Cistus Little Miss Sunshine - Rockrose

The Cistus x hybridus Little Miss Sunshine is a superb variety of Rockrose with green foliage highlighted by a yellow margin, enhanced with a touch of pink in winter. This evergreen Mediterranean shrub forms a well-rounded and compact clump, adorned all summer with pretty single white flowers with a yellow centre. Perfectly adapted to drought, tolerating wind well and capable of adapting to most soils, except those that are too chalky, it thrives in poor soils. Its main requirement is good drainage, as excess water would be fatal to it. Moderately hardy (-10°C (14°F) to -12°C (10.4°F)), it can easily be grown in pots in colder regions.

The Cistus x hybridus var. corbariensis is a spontaneous hybrid between C. populifolius var. populifolius and C. salviifolius, two species belonging to the Cistaceae family, which are found in the wild in the rocky scrubland of the Corbières. There are about fifty species of Cistus, and while they all have a characteristic family resemblance, some have pink flowers and others have white flowers, with the majority being lime-loving species, while some grow in neutral or even acid soils. Their ease of crossbreeding has also resulted in many natural hybrids.

Little Miss Sunshine is a horticultural variety, selected for its multiple ornamental qualities. It naturally forms a well-rounded clump, about 70 to 80cm (27.6 to 31.5in) in all directions at maturity. This also makes it easy to grow in a pot to decorate a terrace or balcony, where it will withstand exposure to wind and sun, as well as light annual pruning to maintain its size and proportions.
Its foliage is particularly decorative, consisting of small variegated leaves. The centre of the leaf is light green when young, then slightly darker, while an irregular yellow margin runs along the entire periphery. It thus forms a dense and luminous mass of vegetation, while being very resistant to the sun, which is not common. In winter, the tips of the shoots turn pink, further enhancing the interest of this shrub.
The flowering is also remarkable, spreading from July to September in the form of pretty single white flowers. Composed of 5 slightly curved petals in a cup shape, the corolla, about 4cm (1.6in) in diameter, is adorned with a yellow stamen at its centre, creating a gentle contrast of colours, perfectly matched with the foliage. Each flower lasts only one day and disappears in the late afternoon, leaving a shower of petals on the ground. But the countless buds ensure a succession of flowers for several weeks, at a time of year when shrub flowering becomes rarer.
This variety is not very hardy, which is why it should be grown in pots in harsher climates. This will also prevent it from being exposed to the damp cold that it dislikes, as it needs well-drained soil to thrive. Its preferred climate is clearly Mediterranean, it loves the heat, is very resistant to drought and wind, and tolerates poor, neutral, acidic, and even slightly chalky soils. It is the epitome of a low-maintenance plant that is not susceptible to insects or diseases.

The Little Miss Sunshine Corbières Rockrose is an excellent rock garden plant, which will need good soil drainage and planting in a south-facing position to make the most of the sun. In southern regions, it can also be planted in borders, alongside other plants with similar preferences. The Myrtus communis Tarentina, with its dark green, slender, and pointed evergreen leaves, will create a double contrast of shape and colour with this Cistus. In the back of the border, an Acacia baileyana Songlines, a Mimosa with grey-green foliage, will enrich the range of hues, especially as it will be covered in late winter with a vibrant yellow bloom.