Cistus incanus
Cistus incanus · Cistaceae
The gardener's calendar
In autumn, ease off feeding and take the chance to clean up around cistus incanus and prepare for winter.
ID card
- Foliage
- Evergreen, gray-green
- Flowering
- May to July, pink or white flowers
- Adult size
- 80 cm in height, compact and rounded form
- Growth
- Moderate
- Hardiness
- Down to approximately -10°C
- Origin
- Mediterranean basin, notably Corsica and Greece
- Soil type
- Well-draining, calcareous, poor to medium
✓ Taxonomy verifiedSource: AI estimate · hardiness: reliability high.
Expert tips
The key tip
Cistus incanus thrives on drainage: poor, gravelly soil is perfect. Full sun, very moderate watering.
The common mistake
Amending it or watering regularly—richer or wetter soil means quick death.
The pro's trick
Sprinkle coarse gravel around the collar right at planting: it prevents rot and gives that authentic Provençal look, totally natural.
Care
Exposure
Gray cistus demands full sun for abundant flowering and compact form. Install it in a bright location, exposed south or west. Partial shade considerably reduces flower production.
Watering
This Mediterranean plant tolerates drought very well once established. Water moderately during planting, then gradually reduce. During summer growing period, occasional watering is sufficient. Avoid stagnant moisture which promotes rot.
Soil
Favor well-draining, light soil that is rather calcareous. Cistus dreads overly rich or clay soils. If your terrain is heavy, improve drainage with gravel or coarse sand during planting.
Pruning
Prune lightly after flowering to maintain compact form and stimulate branching. Avoid severe pruning, as the plant recovers poorly from old wood. Cleaning dead or diseased branches is generally sufficient.
Fertilizer
Cistus requires no regular fertilizer. On very poor soil, an application of balanced fertilizer in spring can be beneficial. Prefer a minimalist approach: this plant thrives in lean conditions.
Diseases and pests
Generally robust, cistus can suffer from root rot if moisture is excessive. Aphids and spider mites are rare. Ensuring good drainage and air circulation prevents most problems. No specific treatment is usually necessary.
Did you know?
Gray cistus, very present in the Mediterranean, is a pioneer plant that rapidly colonizes burned terrain. Its seeds germinate after forest fires, making it a precious ally of natural regeneration. In Corsica and Provence, it symbolizes the resilience of the Mediterranean maquis.
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.