Rock rose 'Gordon Cooper' Cistus 'Gordon Cooper'

Water

The Rock Rose (Cistus 'Gordon Cooper') requires moderate watering. During its growing season in spring and summer, it should be watered thoroughly once every week with approximately 1-2 gallons of water, depending on the size of the plant and the environmental conditions. Ensure the top inch of soil dries out before the next watering to prevent overwatering. In the fall and winter months, reduce watering to every other week as the plant enters a dormant phase.

Light

The Rock Rose thrives in full sunlight, so it's best positioned in a spot where it can receive at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. This plant can handle partial shade, but it will flower best with ample sun. Avoid deeply shaded areas, as this can impede its growth and flowering capacity.

Temperature

The Rock Rose is hardy and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. It can survive minimum temperatures down to about 20°F but thrives in areas where the average temperature is between 60°F and 75°F. To ensure optimal growth, try to avoid exposing the plant to temperatures below 20°F or above 100°F.

Pruning

The Rock Rose should be pruned to maintain its shape and encourage bushier growth. Prune immediately after the blooming period ends, typically in mid-summer. Remove any dead or overgrown branches, and cut back up to one-third of the plant to keep it robust. Pruning annually will also help in preventing the center of the bush from becoming woody and unattractive.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Rockrose (Cistus 'Gordon Cooper') thrives in well-draining soil with a mix of sand or gravel and compost or peat to retain some moisture. The soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.0 to 7.5 for optimal growth.

Repotting

Rockrose plants, including Cistus 'Gordon Cooper', do not require frequent repotting and can often be left undisturbed for several years. They should only be repotted if they have outgrown their current pot or if the soil has degraded significantly, which may happen every 3 to 5 years.

Humidity & Misting

Rockrose (Cistus 'Gordon Cooper') is adaptable to a wide range of humidity levels but prefers a drier climate. It does not require high humidity and can flourish in the average humidity found in most outdoor environments.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Provide bright light and good air circulation.

• Outdoor

  Plant in sunny spot with well-draining soil.

• Hardiness zone

  8-11 USDA

Life cycle

The Cistus 'Gordon Cooper', commonly known as Rockrose, begins its life cycle with seed germination, which is often prompted by exposure to fire or heat in its natural environment. After germination, the seedling goes through a period of vegetative growth, developing a sturdy root system and foliage. As the plant matures, it enters a flowering stage, typically in late spring to early summer, producing showy, short-lived flowers that attract pollinators. Following pollination, Rockrose sets seeds, which are released as the fruits dry and open. The plant is a perennial shrub, so this cycle of flowering and seed setting can happen annually for several years. Rockrose plants may eventually senesce and die, completing their life cycle, but they often leave behind seeds that can persist in the soil seed bank for future germination.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• Cistus 'Gordon Cooper', commonly referred to as Rockrose, is most effectively propagated through semi-hardwood cuttings. This method is commonly employed during the late summer. To do this, select a healthy, non-flowering shoot and make a cutting approximately 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) long. Remove the leaves from the lower half of the cutting and dip the cut end into a rooting hormone. Stick the cutting into a pot filled with a mix of equal parts perlite and peat moss, ensuring that the leafless part is buried. Water the cutting and cover it with a plastic bag or place it in a propagator to maintain high humidity. The cutting should root within a few weeks, after which it can be gradually acclimatized to less humid conditions before being transplanted into the garden.