Growing Cistus (Rock Rose)

Pronunciation: sis'-tus

Like most other plants of Mediterranean origin, Cistus requires full sun and well drained soil. It prefers alkaline soil but also grows well in slightly acid soil. Drought tolerant. Cistus is a shrubby plant that flowers on the previous year's stems. At the limits of its hardiness (Zone 6, 10° F), cover lightly with hay or evergreen boughs to protect buds from winter injury. Remove covering when the Daffodils bloom in spring.