Northwest Blooms · Shrubs
Cistus x purpureus
Purple Rock Rose
- Family
- Cistaceae
- Height
- 4 to 5 feet
- Width
- 4 to 5 feet
- Flower color
- Rose-pink flowers with dark maroon blotches at the base of each petal and yellow centers
- Foliage color
- Dark green, slightly sticky leaves with a leathery texture
- Bloom time
- Late spring to early summer
- Light
- Full sun
- Water
- Low
- Maintenance
- Low; prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape and encourage dense growth
- Growing zone
- USDA Zones 8 to 10
- Wildlife
- Bees and butterflies
About this plant
Cistus x purpureus is an evergreen shrub admired for its vibrant flowers and textured foliage. From late spring to early summer, it produces large, papery blooms in shades of deep pink to magenta, each with dark crimson blotches at the base of the petals and a golden-yellow center. These showy flowers are complemented by the shrub's aromatic, gray-green leaves, which provide a soft, silvery backdrop year-round.
This hybrid originated in the Mediterranean region and was developed for its ornamental value and resilience in sunny, dry conditions. Perfect for borders, rock gardens, or Mediterranean-style plantings, Cistus x purpureus brings long-lasting color and texture to the landscape. Its blend of vibrant blooms and evergreen foliage ensures it remains an attractive feature in any garden throughout the year.
Works well in
Sun Gardens · Mediterranean Gardens · Waterwise Gardens · Pollinator Gardens
Companion plants
Daphne · Pearlbush · Bluestars · Rock cress · Pampas Grass · Pasque flower
Design tip
Large magenta flowers with dark maroon markings deserve enough space to be appreciated individually rather than lost among competing blooms. Surround this rock rose with simpler foliage and flower colors, allowing its dramatic pattern to become a distinctive feature of the summer garden.
