Plant Database
Purple Rockrose
Cistus purpureus
Purple Rockrose is a spectacular, sun-loving evergreen shrub that thrives on neglect while offering a profusion of eye-catching blooms. Each morning in late spring to early summer, it unveils a new crop of large, saucer-shaped flowers in a vivid rosy-pink, each petal dramatically marked with a deep burgundy blotch at its base. The blooms, though individually lasting just a day, are produced in such abundance that the plant remains a colorful spectacle for weeks. Its dense, rounded form of narrow, aromatic green leaves is incredibly tough, making it a perfect, low-maintenance choice for challenging hot, dry sites.
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Showy, Bicolor Blooms: Produces a profusion of large, 3-inch wide flowers in a striking combination of rosy-pink petals with a distinctive dark maroon spot at the base of each.
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Extreme Drought & Heat Tolerance: Once established, it is exceptionally resilient, thriving in full sun, poor rocky soils, and with minimal water—a true champion of dry gardens.
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Fast-Growing Evergreen Habit: Quickly forms a dense, rounded mound of narrow, dark green foliage, reaching 4-6 feet tall and wide, ideal for quick coverage.
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Deer Resistant & Low Maintenance: Naturally resistant to deer, pests, and diseases. Requires no fertilizer and only occasional pruning to shape.
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Perfect for Water-Wise Landscapes: An excellent choice for Mediterranean, coastal, and rock gardens, as an informal hedge, or for erosion control on dry slopes.