Plant Guide

Cistus x purpureus 'Brilliancy'

Brilliancy rock rose, pink rock rose

Evergreen shrub, flowering in spring and summer with deep pink, crepe paper like, 5 cm wide flowers with yellow central stamens and a maroon blotch at the base of each petal. Sticky brown  stems and narrow green leaves in opposite pairs. 

Prefers a sunny spot in light, well-draining soil. Tolerates clay. Cistus x purpureus 'Brilliancy' tends to form quite an open shrub, and needs trimming after flowering to keep it compact. No need for fertilisers. Drought-tolerant once established. Suitable for coastal gardens and exposed sites. Frost hardy (zones 7-10). All Cistus species thrive in Mediterranean climate types.

Individual flowers only last one day, but the plant is generally smothered with flowers in particular at the beginning of the flowering season and puts on a fantastic show.

Type of plant

Shrub - Evergreen

Size

1.3m tall, 1.5m wide. Can be maintained to 1x1m.

Landscape Use

flower display in coastal gardens, exposed sites

Specifications

  • Temperature: Hardy
  • Light: Medium High
  • Moisture: Low Medium
  • Soil: Light Medium Heavy
  • Wind tolerance: High
  • Coastal tolerance: High