Cistus x corbariensis Rospico - Rockrose

Cistus x corbariensis Rospico is a lovely variety of bush from the Corbières region with bright, light yellow margined foliage. This evergreen Mediterranean shrub is perfectly adapted to dry and poor soils, and its hardiness is quite exceptional for the genus. It grows into a small, dense bush, forming a perfectly regular dome adorned with variegated foliage, precious for illuminating the partially shaded areas that it tolerates very well. In spring, it disappears under a multitude of small white corollas illuminated by a small yellow centre. They only last for one day, but they constantly renew themselves for about 3 weeks in spring. Cistus plants clearly express the spirit of the scrubland; to succeed in their cultivation, it is necessary to offer them what they like: a poor, well-draining soil that is dry in summer, and a position sheltered from icy winds.

Cistus x hybridus var. corbariensis is a spontaneous hybrid between C. populifolius var. populifolius and C. salviifolius, species belonging to the cistaceae family, which are found in the wild in the rocky scrubland of the Corbières. The Rospico cultivar is a recent creation from the Renault Nurseries located in Gorron, Mayenne. This 100% French bush has a dense, highly branched, and well-groomed habit. It reaches an average height of 80cm (31.5 in) and a width of 1m (3 ft 4 in). The very abundant flowering takes place before the height of summer, from April to June depending on the climate. At the tips of the branches flower buds of a reddish-purple colour appear, grouped in 2 or 3, which open up into small single flowers with a diameter of 4cm (1.6 in), formed by 5 slightly crumpled white petals. The heart of the flower is occupied by a bouquet of golden yellow stamens. Each flower disappears in the late afternoon, releasing a shower of petals on the ground. But the buds are countless, ensuring a 3-week-long flowering period. The flowering is followed by fruit resembling small baskets filled with seeds. Its leaves are evergreen, 3 to 5cm (1.2 to 2 in) long, with a rough texture. They are beautiful dark grey-green margined with pale yellow in summer, and take on pretty violet hues in winter. The root system of this cistus is both deep and branching, it is so powerful that it manages to penetrate between fractured rocks to draw the slightest trace of moisture from deep down, while its surface roots capture moisture from the topsoil. Its lifespan varies between 12 and 15 years in the garden.

The Rospico cistus from the Corbières is a rock garden and poor soil plant, perfectly adapted to drought: its fragile flowers hide a strong temperament and resilience to any challenge. Create a dry slope, evoking the scrubland, by mixing the foliage and scents of lavender (blue, white, pink), rosemary (creeping or upright), thyme (T.vulgaris, T. polytrichus), sage (Salvia x jamensis or officinalis), oregano, teucriums (T.chamaedrys, T. x lucidrys, T. hircanicum), Californian poppies, catmints, ballotas and dry soil euphorbias (E.characias, E. cyparissias). Growing in large pots is possible, by taking care there is sufficient drainage and providing the plant with abundant but infrequent watering in summer, allowing the substrate to completely dry out between waterings.