Ladany Bush, White Rockrose
cistus laurifolius
Also known as: ["Ladany Bush","White Rockrose"]
Overview
A shrubby evergreen plant native to the Mediterranean region, known for its white flowers and laurel-like leaves.
Benefits & Perks
["fragrant flowers","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant","aesthetic foliage"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Malvales |
| Family: | Cistaceae |
| Genus: | Cistus |
| Botanical Name: | Cistus laurifolius |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Shrubs
- Suitable Location: rock garden or sunny border
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"8–10"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent root rot.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, sandy or loamy soil with some organic matter; mimics Mediterranean conditions.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: Annually after flowering or every 2–3 years to rejuvenate growth.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of old growth to encourage new shoots.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily); tolerates partial shade but may become leggy with insufficient light.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to full sun if moved from shade; protect from intense midday sun in hot climates; ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal issues in humid conditions.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun
Full sun is essential; avoid deep shade; rotate pots for even growth; provide afternoon shade in extreme heat.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, less frequently in winter
Water thoroughly but infrequently to encourage deep root growth; avoid overwatering, especially in winter; ensure soil dries between waterings.
Soil
well-drained, sandy or loamy soil
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure excellent drainage; avoid heavy clay soils; amend with sand or grit if needed.
Temperature
Prefers mild temperatures (60–75°F or 15–24°C); tolerates mild frosts but thrives in warm, Mediterranean-like climates.
Protect from frost; avoid sudden temperature swings; maintain consistent warmth during active growth.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Fertilize sparingly; avoid high-nitrogen formulas; stop feeding in fall and winter.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings taken in late spring or early summer.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings just below a node.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Keep moist and humid.
Best Time: Late spring to early summer when new growth is firm but not woody.
Environment
Warm (65–75°F or 18–24°C), humid, and bright but indirect light; protect from direct sun and drafts.
Medium
Well-draining mix of peat and perlite or cactus/succulent potting mix.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is recommended to improve success rates.
Timeline
Roots typically form in 4–8 weeks; plants may take several months to establish.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, well-draining medium, plastic bags or propagator for humidity.
Quick Tips
Use firm, non-woody stems; maintain high humidity; avoid overwatering; provide bottom heat if possible.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Selective thinning of branches; heading back to promote bushiness; remove crossing or crowded stems.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushiness, and remove dead or diseased wood; best done after flowering or in early spring.
Tools
Sharp bypass pruners, loppers for larger branches, gloves, disinfectant for tools.
Checklist
Disinfect tools; prune after flowering; remove dead/diseased wood; shape plant evenly; avoid cutting into old wood.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter; ensure good drainage holes.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim any circling roots; place in a slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining soil; water thoroughly after repotting.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; beneficial to refresh soil and provide fresh nutrients.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot size; use fresh soil mix; trim roots if necessary; water well after repotting; place in shade for a few days to recover.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; allow soil to dry between waterings; avoid overhead watering.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, targeting the root zone; apply until water drains from the bottom; avoid wetting foliage to prevent fungal issues; water early in the morning or late in the evening to minimize evaporation.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once every 7–10 days during active growth in spring and summer; reduce frequency to every 2–3 weeks in fall and winter. Adjust based on rainfall and soil dryness.
Soil Improvement
Add sand or perlite to improve drainage; incorporate compost for organic matter; ensure soil is not compacted.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Chlorosis or leaf drop in extreme cold; wilting or scorching in excessive heat; stunted growth in temperature stress.
Cold Stress
Leaves may turn yellow or drop; growth slows or halts; prolonged cold can damage roots or lead to dieback.
Solution: Provide winter protection with mulch; avoid overwatering in cold; move potted plants to a sheltered location; use frost cloth if temperatures drop below freezing.
Hot Stress
Leaves may wilt, scorch, or drop; growth may slow; soil may dry out too quickly.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase watering frequency; use mulch to retain soil moisture; ensure good air circulation.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use balanced fertilizer; apply in spring; dilute liquid fertilizers; avoid winter feeding.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring; dilute liquid fertilizer to half-strength if used monthly during growing season; avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicCistus laurifolius is not considered toxic to cats. There are no documented cases of toxicity in felines from exposure to this plant.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic to cats
Dogs
Non-toxicCistus laurifolius is not considered toxic to dogs. There are no documented cases of toxicity in canines from exposure to this plant.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic to dogs
Humans
Non-toxicCistus laurifolius is not considered toxic to humans under normal circumstances. It does not produce known toxic compounds that would cause adverse effects upon ingestion or contact.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic to humans
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Cistus laurifolius suitable for coastal gardens?
A: Yes, it is highly tolerant of coastal conditions and salt spray.
Q: How often should Cistus laurifolius be watered?
A: It is drought-tolerant and requires minimal watering once established.
Q: Does Cistus laurifolius attract wildlife?
A: Yes, its fragrant flowers attract bees, butterflies, and birds.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Cistaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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