Happiest in full sun, Cistus Purpureus prefers free-draining soil and will perform well in poor, stony ground.  Avoid planting in heavy, wet or overly fertile soils or where they sit in frost pockets or strong winds, as these can damage these shallow-rooted plants. Perfect ground cover, it will tolerate chalky soil and salty air. Best planted in Spring when the warm soil helps the roots establish swiftly, however if planting in Summer, water regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Young plants respond well to pruning but do not like to be pruned once established so this should generally be limited to the removal of any dead or frost-damaged growth in Spring.

As a rough guide when planting Cistus Purpureus as ground cover – 4 plants per square metre is adequate with a little patience, 6 will give better coverage, and 9-12 will make a weed supressing carpet very quickly.

How to grow Cistus Purpureus

Position: Sunny and sheltered

Foliage: Evergreen, leaves persist all year

Soil and site: Dry, stony or chalky, free-draining

Flowering time: Mid-Summer

Growth rate: Moderate

Ultimate height and spread: To 100cm, with a spread similar to their ultimate height

Hardiness: Fully hardy

Aftercare: Water well until established, avoiding soil becoming waterlogged. Minimal maintenance is required after they are well established and rooted beyond the removal of any dead branches. We recommend you pinch back young plants after flowering to encourage a bushy habit. Lightly trim or cut back any stems that spoil the symmetry of the plant.