Cistus ladanifer aka Common Gum Cistus

Taxonomy

Cistus ladanifer, also known as gum rockrose, labdanum, common gum cistus, and brown-eyed rockrose, is an upright evergreen shrub that can reach a height of 2 meters. Native to the western Mediterranean region, this plant has linear to lance-shaped, sticky, dark green leaves that turn grey-green underneath. In warm weather, the leaves emit a pleasant aroma. During summer, Cistus ladanifer produces solitary white flowers, measuring up to 10cm across, with dark red marks at the base of the petals. This shrub, with its branches rich in sweet oleoresin, is a prominent feature of the western Mediterranean basin. Its large white flowers, spanning 5-8cm in diameter, adorn the Gum Rockrose during the month of May.

Common names

Common Gum Cistus, Labdanum, Laudanum

How to care for Common Gum Cistus

Difficulty

With its straightforward care requirements, Common Gum Cistus is a hassle-free plant that anyone can enjoy.

Water

Common Gum Cistus should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Lighting

Common Gum Cistus thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your Laudanum.

Dormancy

During the wintertime, it is common for Common Gum Cistus plants to go dormant and their growth rate may slow down. Therefore, the amount of waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

Ploi does not possess verified information regarding the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event that you, a member of your family, or a pet ingests plant material with an unclear toxicity level, it is highly recommended to seek the advice of a medical professional.

Region of origin

Common Gum Cistus’s native range is Europe - W. Mediterranean.


More info:
Wikipedia