Cistus albidus 'Rock Rose'

[Ex. Alpes Maritimes 880 m., France]

Cistaceae: a small evergreen shrub growing to 1m by 1m. Found in rocky places, garrigue on limestone soils and open pine forest. The flowers are arranged in cymes of one to seven individual flowers, each 4–6cm across with five purple to pink petals and five sepals. Blooming around June. The leaves are oblong to elliptical in shape, usually 2–5cm, greyish-white appearance. Native to south-western Europe and western north Africa.

USES:

The leaves are used as a tea substitute. The dried leaves are sometimes used as an adulterant for marjoram.

GROWING INFORMATION:

These perennial seeds germinate very irregularly over a long period. Lower temperatures of less than +5°C [41°F] are very effective. Seed trays should not be discarded prematurely. Constant moisture must be maintained. Do not leave in direct sunlight. Grow in poor to moderately fertile soil in sheltered site in full sun. Usually lime tolerant.

Requires a sunny position in a well-drained light sandy soil. Preferring a calcareous soil. Withstands drought once it is established. One of the hardiest species in this genus, tolerating temperatures down to about -15°C and surviving all but the coldest winters in Britain, it is however apt to be short-lived. Dislikes pruning or root disturbance.

HARVESTED: 2023

 
APPROX. 40 SEEDS