These shrubs are hardy, drought-tolerant, deer-resistant, and withstand extreme heat.
They grow well in poor-quality soils and often survive in locations where other plants cant.
A great addition torock gardensand exposed garden beds, rockrose is best planted in the early spring.
Crimson-Spot Rockrose (Cistus ladanifer)johncopeland / Getty Images
you could find these Mediterranean flowers growing naturally in coastal areas and dry banks alike.
The plants are commonly used in informal hedgerows, as groundcover plants, or for erosion control.
This short bloom is a distinctive characteristic of the rockrose genus.
They will not survive in shady locations.
Soil
Rockrose plants grow well in poor-quality rocky soils as long as they are well-draining.
Choose a spot with deep soil so that the rockrose can establish deep and spreading roots.
Rocky and sandy environments are fine for rockrose plants.
Its preferred pH range is between 5.6 and 7.5.
Water
Generally, rockrose aredrought-tolerantplants that do not require watering outside of regular rainfall.
The plant can survive in moderately humid conditions but does not like tropical humidity.
Fertilize once in the early spring with general-purpose, slow-releasefertilizerto kick start growth, following product label instructions.
After they are established they normally do not need fertilizing.
They cannot tolerate heavy pruning so maintenance should be kept to a minimum where possible.
Therefore propagation from seeds is not recommended.
Potting and Repotting
Rockrose plants can be grown in containers as well as in gardens.
Because they prefer dry conditions, they generally dont do well when planted in small containers that require frequentwatering.
Rockrose plants do well when transplanted from containers to the garden as long as there is minimal root disruption.
Common Pests & Plant Diseases
Generally rock rose does not have serious pests and diseases.
How Long Does Rockrose Bloom?
Rockrose blooms last just a few hours before they drop.
it’s possible for you to expect new flowers to fire up the following morning.
What Do Rockrose Flowers Look Like?
Rockrose blooms are generally 2 inches in diameter and can be pink, white, or yellow.
Feed the plant with a bloom-boosting fertilizer that is high in phosphorus to encourage more blooms.
Ensure that it is receiving plenty of light.
Resist any heavy pruning as weak branches may stop bearing flowers in the future.
You only need to gently prune once the flowering season ends.
Common Problems with Rockrose
Rockrose has relatively few issues.
When these plants struggle, it is more commonly due to unsuitable growing conditions rather than other factors.
Rockrose plants do best in dry conditions but should not be overwatered.
Leaves Turning Brown
This could indicate frost damage.
verify your plant is not in an exposed location if you have a very cold winter.
If growing in a container, be sure to bring it indoors during the months when frost is expected.
Also, be aware that early spring frosts can still occur which can damage potential blooms.
While the flowers are unscented, the foliage of rockroses is aromatic, much like Mediterranean herbs such aslavenderandrosemary.
Rockrose in the genusCistusis not native to Texas.
University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources.
How to Grow Cistus.
