Orchid Rockrose Cistus × purpureus 'Alan Fradd'
ABOUT
Cistus × purpureus 'Alan Fradd,' commonly known as the Orchid Rockrose, is an evergreen shrub that is admired for its showy flowers and resilient nature. The Orchid Rockrose has a robust, bushy appearance, with dense, sticky foliage that is dark green in color. Its leaves are slightly wavy at the edges, adding texture to the plant's overall look. The most striking feature of the Orchid Rockrose is its flowers. The plant produces large, showy blossoms that resemble those of an orchid. Each flower is comprised of five petals, which are a deep shade of pink with a distinctive maroon spot at the base of each petal. The heart of the flower contains a cluster of bright yellow stamens, creating a beautiful contrast with the pink petals. The flowers of the Orchid Rockrose are typically short-lived, lasting only for one day before fading. However, the plant compensates for this by producing an abundance of blooms over the flowering season, providing a continuous display of color in the garden. The overall appearance of the Orchid Rockrose exudes a somewhat wild and natural charm, making it a favored choice among gardeners who seek to create a Mediterranean or drought-resistant landscape. Its adaptability to various soil types and conditions, along with its striking flowers and lush foliage, contribute to its popularity in ornamental horticulture.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Alan Fradd Rockrose, Purple-flowered Rockrose, Orchid Rockrose
Common names
Cistus × purpureus 'Alan Fradd'
ToxicityTo humans
The plant commonly known as Rockrose (Cistus × purpureus 'Alan Fradd') is not generally considered toxic to humans. There are no widespread reports of poisoning or adverse health effects from ingesting or coming into contact with parts of this plant. Therefore, it is not expected to cause any symptoms of poisoning when touched or ingested. Nevertheless, as with any plant, some individuals may experience allergic reactions or skin irritation, so it's always prudent to handle plants with care.
To pets
Rockrose (Cistus × purpureus 'Alan Fradd') is not commonly listed as a toxic plant to pets, including cats and dogs. There are no widely recognized symptoms of poisoning from this plant as it is generally considered to have a low likelihood of causing harm if pets happen to ingest small quantities. However, it is always advisable to prevent pets from eating plants, as individual animals might have unique sensitivities or reactions, and excessive consumption of non-food items can cause gastrointestinal upset or blockages in pets.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Dark green
Flower color
Purple
Height
3 feet (0.91 meters)
Spread
3 feet (0.91 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
8
Native area
Mediterranean
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Known as Purple Rock Rose, it produces attractive purple flowers with a papery texture, enhancing garden beauty.
- Drought Resistance: Once established, Cistus × purpureus 'Alan Fradd' is highly tolerant of dry conditions, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Low Maintenance: It requires minimal care beyond the initial establishment phase, making it ideal for gardeners seeking low-maintenance plants.
- Attracts Pollinators: The plant's flowers attract bees and butterflies, which are beneficial for pollination in the garden.
- Growth Habit: It has a compact growth habit, which makes it suitable for small gardens, borders, and as ground cover.
- Soil Adaptability: This plant can thrive in a variety of soil types, although it prefers well-drained soils.
- Sun Tolerance: Purple Rock Rose loves full sun and is an excellent choice for sunny areas of the garden.
- Erosion Control: The plant's dense growth and rooting system can help prevent soil erosion on slopes.
- Deer Resistance: It is generally resistant to deer, which can be a considerable advantage in areas where deer pose a problem to garden plants.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Edible Decorations: The flowers of the rock rose can be crystallized and used as decorative, edible elements on cakes and desserts, bringing a touch of natural beauty and a hint of floral flavor to confectionery.
- Botanical Illustration: Because of their attractive blossoms, rock rose plants are sometimes used as subjects for botanical art and illustration, contributing to educational materials or artistic projects.
- Natural Dye: The petals of rock rose can produce a range of colors for natural fabric dyes, offering an eco-friendly alternative to synthetic dyes.
- Photography: Rock rose's vivid blooms are ideal subjects for photographers, especially those specializing in macro photography and nature shots.
- Floral Crafts: Petals and leaves of the rock rose can be used in potpourri, wreaths, or floral arrangements for their texture and color.
- Erosion Control: The dense growth habit of the rock rose makes it suitable for planting in areas prone to soil erosion, helping to stabilize the ground.
- Insect Attractant: Rock roses can be included in gardens to attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, supporting local biodiversity.
- Terrariums: With their compact size, rock rose plants or their cuttings can be used in terrariums to create miniature landscapes.
