Blunt-leaved Rock Rose

A very pretty, hybrid rock rose, easy to grow where it is suited, Cistus x obtusifolius is a small to medium-sized evergreen shrub with a rounded habit. The deep-green leaves are lance-shaped with wavy margins. In summer, slightly crumpled, single white flowers with a yellow eye, up to 2/5cm across, cover the plant; they are attractive to pollinators. Blunt-leaved rock rose needs very sharp drainage as it hates winter wet, so add gravel to the planting hole in damper soils. An easy shrub, it needs minimal pruning, just to keep it tidy; never prune into old wood. Good in a Mediterranean planting.

Site: Tolerates exposure
Soil: Any very well-drained soil; poor, dry soils tolerated
Position: Full sun
Season of interest: Summer
Hardiness: Fully hardy
Height: 39 (1m); Spread: 39 (1m)