Grey-leaved cistus

Profile

Family

Cistaceae

Habit

Shrub

Height

1.2 m

Spread

2.5 m

Growth

very fast

Lifespan

20 years

First yield

after 2 years

Hardiness

zone 7–10

Shade tolerance

full sun

Soil

Sand, Silt

Soil moisture

dry – very moist

pH

5.6 – 7.6

Uses

Edible: The leaves are used as a tea substitute. The dried leaves are occasionally used as an adulterant for marjoram (Origanum majorana).

Growing

Requires a sunny position in well-drained, light, sandy soil. Prefers chalky soils. Once established, it is drought-tolerant and also withstands salt-laden air. As one of the hardiest species of this genus, it tolerates temperatures down to about -15°C and survives almost all British winters. It is, however, rather short-lived. On nutrient-poor soils it is slightly more robust. The individual flowers only last one day, but many appear in succession. It does not tolerate pruning or root disturbance. The plants should be raised in pots and then planted out at their final position while still young. Plants of this genus are particularly resistant to honey fungus. It hybridises readily with other species of this genus.

Propagation

Seed – harvest as soon as ripe and store dry. Sow on the surface in a greenhouse in late winter. The seeds normally germinate within 1–4 weeks at 20°C. Prick out the seedlings as soon as they are large enough and transplant into individual pots. Overwinter in the greenhouse for the first winter and plant out in the following spring or early summer, after the last frosts. The seeds keep for at least 3 years. Cuttings of softwood or semi-ripe wood, 8 cm long, with a heel or at a node, in a cold frame in June/August. Rooting occurs within 3 weeks. High success rate. Cuttings of nearly ripe wood, 8–12 cm long, with a heel or at a node, in a cold frame in September/October. High success rate. Lift in spring and pot up. Plant out once a good root system has formed. Layering in spring.

Origin & habitat

Garrigue, rocky areas on limestone soils, and open pine forests.