Gum rockrose (Cistus ladanifer)
Care, watering, light and tips for Gum rockrose on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Cistaceae
- Difficulty: Easy to care for
- Watering: every 14 days
- Light: Partial shade
- Temperature: 10–30 °C
About Gum rockrose
Cistus ladanifer, commonly known as Gum Rock-rose, is a Mediterranean evergreen shrub cherished for its large white flowers, each with a dark purple blotch at the base of the petals, and its aromatic, sticky leaves. It is ideal for low-maintenance gardens, rockeries, or slopes, lending a wild and rustic charm. Its resin, labdanum, has been used since ancient times in perfumery and medicine.
Native range
Western Mediterranean region (Iberian Peninsula and Northwest Africa)
Care tips
This species thrives in full sun and is drought-tolerant once established, so watering should be sparse, especially in summer. It prefers well-drained, sandy or stony soils and does not require regular fertilization. A common mistake to avoid is overwatering or growing it in heavy soils, which can lead to root rot.
How to save a dying Gum rockrose
- Warning signs
- Drooping, yellowing leaves or dry tips. The plant looks limp and lacks vigor.
- First aid
- Check drainage. If in a pot, ensure no waterlogging. If in the ground, check for compacted soil. Water only when the substrate is dry several inches deep.
- What kills it
- Overwatering is its worst enemy, rotting the roots. Also, very fertile or clay soil weakens it.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if the roots are not completely rotted. Transplant to very well-drained, sandy soil, and water sparingly.