10 Seeds Cistus albidus Grey-Leaved Rock Rose Shrub Evergreen Drought Tolerant

Cistus albidus, commonly known as Grey-Leaved Rock Rose, is an evergreen shrub valued for its soft grey-green foliage and papery pink blooms. It forms a compact, rounded mound that brings year-round structure to sunny borders, gravel gardens, and dry slopes, and it pairs well with other Mediterranean-style plantings.

This shrub works beautifully as a low informal hedge, a foundation planting, or a textural contrast among grasses and silver-leaved perennials. It flowers generously through late spring and early summer, and the felted grey leaves hold interest long after the blooms fade. It prefers poor to moderately fertile, sharply drained ground and settles in well on hot, exposed sites.
Species: Cistus albidus
Type: Evergreen shrub
Plant_Habit: Compact, rounded, mounding
Sun: Full sun
Soil: Well-drained, poor to moderately fertile, gravelly or sandy
Zones: 8-10
Germination: Surface sow, light needed; 2-6 weeks at 65-70F
Sowing: Sow indoors late winter to early spring; press seed lightly into surface
Spacing: 24-36 inches apart
Notes: Drought tolerant once established; avoid waterlogged soils