Rock Rose, Salvia cistus, Sage Leaf Rock Rose
Cistus salviifolius
Family: Cistaceae
What it is like
Bloom Color: White. Main Bloom Time: Late spring. Form: Spreading or horizontal.
Cistus salviifolius is an evergreen Shrub growing to 0.6 m (2ft) by 0.8 m (2ft 7in) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8 and is not frost tender. It is in leaf all year, in flower in June, and the seeds ripen in August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. The plant is self-fertile. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.
Height (m): 0.6
Where it is found
Dry woods, thickets and banks, often on acid soils and on limestone, from sea level to 1200 metres in the Alpes Maritimes.
Europe - Mediterranean.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 1
The dried leaves are used as an adulterant for marjoram (Origanum majorana).
Condiment: the various plants that are used as flavourings, either as herbs, spices or condiments.
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating: 3
A good ground cover plant for the milder areas of Britain. The form 'Prostratus' has been recommended.
Attracts Wildlife: Plants noted for attracting wildlife
Ground cover: Ground Cover
How it is grown
Landscape Uses:Ground cover, Massing. Requires a sunny position in a dry or moist well-drained light sandy soil. Withstands drought once it is established. Tolerates maritime exposure. Plants are hardy to about -12°c, but they require protection in severe winters. Plants are somewhat hardier when grown in poor soils. Individual flowers only last one day but there is a long succession of them. Dislikes pruning or root disturbance. Plants should be pot grown and then planted out in their final positions whilst still small. This species is notably resistant to honey fungus. The flowers are very attractive to bees. Hybridizes freely with other members of this genus. This species is closely related to C. hirsutus.
Propagating it: Seed - gather when ripe and store dry. Surface sow in late winter in a greenhouse. The seed usually germinates in 1 - 4 weeks at 20°c. Prick out the seedlings as soon as they are large enough to handle into individual pots. Grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter and plant them out the in the following spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. The seed stores for at least 3 years. Cuttings of softish to half-ripe wood, 8cm long with a heel or at a node, June/August in a frame. Roots are formed within 3 weeks. High percentage. Cuttings of almost mature wood, 8 - 12cm with a heel or at a node, September/October in a frame. High percentage. Lift and pot up in the spring, plant out when a good root system has formed. Layering in spring.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Ground Cover;
Habit: Shrub
Hardiness: 8-11
Growth: Fast
Soil: Light (sandy), medium
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Dry, moist