Cistus purpureus

Cistus purpureus is an evergreen rockrose forming a compact, bushy shrub to around 1–1.5m, with deep green foliage and large crêpe‑paper blooms in vivid pink, each with a golden centre and usually darker basal blotches, carried in succession in early to mid-summer. It thrives in full sun and very free-draining, poor to moderately fertile soils, including sandy or chalky ground; avoid heavy, wet soils. Ideal for sunny borders, gravel and rock gardens, and coastal planting in Ireland; once established it copes well with dry summer spells. Lightly trim after flowering to maintain shape, avoiding cuts into old wood. Holds the RHS Award of Garden Merit.

To help give a clear sense of scale, the stone wall shown in our photos measures approximately 265cm in height. We also use familiar garden tools as visual references: a digging fork (110cm tall) and a hand fork (30cm tall). These are included purely as size guides to help you better judge proportions when viewing the images.

Position: Full sun

Rate of Growth: Moderate

Soil: Well-drained; poor to moderately fertile; sandy or chalky; avoid heavy clay

Hardiness: Hardy in most parts of Ireland; dislikes persistent winter wet

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Plant at a Glance