Cistus X purpureus
Orchid or Purple Rockrose
Description
Orchid rockrose is an evergreen shrub growing to 4' tall and wide, often shorter in stressful situations. The rosy-crimson flowers to 3" wide exhibit a dark purple blotch at the base of each petal, and bloom early to mid-summer. The flowers also feature a contrasting yellow cluster of stamens in the center. It does well in salt spray and cool winds. It is relatively long-lived, tolerant of heat and aridity as well as accepting many soil conditions. -Native Sons Nursery
Plant Type
Shrub
Height Range
3-6'
Flower Color
Purple
Flower Season
Spring, Summer, Intermittent
Leaf Color
Dark Green, Grey Green
Bark Color
Brown, Red
Fruit Color
n/a
Fruit Season
n/a
Sun
Full, Half
Water
Very Low, Low
Growth Rate
Fast, Moderate
Soil Type
Sandy, Clay, Loam, Rocky, Unparticular
Soil Condition
Average, Poor, Well-drained, Dry
Soil pH
Neutral, Basic
Adverse Factors
n/a
Design Styles
Mediterranean, Seascape, Spanish, Wild Garden
Accenting Features
Fragrance, Showy Flowers
Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer
Location Uses
Entry, Foundation, Parking Strip, Roadside, Walkways, With Rocks
Special Uses
Erosion Control, Mass Planting, Fire Resistant
Attracts Wildlife
n/a
Water Saving Tip:
Consider replacing some lawn areas with groundcovers, trees, and shrubs.
Good candidates for removal are portions of large lawns, areas where no one uses the grass, patches that don't grow well, or spaces too small to water without overspray.