Cistus obtusifolius
Cistus obtusifolius · Cistaceae
The gardener's calendar
In autumn, ease off feeding and take the chance to clean up around cistus obtusifolius and prepare for winter.
ID card
- Family
- Cistaceae
- Type
- Shrub
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Flowering
- May to July
- Flowers
- Pale pink to white
- Mature size
- Approximately 1 m tall
- Hardiness
- Hardy, tolerates Mediterranean regions
- Origin
- Mediterranean Basin
✓ Taxonomy verifiedSource: AI estimate · hardiness: reliability medium.
Expert tips
The key tip
Cistus obtusifolius is a Mediterranean shrub: well-drained soil, full sun, and complete neglect. No regular watering after the first year, no fertilizing, just light initial weeding.
The common mistake
Planting in unamended heavy soil or trying to water it regularly: it slowly declines.
The pro's trick
Lightly cut back after flowering in July-August: this gentle pruning (30cm) densifies branching.
Care
Sunlight
The blunt-leaved cistus demands full sun to thrive fully. Install it in an open location, without shadow cast by other shrubs or structures. A south or south-west exposure is ideal for promoting abundant flowering.
Watering
This shrub is very tolerant of drought once established. Water regularly during the first year after planting to promote rooting. Subsequently, natural water supplies are generally sufficient, except during prolonged heat waves.
Soil and drainage
Cistus prefers well-drained, light soil that is poor in organic matter. It adapts to calcareous and stony soils. Absolutely avoid compact or constantly moist soils, which promote root rot.
Pruning and trimming
Carry out light pruning in late winter or after flowering to maintain a compact shape. Remove dead or damaged branches. Avoid severe pruning that could weaken the shrub.
Fertilization
Cistus doesn't need heavy fertilizing, as it thrives in poor soils. A very modest application of compost in spring is sufficient. Excess nutrients can reduce flowering and hardiness.
Diseases and pests
This shrub is very resistant to common diseases. Stagnant moisture can cause rot. Watch for spider mites during very dry periods. Chemical treatment is generally not necessary with good cultivation practices.
Did you know?
Cistus obtusifolius, like its relatives, produces ephemeral flowers that live only a single day, but continuously renew themselves throughout the flowering season. In the Mediterranean region, the cistus is appreciated for its great resistance to forest fires and its ability to regenerate quickly after a disaster.
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.