Sunset Rockrose                SIS-tis

• Evergreen shrub, 2 ft (60 cm) tall, greater spread, compact.  Leaves opposite, simple, to 5 cm long, oblong, wavy margin, gray-green.  Flowers rose-pink (magenta), 5 cm across, yellow centers, 3-6 flowers per terminal cluster; blooms in early summer.
• Full sun, well-drained site, drought tolerant.
• Hardy to USDA Zone 8   Sometime offered as Cistus crispus 'Sunset' or even Cistus 'Sunset'.  Some report it as a cross between C. crispus and C. albidus and this cross is named Cistus × pulverulentus.   Originated in southwest Europe in 1929.
• Some confusion about the correct name for this plant, for Cistus 'Sunset' is sometime equated with Cistus 'Brilliancy', yet the latter is sometimes offered as Cistus × purpureus 'Brilliancy' and the former as Cistus × pulverulentus 'Sunset'.  Go figure!