Purple Rockrose

Purple Rockrose

1 Gallon
$16.90
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Purple Rockrose
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Purple Rockrose

Cistus purpureus

A tough, sun-loving evergreen blanketed in vivid pink flowers with maroon spots, perfect for the ultimate low-water garden.

$16.90
Container sizeSize guide

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Description

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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Deer Resistant & Low Maintenance: Naturally resistant to deer, pests, and diseases. Requires no fertilizer and only occasional pruning to shape.

  • 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.

Quick Facts

  • Features:Foliage: Lance-shaped, dark green leaves with pale undersides, forming dense foliage,Flowers: 3" papery blooms with five vivid pink-purple petals, maroon spots at base, and prominent yellow stamens,Habit: Rounded evergreen shrub with bushy growth
  • Mature Height: 4-6 ft
  • Mature Width: 4-6 ft
  • Growth Rate: Fast
  • Light Needs: Full sun
  • Key Advantages:Exceptional heat and drought tolerance,Deer resistant,Salt spray tolerant (ideal for coastal areas),Thrives in poor, rocky soils,Long blooming period
  • Landscape Uses:Mediterranean-style gardens,Coastal landscapes,Rock gardens,Informal hedging,Erosion control on slopes
  • Special Care:Pruning: Light pruning after flowering to maintain shape,Soil: Well-drained, alkaline to neutral pH,Water: Drought tolerant once established,Fertilizer: None needed
  • Seasonal Interest:Flowers: Late spring to early summer,Foliage: Evergreen

Faqs

Q: How often should I water it after planting?
A: Water regularly to establish a deep root system in the first year. Once established, it is extremely drought-tolerant and may not need supplemental water at all in the Bay Area, except during prolonged, extreme droughts.

Q: When and how should it be pruned?
A: Prune lightly after the main spring flowering to maintain a compact shape and encourage bushiness. Avoid cutting into old, woody stems. It does not respond well to severe renovation pruning.

📍 Primary Delivery Area · San Francisco Bay Area

Local delivery across the Bay Area — and beyond.

San Francisco Bay Area is our primary local delivery market. Victory Nursery also serves additional California markets and selected extended delivery areas by arrangement.

Regular local delivery: San Francisco, Peninsula, South Bay, East Bay, Marin, Tracy / Mountain House and surrounding service areas.

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1 Gallon

1 Gallon

A practical starting size for perennials, grasses, groundcovers, vines and young shrubs. Lightweight, easy to plant and well suited for projects that need multiple plants.

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5 Gallon

5 Gallon

A popular size for shrubs, screening plants and young trees. Large enough to make an immediate difference in the garden while still manageable for most residential projects.

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Gallon describes the container size, not a guaranteed plant height. Individual plants vary. Contact our nursery for current measurements.

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