Cistus x purpureus

Orchid Rockrose: A tough evergreen shrub that forms a 4 to 6 foot tall mound that is usually slightly wider than tall - plants near beach tend to be shorter and even wider. It has narrow wavy-edged leaves up to 2" long that have a nice resinous scent. In the spring, and sometimes well into the summer appear the 3 inch wide dark magenta-purple flowers with a red spot at the base of each of the petals and with dark yellow stamens in the middle. Plant in full sun in a well-drained soil and irrigate only occasionally if at all. Good for seaside conditions as it can survive with salt spray, wind and sandy soil.