Care of the shrub Cistus x skanbergii or Dwarf Pink Rockrose |
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The genus Cistus, family Cistaceae, comprises 20 species of shrubs native to the Mediterranean region. Some species are: Cistus x skanbergii, Cistus x pulverulentus, Cistus parviflorus, Cistus monspeliensis, Cistus ladanifer, Cistus creticus, Cistus albidus, Cistus villosus, Cistus salviifolius. Common name: Dwarf Pink Rockrose. Cistus x pulverulentus is an hybrid between Cistus monspeliensis and Cistus parviflorus. They are compact evergreen shrubs with hairy stems that reach 1.5 meters (4.92 feet) in height and 2 meters (6.56 feet) in width. They have lanceolate or oblong leaves, with marked veins, wavy edges and a silvery grayish-green color. The flowers are smaller than in other Cistus but bloom profusely and are pink. They bloom in spring. They are easy to grow and low maintenance plants that are used in bushy groups on dry and sunny slopes, in rockery or in areas of the garden that are difficult to access. Cistus x skanbergii needs full sun exposure and a Mediterranean climate. They resist frosts down to -12 ºC (10.4 ºF). They can grow in any type of soil that has good drainage. Planting is done in spring at the rate of 1 specimen per square meter. Water sparingly (they tolerate drought very well) waiting several days before watering again once the soil is well dry. Do not need any fertilizer. Prune lightly after flowering to keep it compact and strengthen the plant. These rustic and resistant plants do not present serious problems of pests and diseases if there is not excess irrigation. They propagate by cuttings taking advantage of pruning cuttings or by seeds sown in spring. |
Images of the shrub Cistus x skanbergii or Dwarf Pink Rockrose |
 Cistus x skanbergii |