Consulta Plantas

Care of the shrub Cistus ladanifer or Gum rockrose

The genus Cistus, family Cistaceae, comprises 20 species of shrubs native to the Mediterranean region. Some species are: Cistus ladanifer, Cistus creticus, Cistus albidus, Cistus villosus, Cistus monspeliensis, Cistus parviflorus, Cistus x pulverulentus, Cistus x skanbergii, Cistus salviifolius.

Common names: Common gum cistus, Crimson-Spot Rockrose, Labdanum, Gum rockrose, Brown-eyed rockrose. This species is native to the western Mediterranean region.

They are evergreen shrubs that reach 2 meters (6.56 feet) in height. They have greyish-green, lanceolate-shaped leaves that are covered with an aromatic oil. They produce attractive white flowers 10 cm (3.93") in diameter that do not last long on the plant but appear in great numbers.

They are used to form bushy groups, on edges and on dry and sunny slopes; It can be grown as a houseplant located in a very bright place. This plant was used for the production of labdanum, for fixing perfumes.

Cistus ladanifer needs full sun exposure and protected from the cold. It does not resist frost.

The soil can be poor and dry or well drained and acidic; they do not tolerate calcareous soils. It is important not to transplant it other than to its final location because they suffer in the process.

They are resistant to drought; They need moderate watering and better with water without lime.

Fertilize every 15 days in spring with mineral fertilizer.

Prune the tips of the branches after flowering.

It's a plant quite resistant to pests and diseases that can occasionally be attacked by aphids; they are sensitive to overwatering.

They propagate by seeds sown in late winter or by semi-woody cuttings in summer.

Images of the shrub Cistus ladanifer or Gum rockrose