Cistus populifolius aka Poplar Leaved Cistus

Cistus populifolius is the poplar-leaved rock rose. This evergreen shrub belongs to the Cistaceae family. It comes from southwestern Europe, not Britain or Ireland. Dense branches give it a bushy shape. Its leaves stay on the plant all year. The RHS lists its full height as 4.9–8.2 feet [1.5–2.5 metres]. It gives a spread of 3.3–4.9 feet [1–1.5 metres]. A separate account gives a smaller size. It lists 3.9 feet [1.2 metres] tall and 3.3 feet [1 metre] wide.

The dark green leaves have a lance shape. Their edges have deep waves or folds. Touch the leaves or young stems, and they give off scent. Round, crimson buds open in summer. The white flowers have the shape of a saucer. Bright yellow stamens cluster in the centre of each flower. The white blooms stand out against the dark leaves. Dense growth and scented leaves add interest when blooms have gone.

Give this shrub full sun and a site with shelter. Choose a spot that faces south or west. It grows in poor soil if water drains well. This matters most when winter brings wet weather. The RHS lists sand, loam and chalk as suitable soils. It lists acid, neutral and alkaline soils too. Yet older plants on chalk may get chlorotic, or yellow, leaves. Its H5 rating shows it is hardy in most UK sites. This covers winter lows of 5–14°F [-15 to -10°C]. The RHS says it takes two to five years to mature.

This rock rose suits flower beds, borders and informal gardens. The RHS suggests gardens by the coast or in cities too. Courtyard gardens are another choice. It can grow in pots on a patio. It also suits Mediterranean-style planting schemes. Light shaping helps its bushy form while it is young. Pinch back young plants once the flowers fade. This helps them grow dense. Avoid hard pruning, as the shrub does not cope well. Replace old plants with long, bare stems rather than cut them back hard.

Grow new plants from seed or take softwood cuttings in spring. You can also take semi-ripe cuttings from midsummer into early autumn. The RHS profile says pests seldom cause trouble. Honey fungus may cause disease. The supplied profile gives no facts on edible parts or toxicity. It thus gives no grounds to treat this shrub as food.