UC Master Gardeners, Santa Clara County, CA
University of California
UC Master Gardeners, Santa Clara County, CA

Water Wise Plants

Cistus x pulverulentus ‘Sunset’

Pronunciation
SIS-tus pul-ver-oo-LEN-tus
Common Name
Rockrose
Plant Type
Shrub
Mature Size
2 ft. tall and 6 - 8 ft. wide
Water Requirements
Low: water every three weeks until the root ball is wet
Sun/Shade Requirements
Full sun
Wildlife
  • Deer resistant
Flower Color
Hot pink
Maintenance- Design- Planting Tips

This hot pink rockrose is a long blooming, low growing shrub that can grow to six feet. There are several different rockrose cultivars, with flowers ranging from pink to white to lavender. Rockroses thrive in hot, dry areas. They like well-draining soil and will quickly die if overwatered. The plant can be pruned, but don’t cut into the wood because it may not resprout.

PADG notes: This plant tended to die within two years in the Demonstration Garden’s regularly watered clay soil. The rockrose was planted on a berm (small hill) and received minimal summer water.

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