rockrose need full sun?
Hoary Rockrose does best in full sun (6+ hours).
Is Hoary Rockrose drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Hoary 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
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Hoary 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.