Cistus ladanifer 'Blanche'
Common name(s): rockrose
Description: evergreen shrub; raised by Collingwood Ingram in the 1940s by crossing C. ladanifer subsp. sulcatus and C. ladanifer subsp ladanifer. Upright growth with very aromatic, resinous foliage and large, pure white semi-double flowers (11 cm.) from late spring into summer. Has the largest flowers of almost any cistus.
Height: to 4 ft. Spread: to 4 ft.
Position: full sun and lean, well-draining soil
Uses: ornamental
Winter Hardiness: to 5 F and below
Drought: adapted to 5 months of summer drought
Care: tip-pruning after flowering (especially in the first couple of years) will result in a more attractive, compact plant. Cistus generally won't tolerate or regenerate from hard pruning of older, woody growth.