Florentine Rockrose Cistus × florentinus Lam.

Water

The Cistus 'Florentinus', commonly known as the Florentine Rockrose, requires watering that allows the soil to dry out between waterings. Generally, you should water this plant deeply every one to two weeks, providing about 1-2 gallons per plant, depending on the size and environmental conditions. During the summer, you might need to water more frequently, especially if the weather is particularly hot and dry. In contrast, reduce watering in the winter when the plant is dormant, and ensure the soil is well-drained to avoid waterlogging. It's essential to avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.

Light

The Florentine Rockrose thrives in full sunlight with at least six to eight hours of direct light each day. It's best placed in a spot where it can receive ample morning light and some protection from the intense afternoon sun in hotter climates. However, this plant is quite tolerant and can still perform well in a position with full exposure all day. Avoid deep shade, as insufficient light can impede flowering and overall vitality.

Temperature

The Florentine Rockrose prefers temperate conditions and can tolerate a range from 20°F to 100°F. It's frost hardy but performs best when the temperature is between 50°F and 80°F. This plant can survive short periods of colder temperatures down to about 20°F, but prolonged exposure to temperatures below freezing may cause damage. Protection may be necessary in areas with severe winter conditions.

Pruning

Pruning the Florentine Rockrose promotes a compact shape and can enhance flowering. Prune lightly after flowering has finished, usually in mid to late spring, removing any spent flowers and shaping the plant as desired. Pruning can be done annually, but avoid heavy cutting back to prevent damage to the plant. The best time for pruning is when new growth begins to appear, allowing for the removal of any dead or damaged wood and encouraging a fresh burst of growth.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Rockrose (Cistus × florentinus) thrives in well-draining, gritty soil with a pH between 6.0 and 8.0. A mixture containing equal parts of loam, sand, and peat with a handful of gravel for improved drainage is ideal for this plant.

Repotting

Rockrose plants generally do not require frequent repotting and can be repotted every 2 to 3 years or when they outgrow their current pot.

Humidity & Misting

Rockrose prefers a Mediterranean climate, which means it does well in low to moderate humidity conditions typical of its native habitat.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place in bright light, limit watering, avoid high humidity.

• Outdoor

  Full sun, well-drained soil, shelter from extreme cold.

• Hardiness zone

  8-11 USDA.

Life cycle

Cistus × florentinus, commonly known as the Florentine rockrose, begins its lifecycle with seed germination, which is highly dependent on the right conditions of warmth and, occasionally, after exposure to fire or smoke which can simulate a natural environment after a wildfire. After germination, seedlings develop a root system and foliage as they enter the vegetative growth stage, extending stems and leaves to maximize photosynthesis. As the plant matures, it enters the reproductive stage, flowering in late spring to early summer with showy white to pink blossoms that attract pollinators. After pollination, the plant sets seed in the form of a capsule which, when ripe, opens to release seeds for dispersal. In appropriate Mediterranean-type climates, Florentine rockrose exhibits a perennial life cycle, regrowing for multiple seasons, although individual plants may have limited longevity. The plant can also spread vegetatively via branching or sometimes when lower branches come into contact with soil and take root, thus expanding its presence in a habitat.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• Propogation: The Rockrose (Cistus × florentinus) is commonly propagated through semi-hardwood cuttings, a method that is considered both practical and popular among gardeners. This propagation is best performed in late summer when the new growth from that season has begun to harden. To do so, a gardener would cut a 4 to 6-inch (10 to 15 cm) piece of stem from the current year's growth, ensuring that at least two sets of leaves are present on the cutting. The lower leaves are then stripped, and the cut end may be dipped in rooting hormone for better success. The cutting is planted in a well-draining potting mix and kept moist until rooting occurs, which typically takes several weeks. Throughout this period, the cutting should be kept in a warm environment with indirect light to foster the growth of new roots.