Cistus 'Little Gem'

Common name(s): rockrose

Description: evergreen shrub; raised as a seedling of C. 'Decumbens' that was repeatedly back-crossed with C. inflatus by Eric Sammons in the 1980s. Lax, rounded growth and white flowers with maroon blotches in spring and summer. Somewhat rare in cultivation but the parent of several popular hybrids. Parentage: C. 'Decumbens' × ? × C. inflatus.

Height: to 4 ft. Spread: to 4 ft.

Position: full sun and lean, well-draining soil

Uses: ornamental-firescaping, landscaping

Winter Hardiness: to 5 F and below

Drought: adapted to 4 months of summer drought