Purple Rockrose or Orchid Rockrose, Cistus purpureus, is a compact, shrubby, and easy-to-care-for evergreen (can be perennial in some colder climates) plant that has somewhat narrow, light green leaves with an unusual flower that has great interest. Throughout the growing season Purple Rockroses produce a bounty of crepe paper like flowers that are lavender-pink with distinct stamens that are pastel yellow. The flowers are dappled with large maroon splotches at the base of each petal. This combination of pink, yellow and maroon makes these flowers quite attractive and interesting.
Purple Rockrose is a tough shrub that is extremely drought tolerant and heat resistant that is perfect for areas of your yard that receive a good amount of indirect light and reflected heat. As a result this shrub is a must have addition to any Xeriscape garden. Purple Rockrose is perfect for dry, arid rock gardens, as well as any landscape close to the sea because they take the cold ocean breezes, salt sprays with ease. In fact Rockroses thrive in climates that have hot, dry summers and are generally tolerant of aridity, Purpose Rockrose is hardy to about 15°F (-10°C) so it can take the harsh winters of the desert. Keep in mind that shelter from the drying winter winds is always a good precaution.
Maintenance is relatively easy as this plant is very care free. It only requires occasional pruning in early spring to remove any damaged branches, to control growth and to shape and does not need regular fertilizing. If need be PurpleRockrose can be sheared to keep the size very manageable. It is also a shrub that is good for foothill communities because Purple Rockrose is thought to be deer resistant. Now even though maintenance with Rockroses is fairly simple it is good to keep in mind that Rockroses can be short-lived plants without proper maintenance.
This shrub can easily get to 6' tall by 8' wide at its largest but generally this size is never found in the High Desert because of the winters. In the low desert or coastal areas plant size does need to be monitored. Usually it is only without the occasional maintenance and care previously mentioned where the plant seems to grow excessive in size. If size does start to become an issue a light trimming can be done right after the blooming season of spring is finished.
This is a plant that is at home in many different types of landscape styles from Mediterranean to Tropical. It can also be grown in a shrub border, in containers, or even on slopped sunny banks, at the base of a wall, or around paved areas. It is very versatile. It is because of this type of versatility that Rockroses make an excellent addition to any landscape.
