White Rockrose

cistus albidus

Also known as: ["Albino Rockrose","Hoary Rockrose"]

Family: Cistaceae Genus: Cistus Category: Shrubs

Overview

A small evergreen shrub native to the Mediterranean region, known for its papery white flowers and silvery-gray foliage.

Benefits & Perks

["drought tolerant","fragrant flowers","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Malvales
Family: Cistaceae
Genus: Cistus
Botanical Name: Cistus albidus

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Shrubs
  • Suitable Location: rock garden or sunny, open border
  • Suitable For:
    Busy People (low Maintenance) Outdoor Landscapers Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–35°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"7–9"}
  • 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.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: low
  • Toughness Level: high
  • Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring before new growth starts.
  • Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of old growth to rejuvenate.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours/day). Tolerates partial shade but blooms best in direct light.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually if moving from shade to sun; protect from intense midday heat in summer; ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal issues.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves, root rot, or stunted growth indicate poor drainage or incorrect soil conditions.

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
easy

moderate

Sunlight

full sun

Avoid sudden light changes; use shade cloth in extreme heat; rotate plant for even exposure.

Watering

every 7–10 days during active growth, less frequently in winter

Water deeply but infrequently; avoid overwatering; ensure excellent drainage.

Soil

well-drained, rocky, alkaline soil

pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).

Ensure soil dries between waterings; avoid heavy clay soils; amend with grit if needed.

Temperature

Prefers warm temperatures (65–85°F/18–29°C). Tolerates mild frosts but thrives in heat.

Protect from frost; water deeply in heat; adjust care seasonally.

Fertilizing

every 2–3 months during spring and summer

Fertilize sparingly; avoid high-nitrogen formulas; stop in winter.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings taken in late spring or early summer.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
  2. Remove lower leaves.
  3. Dip in hormone.
  4. Plant in medium.
  5. Keep moist and humid.

Best Time: Late spring to early summer when new growth is present.

Environment

Warm (70–75°F/21–24°C), high humidity (70–80%), and bright indirect light.

Medium

Well-draining mix of perlite and peat moss or cactus mix.

Hormone

Recommended to use rooting hormone for better success.

Timeline

Roots in 4–8 weeks; establish in 3–6 months.

Tools Needed

Pruners, rooting hormone, small pots, misting spray bottle.

Quick Tips

Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain humidity with a propagator; avoid direct sun.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Selective thinning and heading back to promote branching.

Pruning Plan

Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushiness, and remove dead/damaged growth.

Tools

Sharp bypass pruners, pruning saw for larger stems.

Checklist

Disinfect tools; prune before flowering; remove dead wood; shape evenly.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Early spring before active growth begins.

Pot Size

One size larger pot (e.g., +2–3 inches in diameter).

Method

Use fresh, well-draining soil; trim any circling roots; ensure pot has drainage holes.

Suggestions

Repot only when root-bound, typically every 2–3 years. Prefers slightly root-bound conditions.

Checklist

Check root crowding; use fresh soil mix; trim roots if needed; water after repotting.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust for season.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone without wetting foliage. Water early in the day to minimize evaporation and fungal risk.

Pro Tip: Use a drip irrigation system or watering can with a narrow spout to target roots directly.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water sparingly, allowing soil to dry between waterings. Reduce watering in winter to match dormancy.

Soil Improvement

Add perlite or coarse sand to improve drainage; incorporate compost for fertility.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Chlorosis, leaf drop, or stunted growth in cold; wilting or scorching in excessive heat.

Cold Stress

Slows growth, may cause leaf drop or dieback in prolonged cold below 20°F (-6°C).

Solution: Provide frost protection in winter; plant in a sheltered location; avoid overwatering in cold.

Hot Stress

Leaves may wilt, scorch, or drop if exposed to extreme heat without adequate water.

Solution: Water deeply during heatwaves; provide afternoon shade; increase humidity around the plant.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Use diluted fertilizer; apply during active growth; avoid winter feeding.

Fertilizing Method

Use a balanced, low-nitrogen fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during growing season (spring/summer). Avoid fertilizing in fall/winter.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellowing leaves in Cistus albidus may indicate nutrient deficiencies, overwatering, or pest infestations, affecting photosynthesis and overall plant health.

Wilting in Cistus albidus can result from water stress, either due to drought or overwatering, impacting nutrient uptake and potentially leading to plant death if not addressed.

Leaf spots on Cistus albidus may be caused by fungal or bacterial infections, leading to reduced photosynthetic efficiency and potential defoliation if severe.

Rotting, particularly root rot, can occur in Cistus albidus if the soil is poorly drained or excessively moist, leading to decay of roots and lower stems, ultimately causing plant decline.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Non-toxic

Cistus albidus is not known to be toxic to cats. There are no reported adverse effects from ingestion of this plant by felines.

⚠️ Symptoms:
none
🌿 Toxic Parts:
none
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Monitor pets if they consume large quantities, but the plant is generally considered safe.
Dogs
Non-toxic

Cistus albidus is not known to be toxic to dogs. There are no reported adverse effects from ingestion of this plant by canines.

⚠️ Symptoms:
none
🌿 Toxic Parts:
none
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Monitor pets if they consume large quantities, but the plant is generally considered safe.
Humans
Non-toxic

Cistus albidus is not known to have toxic effects on humans. It is generally considered safe for consumption in moderate amounts, though excessive intake is not recommended.

⚠️ Symptoms:
none
🌿 Toxic Parts:
none
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

While non-toxic, excessive consumption should be avoided as with any plant material.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How often should Cistus albidus be watered?

A: It is drought-tolerant and requires minimal watering, especially once established.

Q: Does Cistus albidus attract wildlife?

A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds due to its fragrant flowers.

Q: Is Cistus albidus toxic to pets?

A: There is no reliable information available regarding its toxicity to pets.

Quick Reference
Family: Cistaceae
Care: easy
Light: full sun
Water: every 7–10 days during activ
Suitable For: ["busy people (low maintenance)","outdoor landscapers","wildlife supporters (attracts bees, butterflies, birds)"]
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