Genus: Rock rose Cistus Photo/Illustration: Steve Aitken Rock rose (Cistus) SIS-tus Cistaceae Members of the genus Cistus are evergreen shrubs grown for their showy, saucer-shaped white to dark pink flowers, usually 5-petaled and borne singly or in terminal or axillary clusters from early to late summer. Noteworthy characteristics: Native to dry, stony, or rocky soils in the Canary Islands, North Africa, Turkey, and southern Europe. Species vary in leaf shape and color, bloom size and color. Often short-lived. Blooms last one day. Care: Poor to moderately fertile, well-drained soil in a sheltered site in full sun. Plant after danger of frost has passed. Tolerates alkaline soils. Pinch back after flowering to encourage a bushy habit. Grow in a shrub border, on sunny banks, at the base of a wall, around paved areas, or in containers. Propagation: Root softwood or greenwood cuttings in summer. Problems: Infrequent. Species, varieties and clutivars for genus Cistus 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Rock rose Cistus albidus View the discussion thread.