In this second post we will see three new hybrid species of the genus Cistus, available in our nursery.
_Cistus x purpureus_ is a hybrid between Cistus ladanifer x Cistus incanus creticus. It is a perennial and compact plant that acquires a rounded habit, reaching up to 1.50 meters high. Cistus with narrow leaves of dark green color and large flowers of violet-pink color with red-purple spots at the beginning of each petal. Flowering occurs during spring, from April to May in our area, and lasts approximately one month.
It is a species with low water requirements, that is, once it is well rooted, it does not require additional watering. It can help maintain soil moisture with the application of some mulch, whether organic or inorganic. Additionally, mulch will prevent the appearance of weeds. Like most Cistus, it must also be planted in full sun if we want very abundant flowering.
Image of Cistus x purpureus; Source: www.aujardin.info
It is a species belonging to hardiness zone 8, with an average annual minimum temperature range of -12.2 / -6.7°C, proving resistant to strong frosts in our latitudes.
Cistus x purpureus is indifferent to soil type and pH, but it does require well-drained soils. It does not tolerate waterlogging. It is also a species tolerant to salinity and sea breeze, thus it will be useful for gardens near the sea or coastal landscape restorations.
Without a doubt, it is a very suitable species to be used in sustainable gardening, as it meets all the requirements; low water consumption, and does not require fertilizer inputs or phytosanitary products, as it is a species adapted to the Mediterranean climate.
A planting density of no more than two plants per square meter is recommended. Plant tolerant to pruning, as long as it is not too drastic; it is advisable to do it once flowering is over, this way we will get a compact plant.
_Cistus x skanbergii_ is a hybrid between Cistus monspeliensis x Cistus parviflorus. This Cistus can be cataloged as having a trailing habit since its dimensions are wider than tall, specifically it is usual for it to have between 40/60 centimeters high by 80/100 centimeters wide.
Cistus x skanbergii is a very branched shrub, with unequal tomentose leaves, from oblong to linear-lanceolate in a light green color. It is one of the most floriferous Cistus, as it produces many flowers, but smaller in size than other Cistus. These flowers are pale pink in color and are grouped in terminal inflorescences.
Image of Cistus x skanbergii; Source: www.perryhillnurseries.co.uk
It is a species with low water requirements and must be planted in full sun.
It is a species belonging to hardiness zone 8, with an average annual minimum temperature range of -12.2 / -6.7°C, proving resistant to strong frosts.
It also grows well in any type of soil, whether calcareous or siliceous. But it does require good drainage. It is also a plant resistant to salinity and sea breeze.
Without a doubt, it is a very interesting plant to be used in parks and gardens, both public and private, as it has very spectacular flowering. Being considered of trailing habit, its planting density will decrease to only one plant per square meter, as it will quickly cover the ground.
_Cistus x purpureus 'Alan Fradd'_ is an evergreen shrub, compact and rounded in shape, reaching one and a half meters high by one and a half meters wide. It is a Cistus with long and linear-lanceolate leaves. Its flowering, which occurs during the months of April to May, is very similar to that of Cistus x purpureus but instead of having violet-pink petals it has white petals, with the same red-purple spot at the beginning of each petal.
It likes, like most Cistus, to be planted in full sun. Its water requirements are very low.
It is a species belonging to hardiness zone 8, with an average annual minimum temperature range of -12.2 / -6.7°C, proving resistant to strong frosts within what is the Mediterranean climate.
It prefers well-drained soils, always avoiding waterlogging, this way we will not have fungus problems in the roots and plant collar. Very resistant plant to insect attack. If good vigor control is carried out (avoiding very fast and vigorous growth), through watering and fertilization, many aphid attacks can be avoided. It is also a plant resistant to salinity and sea breeze, which is why it can be a very viable alternative for gardens near the sea or in landscape restorations near the sea.
Image of Cistus x purpureus 'Alan Fradd'; Source: www.fineartamerica.com
The planting density of Cistus x purpureus 'Alan Fradd' is one to two plants per square meter. Avoid higher planting densities, as this way premature aging of the plant would be obtained. It is advisable to pinch the branches once flowering is over, this way we will get a much more compact and controlled habit.
We encourage you to try these three Cistus hybrids, available at Sala Graupera; as they will undoubtedly give very good results.