- Perfumery: While not a common use, the scent of rock rose flowers can be captured for perfumes or scented candles, contributing a delicate fragrance to these products.
- Education: Rock rose plants can be used in schools and educational programs to teach about plant growth, pollination, and the lifecycle of plants.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Rock Rose is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Rock Rose is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Regeneration and Resilience: The Rock Rose or Cistus × purpureus 'Alan Fradd' is known for its ability to regenerate after fires due to its seed's capacity to withstand high temperatures. It symbolizes the ability to recover from adversity and to emerge stronger from challenges.
- Beauty and Attraction: With its large, showy purple flowers, the Rock Rose is often associated with beauty and the allure of nature. It reminds us of the aesthetic pleasure that plants can bring into our lives.
- Healing and Therapeutic: Parts of the Rock Rose have been used in traditional medicine. It symbolizes healing properties and is often connected with the idea of therapeutic relief and wellness.
- Temporal Existence: The short-lived flowers of the Rock Rose, which often last only a day, symbolize the fleeting nature of existence and the ephemeral quality of beauty.
WaterThe Orchid Rockrose should be watered moderately during the growing season, allowing the soil to dry out somewhat between watering sessions. Aim to water about once a week, but adjust frequency depending on weather conditions, more often during hot, dry periods and less during cool, wet periods. Use around 1-2 gallons of water for each watering, ensuring that the water penetrates deeply to encourage root growth. During the winter, reduce watering significantly, only providing enough to keep the plant from completely drying out.
LightOrchid Rockrose thrives in full sun conditions. Place the plant in a spot where it receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Ideally, it should be situated in an unhindered southern exposure if possible, ensuring it benefits from the intense light it needs to flourish and produce its vibrant flowers.
TemperatureThe Orchid Rockrose prefers mild temperatures and can survive in a temperature range of 20°F to 100°F. However, the ideal temperature for this plant is between 50°F and 80°F. It's important to protect the plant from harsh frost, as temperatures below 20°F may damage or kill the plant.
PruningPrune the Orchid Rockrose to remove dead or damaged wood and to shape the plant. It's best to prune after flowering, typically in late spring or early summer. Pruning should be done annually to encourage fresh growth and maintain an attractive form.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for the Orchid Rockrose (Cistus × purpureus 'Alan Fradd') should be well-draining with a mixture of peat, loam, and sand or grit. The soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, ideally between 5.5 and 7.5.
RepottingOrchid Rockrose plants do not typically require frequent repotting. Repot the plant every 2 to 3 years to refresh the soil and provide room for growth.
Humidity & MistingOrchid Rockrose prefers a dry environment, so low to moderate humidity levels are suitable; it does not thrive in high humidity conditions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright light, low humidity, well-draining soil.
Outdoor
Needs full sun, shelter from wind, well-drained soil.
Hardiness zone
8-11 USDA
Life cycleThe plant Cistus x purpureus 'Alan Fradd', commonly known as the Purple Rockrose, begins its life cycle with seed germination, which requires well-drained soil and may occur naturally in ideal conditions or be facilitated by cultivation in a controlled environment. Once germinated, the seedling emerges and enters a phase of vegetative growth, developing a root system and foliage as it matures. This evergreen shrub further grows into a woody structure with a proliferation of leaves, and during favorable seasons, it produces large purple flowers with a distinctive blotch at the base of each petal, usually in late spring to early summer. After pollination, which is typically carried out by insects, the flowers develop into small capsules that contain the seeds. The plant reaches maturity and can live for several years, capable of withstanding dry conditions and poor soils. Eventually, as part of the final stage of its life cycle, the Purple Rockrose will experience senescence, declining in vigor before eventually dying, completing the cycle as it releases its seeds to the environment for the next generation.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
Propogation: The most popular method of propagating Cistus × purpureus 'Alan Fradd', commonly known as the Orchid Rockrose, is through semi-ripe stem cuttings. This is usually done in late summer. To propagate, one would select a healthy, non-flowering shoot and cut a piece approximately 4 to 6 inches (about 10 to 15 centimeters) long just below a leaf node. The lower leaves are then stripped away and the cutting dipped in rooting hormone powder to encourage root development. The prepared cutting should be inserted into a pot filled with a mixture of equal parts peat and perlite or coarse sand to ensure good drainage. The pot should be kept in a warm, shaded location and maintained at high humidity, often achieved by covering it with a plastic bag or placing it in a propagator. Roots typically develop in a few weeks, after which the new plants can be gradually acclimatized to normal conditions before repotting and eventual planting out.
