Cistus clusii
Cistus clusii · Cistaceae
The gardener's calendar
In autumn, ease off feeding and take the chance to clean up around cistus clusii and prepare for winter.
ID card
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Flowering
- May to July
- Flowers
- White, single or double depending on variety
- Adult size
- 0.5 to 1.5 m in height and width
- Growth
- Slow to moderate
- Hardiness
- -5 to -10 °C depending on origin
- Origin
- Mediterranean region (Spain, Morocco)
- Soil type
- Well-drained, arid to poor, alkaline or neutral
Care
Sunlight
Place your Cistus clusii in full sun, as this heat-loving plant will flourish and display its pure white flowers beautifully. It tolerates dry winds and south or west-facing exposures well, making it ideal for sun-baked walls. Avoid shaded or partially shaded areas completely.
Watering
Water regularly during the first year to encourage rooting, then reduce watering drastically. Once established, this plant is highly drought-tolerant and thrives on natural rainfall even in Mediterranean climates. Light summer watering may be necessary during prolonged dry spells, but excess water promotes rot.
Soil preparation
Prepare extremely well-drained, poor and rocky soil, similar to its natural habitat. Lighten heavy soils with coarse sand or gravel. Compost is unnecessary; this plant prefers lean, alkaline soils.
Pruning and maintenance
Prune lightly after flowering to maintain a compact shape and stimulate branching. Remove dead or damaged branches in spring. Avoid severe pruning as Cistus heals poorly and doesn't regrow well from old wood.
Fertilizing
Don't apply fertilizer regularly: this poor-soil plant actually thrives better without intensive nutrient input. A very light application of compost in spring is sufficient, or even optional.
Pests and diseases
Cistus clusii is very robust in its ideal conditions. The main risk is excessive moisture, which causes root or fungal rot. Ensure good air circulation, avoid repeated watering and thick mulch in humid climates.
Did you know?
Cistus clusii is called 'Jara blanca' in Spain and bears the name of botanist Charles de l'Écluse (Clusius), a major figure of the botanical Renaissance. Its pure white flowers open for only a single day, withering and falling off that very evening, symbolizing fleeting beauty; yet the plant flowers abundantly for several weeks, renewing its petals fresh each day.
Where to buy it
Best planted in autumn so the roots settle in before summer, or in early spring once the frost has passed. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, October, November.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- Common rock roseHelianthemum nummularium
- Grey cistusCistus albidus
- Salvia cistusCistus salviifolius
- Montpellier rockroseCistus monspeliensis
- Laurel-leaved cistusCistus laurifolius
- Curly rockroseCistus crispus
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.