Plant Database
Santa Cruz Rockrose
Cistus ‘Santa Cruz’
Santa Cruz Rockrose offers a vibrant splash of deep, warm color to the drought-tolerant garden. This low-growing, spreading shrub is adorned with rich magenta-pink flowers that feature a contrasting cluster of orange stamens at their center. The blooms appear in great abundance in late spring, creating a carpet of color over its mat of gray-green foliage. Incredibly heat-loving and drought-tolerant, it is an outstanding choice for cascading over walls, covering sunny banks, or adding a punch of color to rock gardens and coastal landscapes.
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Vibrant Magenta Blooms: Produces a stunning display of deep pink to magenta flowers with a central cluster of contrasting orange stamens for added visual pop.
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Low, Trailing Habit: Forms a broad, low mound or mat, typically 2-3 feet tall and spreading wider, ideal for spilling over retaining walls or covering ground.
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Exceptional Heat & Drought Champion: Thrives in the hottest, sunniest, and driest parts of the garden. Once established, it survives on rainfall alone in many climates.
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Coastal & Urban Tough: Tolerates windy, salty coastal conditions as well as poor, rocky, or compacted urban soils with ease. Deer avoid it completely.
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Ideal for Colorful Slopes: A top performer for adding durable, water-wise color to sunny slopes, Mediterranean-style plantings, and large rock gardens.