Plant Database
Crimson Spot Rockrose
Cistus ladanifer
Crimson Spot Rockrose is a bold and beautiful evergreen shrub that commands attention with its pristine, snow-white flowers dramatically splashed with crimson. The large, crepe-paper blooms, each with a vivid burgundy-red blotch at the base of every petal, stand out brilliantly against its dark green, resinous foliage. Fast-growing and incredibly resilient, it forms a dense, upright thicket that is perfectly adapted to thrive in hot, dry, and nutrient-poor soils, bringing a touch of untamed, Mediterranean beauty to the landscape.
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Striking Crimson-Spotted Blooms: Bears large, pure white flowers, each petal marked with a bold, blood-red spot at its base, creating a high-contrast, graphic effect.
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Aromatic, Sticky Foliage: Features narrow, dark green leaves that are rich in fragrant, sticky resin (labdanum), especially noticeable on warm days.
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Rapid, Dense Growth: Grows quickly into a substantial, evergreen shrub, typically reaching 4-6 feet tall and wide, excellent for quick screening.
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Thrives in Adverse Conditions: Exceptionally hardy, thriving in full sun, drought, poor rocky or sandy soils, and coastal winds. Highly deer resistant.
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Ideal for Naturalistic Gardens: Perfect for creating a wild, Mediterranean-style hedge, stabilizing dry slopes, or as a standout specimen in a gravel garden.