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Key characteristics

Family: Cistaceae
Height: 1 to 2 feet
Width: 2 to 3 feet
Flower color: Pink with a yellow center
Foliage color: Gray-green and slightly fuzzy
Bloom time: Late spring to early summer
Light: Full sun
Water: Low
Maintenance: Low; minimal pruning needed, primarily to maintain shape or remove dead growth
Growing zone: USDA zones 7 to 10
Wildlife: Bees and other pollinators

Shrubs

Cistus incanus subsp. tauricus

Tauric Rock Rose

Cistus incanus subsp. tauricus is a low-growing, evergreen shrub celebrated for its delicate, crinkled pink flowers. Blooming in late spring to early summer, the blossoms feature a yellow center and a papery texture that adds charm to Mediterranean-style gardens. The gray-green, slightly fuzzy foliage complements the bright flowers and remains attractive year-round.

This plant is native to the rocky, dry regions of the Mediterranean, where it has adapted to challenging growing conditions.

Light

Full sun

Water

Low

Bloom time

Late spring to early summer

Find this plant

Works well in

Sun Gardens
Mediterranean Gardens
Waterwise Gardens
Pollinator Gardens

Companion plants

Yucca · New Zealand flax · Ice plant · Red hot poker · Crocosmias · Smoke bush

Design tip

Its low, spreading shape and gray-green foliage make this rock rose a natural companion for gravel, stone, and other warm-toned hardscape. Allow the pink flowers to spill casually toward a path or terrace edge, reinforcing the relaxed character of a Mediterranean-inspired planting.

Printable plant sheet (PDF)