Common name: laurel-leaved rock rose

Family name: Cistaceae

Description: Vigorous medium-sized evergreen shrub, of open habit, with resinous, grey-green ovate leaves, and white flowers to 8cm in width. A long-lived Cistus.

Flower: Long flowering season; flowers are white, five petaled, with yellow centres; the petals have a crumpled appearance.

Foliage: Resinous aromatic leaves and stems with white hairs.

Growing conditions: Full sun; slopes with a south or west facing aspect, but with some shelter; extremely drought tolerant.

Height and spread: 2.5 by 2.5 m maximum

Landscape uses: Requires little irrigation and likes full sun, so it is ideal for areas with little to no irrigation and maintenance, such as institutional settings and public landscapes. The grey-green foliage would look nice in a rock garden with other plants of mediterranean origin. The flowers, with their delicate, crumpled texture are quite attractive, and have a long flowering season, making it valuable as a summer perennial.