Cistus × purpureus
Common name: 
Orchid Rockrose
Pronunciation: 
SIS-tus X per-PU-re-us
Family: 
Cistaceae
Genus: 
Cistus
Type: 
Broadleaf
Native to (or naturalized in) Oregon: 
No
  • Evergreen shrub, 2-4 ft (0.6-1.2 m) high and wide, rounded. Leaves opposite, simple, nearly sessile (without a stalk), oblong-lanceolate, 3-5 cm long, dull gray green above, lighter and pubescent below. Flowers are 6-8 cm wide, usually 3 per cluster, pink with a dark red spot at the base of each petal (5), stamens bright yellow.
  • Sun, well-drained soil, shelter from cold, dry wind, but tolerates cool coastal breezes and salt spray.
  • Hardy to USDA Zone (7) 8      Developed before 1790, C. ladanifer × C. villosus (?)
  • cistus: Greek name for evergreen shrub; purpurea: purple, the flowers.
Click image to enlarge
  • plant habit, start of flowering

    plant habit, start of flowering

  • shoot

    shoot

  • leaves

    leaves

  • plant habit, flowering

    plant habit, flowering

  • leaves and flowers

    leaves and flowers

  • flower

    flower