Cistus decumbens - Trailing Rock Rose

Cistus decumbens - Trailing Rock Rose

A beautiful low-growing evergreen shrub that forms a spreading mat of grey-green foliage, studded with pure white papery flowers in early summer. This Mediterranean native is perfect for hot, dry positions.

Seasonal Highlights

Early summer brings a profusion of delicate white flowers with crinkled petals that create a stunning display against the grey-green foliage. The evergreen leaves provide year-round groundcover and interest.

Key Features

• Spreading groundcover habit
• Pure white papery flowers in early summer
• Grey-green evergreen foliage
• Extremely drought tolerant once established
• Thrives in poor soils and coastal conditions

Perfect For

Ideal for Mediterranean gardens, gravel gardens, coastal plantings, and covering banks and slopes. Works beautifully cascading over walls and in rockeries. Perfect for hot, dry sites where other plants struggle.

Growing Tips

Plant in full sun in well-drained, preferably poor soil. Avoid rich, moisture-retentive soils and shade. Excellent tolerance of drought, salt spray, and poor conditions once established. Trim lightly after flowering if needed. Do not prune into old wood.

Looks Great With

Pairs wonderfully with lavender, rosemary, santolina, and other Mediterranean plants. The white flowers complement blue ceanothus and the foliage harmonizes with silver-leaved plants and ornamental grasses.

A tough and beautiful evergreen groundcover for sunny, well-drained positions.