Cistus 'Jessamy Beauty'

Water

Rockrose 'Jessamy Beauty' should be watered deeply once a week during dry periods, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. In particularly hot and dry climates, increase the frequency to twice a week. Ensure each watering saturates the soil to a depth of 1 to 2 inches. Over winter, reduce watering significantly, as the plant is dormant and too much water can lead to root rot. It's important not to waterlog the soil, as rockrose prefers well-drained conditions. An established rockrose typically requires around 1 gallon of water per week, but this may vary based on local climate and soil conditions.

Light

Rockrose 'Jessamy Beauty' thrives best in full sunlight. Place the plant in a location where it will receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily, which is crucial for optimal growth and bloom. Although it can tolerate partial shade, flowering may be reduced in less sunny spots. Avoid deep shade areas, as this can lead to leggy growth and sparse flowering.

Temperature

Rockrose 'Jessamy Beauty' can withstand a wide range of temperatures and is hardy in USDA zones 8 to 11. The plant can survive temperatures as low as 15°F, although it prefers a warmer climate for vigorous growth. The ideal temperature range for rockrose is between 60°F and 80°F. They are adapted to coastal and hot, dry inland climates and can tolerate high summer temperatures well above 80°F.

Pruning

Rockrose 'Jessamy Beauty' benefits from occasional pruning to maintain shape and promote vigorous growth. Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Trim back the previous year's growth by about one-third to stimulate new flowering shoots. Regular pruning also prevents the plant from becoming woody and sparse. The best time for pruning rockrose is immediately after it has finished blooming.

Cleaning

Not needed

Soil

Rock Rose 'Jessamy Beauty' thrives in well-draining soil with a mix of loam, peat, and sand. The ideal pH range for this plant is slightly acidic to neutral, between 5.5 and 7.5. Incorporate organic matter to enrich the soil blend and ensure adequate drainage.

Repotting

Rock Rose 'Jessamy Beauty' does not need frequent repotting and can be done every 2-3 years. When repotted, choose a slightly larger pot with good drainage to accommodate growth.

Humidity & Misting

Rock Rose 'Jessamy Beauty' is tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels but prefers moderate to low humidity typical of its Mediterranean origin. It does not require high humidity to thrive.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place in bright indirect light and well-draining soil.

• Outdoor

  Plant in sun, shelter from wind, well-draining soil.

• Hardiness zone

  8-11 USDA

Life cycle

Cistus 'Jessamy Beauty', commonly known as Rock Rose, begins its life cycle with seed germination, provided the conditions are right—usually in a well-draining soil and full sun exposure. As a herbaceous perennial, once the seedling emerges, it progresses rapidly to the vegetative stage, where it develops a robust root system and foliage. During spring and early summer, the Rock Rose enters the flowering stage, showcasing its showy, crinkled flowers that typically last for one day. After pollination, seeds are produced and dispersed, though propagation is more commonly achieved through semi-hardwood cuttings. The plant has a period of dormancy during the colder months, especially in areas with cooler climates. Throughout its life cycle, which can extend to several years in the right conditions, Rock Rose may need occasional pruning to maintain shape and encourage new growth.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• The Cistus 'Jessamy Beauty', commonly known as Rockrose, is typically propagated through semi-hardwood cuttings. The ideal time to take these cuttings is in late summer after the bloom period has ended, ensuring that the plant is not actively growing. Cuttings should be about 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) long, taken from healthy, disease-free branches. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end into rooting hormone powder to encourage root growth. Then, insert the cuttings into a well-draining soil mix, ensuring that at least two nodes are buried where leaves were removed. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged, and the cuttings should be placed in an area with bright, indirect light. Roots typically develop within a few weeks to a couple of months, after which the new Rockrose plants can be gradually acclimated to their permanent positions in the garden.