Grey-leaved cistus (Cistus albidus)
Care, watering, light and tips for Grey-leaved cistus on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Cistaceae
- Difficulty: Easy to care for
- Watering: every 10 days
- Light: Partial shade
- Temperature: 10–30 °C
About Grey-leaved cistus
Cistus albidus, also known as Grey-leaved Cistus or White Rockrose, is an evergreen shrub native to the Mediterranean region. It is characterized by its soft, velvety greyish leaves and large, white or pink flowers with yellow centers, which bloom in spring and early summer. It is ideal for Mediterranean gardens, rockeries, and slopes, adding a wild and aromatic touch.
Native range
Western Mediterranean region (Spain, Portugal, France, Italy, and Northwest Africa)
Care tips
It requires full sun for abundant flowering and optimal development. Watering should be scarce once established, as it is very drought-tolerant; excessive water can be detrimental. It prefers well-drained, sandy, or stony soils and is not demanding in terms of nutrients. A common mistake is overwatering, which can lead to root rot; it's best to let the substrate dry out completely between waterings.
How to save a dying Grey-leaved cistus
- Warning signs
- Yellowish or whitish, dry and brittle leaves; premature leaf drop; general wilted appearance.
- First aid
- Move it to full sun if it's not already there. Check drainage and soil moisture, ensuring no waterlogging.
- What kills it
- Overwatering and heavy soil. The white rockrose is Mediterranean and needs dryness and good drainage.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if you act quickly. It's a hardy plant but sensitive to waterlogging.