Photo courtesy of Metropolitan Water District of Southern California

Cistus species

Rockrose
Cistaceae family

Foliage, Flowers & Fruit
White or rose colored flowers, depending on species.

Hardiness
Hardy in all zones. Full sun. Little or no water once established.

Landscape Use
Perennial flower beds, background shrub masses, slopes.

Problems?
Basically pest free. Short lived plant. Will have poor appearance toward the end of its life span. Needs well drained soil.

Comments
Several species available that vary in flower color and growth habit: C. purpureus (pink with 5 spots; maybe the most reliable rockrose), C. hybridus (white, 3 to 5 feet), and C. salviifolius (white, low and spreading; use as a ground cover).