Cistus sahucii
Cistus sahucii · Cistaceae
The gardener's calendar
In autumn, ease off feeding and take the chance to clean up around cistus sahucii and prepare for winter.
ID card
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Flowering
- May to July, white flowers
- Adult size
- Approximately 80 cm tall
- Growth
- Fast
- Hardiness
- Hardy to -5 to -8 °C
- Origin
- Mediterranean region
- Soil type
- Well-draining, poor to average
✓ Taxonomy verifiedSource: AI estimate · hardiness: reliability medium.
Expert tips
The key tip
Cistus sahucii is even more delicate than its cousin (limit -3°C): in cold regions, keep it in a pot brought indoors for winter or in an ultra-sheltered spot. Otherwise, success is guaranteed: full sun, radical drainage, water-resistant.
The common mistake
Growing beyond its zone (cold regions without protection) or trying to save it during a harsh winter with spring watering: it freezes or rots.
The pro's trick
Take cuttings in summer (July-August) in very dry soil or well-draining pots: they root easily under shade cloth.
Care
Exposure
Sahuc's rockrose absolutely requires full sun to thrive and bloom abundantly. Plant it in a location with at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. This intense exposure also strengthens its hardiness and reduces disease risk.
Watering
Very tolerant of drought once established, this rockrose needs little water. Water regularly for the first few weeks after planting, then gradually reduce. In summer, occasional watering is enough except during prolonged heat waves. Let the soil dry between waterings.
Soil and drainage
The soil must be well-draining, as this plant hates waterlogging and root rot. Poor to average soil, even chalky soil, suits it perfectly. Amend with sand or gravel if your ground is too compact or wet.
Pruning and maintenance
Prune lightly in late winter or after flowering to maintain a compact, bushy shape. Remove dead or damaged branches. Avoid heavy pruning: this plant doesn't regrow well from old wood.
Fertilizer
No fertilizer is needed on poor soil, as the rockrose thrives naturally there. Too many nutrients promote foliage at the expense of flowering. Light spring fertilizing is enough if the soil is very depleted.
Diseases and pests
Sahuc's rockrose is very robust and rarely troubled by diseases. Excessive moisture can cause root rot: maintain excellent drainage. If you notice spotted foliage or aphid attacks, intervene with gentle methods or accept minor pest pressure.
Did you know?
Sahuc's rockrose is named after French botanist Antoine Sahuc, who studied it in the Mediterranean in the 19th century. Its ephemeral white flowers open for just one day, but the plant produces thousands over the weeks, creating a renewed floral display each morning.
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.