Grayswood Pink Rockrose Cistus × lenis 'Grayswood Pink'

Water

The Rockrose 'Grayswood Pink' should be watered regularly, but care must be taken not to overwater as it prefers drier conditions once established. During the first growing season, water the plant deeply once a week, allowing for about 1 to 1.5 gallons of water, to encourage a strong root system. Once established, the Rockrose 'Grayswood Pink' is drought-tolerant and will only need supplemental watering during prolonged dry spells, which may equate to watering every two to three weeks with the same amount of water, especially in hot, dry climates.

Light

Rockrose 'Grayswood Pink' thrives best in full sun conditions; it requires a spot that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. Placing it in a south-facing position will ensure that it gets ample light for robust growth and prolific flowering. Partial shade is tolerated, but too much shade can lead to sparse blooms and leggy growth.

Temperature

The Rockrose 'Grayswood Pink' is hardy and can tolerate a range of temperatures, ideally flourishing in regions with temperatures between 50°F and 85°F. It can survive minimum winter temperatures down to about 20°F, but it should be protected from extreme cold and frost below this range. During the heat of summer, temperatures over 100°F are usually well-tolerated as long as the plant is not exposed to extreme dryness.

Pruning

Rockrose 'Grayswood Pink' benefits from occasional pruning to remove dead or damaged branches and to shape the plant. Prune immediately after the plant has finished blooming, usually in mid-summer, to promote new growth and improve air circulation. It's not necessary to prune the Rockrose heavily; light pruning once a year is sufficient.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

The Rock Rose 'Grayswood Pink' prefers well-drained soil with added grit or sand to ensure good drainage. A soil mix comprising equal parts loam, peat, and sharp sand or grit is ideal. This shrub thrives in a slightly acidic to neutral pH range of about 6.0 to 7.5.

Repotting

Rock Rose 'Grayswood Pink' does not require frequent repotting as it prefers to be slightly root-bound. Repotting every 2-3 years should be sufficient, ensuring that the new pot is only slightly larger than the old one.

Humidity & Misting

Rock Rose 'Grayswood Pink' is fairly drought-tolerant and prefers low to moderate humidity levels typical of Mediterranean climates. It does not require high humidity to thrive.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Ensure bright light, minimize watering, and avoid humidity indoors.

• Outdoor

  Plant in full sun, well-draining soil, and protect from harsh frost.

• Hardiness zone

  8-11 USDA

Life cycle

Cistus × lenis 'Grayswood Pink', commonly known as Rock Rose, begins its life cycle with the germination of seeds in well-draining soil during spring when temperatures are mild. After germination, the seedling stage is marked by the emergence of the first true leaves, and as the root system develops, the rock rose enters a rapid vegetative growth phase. During this time, it forms a low, bushy shrub with a woody base and hairy, sticky leaves. Flowering typically occurs in late spring to early summer, displaying its characteristic pink flowers with yellow centers that attract various pollinators but last only for a single day. After pollination, if it occurs, the plant produces small, hard-shelled capsules containing seeds that are released once the capsules dry and open. The mature plant can live for many years, going through annual cycles of flowering and seed production, eventually dying back with the onset of colder temperatures or as it reaches its natural lifespan limit.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-early summer

• Cistus x lenis 'Grayswood Pink', commonly known as Rockrose, is typically propagated through semi-ripe cuttings. The best time for taking these cuttings is during late summer. To propagate the Rockrose by this method, one should select a healthy, non-flowering shoot and cut a 4-6 inch (approximately 10-15 cm) section just below a leaf node. The lower leaves should be removed, and the cut end may be dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development. The cutting should then be inserted into a pot filled with a well-draining potting mix or perlite and peat mixture, ensuring that at least two nodes are below the surface. The pot needs to be placed in a warm, shaded area and kept moist until the cutting has rooted, which typically takes a few weeks. For optimal results, one can cover the pot with a plastic bag or use a propagator to retain humidity.