Cistus x salvifolius (Sage-leaves Cistus) Rockrose is found along the coast of the Mediterranean Sea and further inland where winters are mild and rainy followed by a long, dry summer. The plant leaves are small, rough and gray-green, typical of many plants adapted to drought. They are rich in potent oils once extracted as a substitute for the ancient perfumer’s ambergris. These evergreen shrubs do their growing during the moist winter months. In spring they produce large white flowers resemble wild roses, hence the common name. They resent humidity and therefore struggle in warm, humid climates. They are well adapted; they thrive and ask for little water in the dry season. This is an essential evergreen shrub for a Mediterranean-style garden, where it contributes color and fragrance. Planted in a group, it is exceptional for erosion control on banks and slopes.

Landscape Information Pronounciation: SIS-tus sal-vee-eye-FOH-lee- us Plant Type: Shrub Origin: Southern Europe Heat Zones: 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 Hardiness Zones: 8, 9, 10, 11 Uses: Mass Planting, Erosion control, Street Size/Shape Growth Rate: Moderate Tree Shape: Round Canopy Symmetry: Symmetrical Plant Image Canopy Density: Medium Canopy Texture: Fine Height at Maturity: 1 to 1.5 m Spread at Maturity: 0.5 to 1 meter Cistus x salvifolius (Sage-leaves Cistus)

Botanical Description Foliage Leaf Arrangement: Opposite Leaf Venation: Pinnate Leaf Persistance: Evergreen Leaf Type: Simple Leaf Blade: 5 - 10 cm Leaf Shape: Ovate Leaf Margins: Dentate Leaf Textures: Rough Leaf Scent: Pleasant Color(growing season): Green Color(changing season): Green Flower Image Flower Flower Showiness: True Flower Size Range: 7 - 10 Flower Type: Solitary Flower Sexuality: Monoecious (Bisexual) Flower Scent: No Fragance Flower Color: White Seasons: Spring Trunk Trunk Susceptibility to Breakage: Generally resists breakage Number of Trunks: Multi-Trunked Fruit Fruit Type: Capsule Fruit Showiness: False Fruit Size Range: 0 - 1.5 Fruit Colors: Brown Seasons: Spring Cistus x salvifolius (Sage-leaves Cistus)

Horticulture Management Tolerance Frost Tolerant: Yes Heat Tolerant: No Drought Tolerant: Yes Salt Tolerance: Moderate Requirements Soil Requirements: Clay, Loam, Sand Soil Ph Requirements: Acidic, Neutral Water Requirements: Moderate, Low Light Requirements: Full, Part Management Pruning Requirement: Little needed, to develop a strong structure Fruit/ Leaves/ Flowers litter: No Surface Rooting: No

Leaf Image Life Span: Less than 25 Edible Parts: None Plant Propagations: Seed, Cutting MORE IMAGES

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