Cistus or Rock Rose at Digging Dog | Cistus x oblongifolius, Cistus monspeliensis Vicar's Mead, & Cistus Little Gem

This genus from the Mediterranean region fortunately grows exceptionally well in our mild climate. These evergreens are called Rockroses for their conspicuous single papery blooms, resembling wild rose blossoms. Though these last only a day, they arrive in such profusion, carpeting the ground beneath, that one can count on color for 2 or 3 months.

Fast growing and appreciative of well drained sites, they tolerate drought, poor soil, ocean winds, salt spray and even desert heat. Cistus vary from low spreaders to tall, imposing bushes, and are terrific for informal hedging and screens.

Cistus ‘Ann Baker’

Olivier Filippi, guardian of the French National Cistus collection, kindly gave us this delightful Eric Sammons hybrid. A robust descendant of Cistus dansereaui ‘Decumbens’, ‘Ann Baker’ is pleasingly attired with delicate, white saucer-shaped flowers, centered by a singular sanguine marking and a small yellow splash on each petal. Slightly undulating and lacking petioles, the handsome, dark green leaves clasp arching, red-tinged stems.

Noteworthy for blooming later than most other Rockroses, ‘Ann Baker’ prolongs the flowering period well into September, and is a welcome addition to the Mediterranean garden alongside Lavender, Rosemary, and other Rockroses.

Cistus ‘Anne Palmer’

Silvery pink, crepe-paperlike petals float over this evergreen shrub’s ripple-edged gray-green foliage. Equally at home in tough coastal or inland environments, it combines beautifully with Rosmarinus ‘Santa Barbara Blue’ and Lavandula ‘Richard Gray’.

Cistus ‘Jessamy Beauty’

Created and named by British Cistus aficionado, Eric Sammons, this Cistus ‘Little Gem’ and Cistus laurifolius cross celebrates not only showy blooms but a low comely mound, which responds well to pruning. The gold-centered, 2-½ in. white papery flowers are engraved with striking, nearly triangular burgundy marks at each petal’s base, while gracing long, matt-finished, dark green slender leaves and somewhat lax, wine-infused stems.

Full of vigor, ‘Jessamy Beauty’ merits her name especially when set against Melianthus ‘Antonow’s Blue’s large blue-tinged foliage.

Cistus ‘Little Gem’

A refined Eric Sammons hybrid of Cistus inflatus parentage and distant Cistus ladanifer ancestry, this small-statured Cistus presents delicate white flowers. A single dark maroon mark is attractively painted at the base of each petal, enhancing the sunny yellow center. Lining red-tinged stems, the textured linear leaves are slightly reflective and provide a contrasting foil for Helianthemum ‘Cheviot’.

Cistus ‘Silver Pink’

Parented by Cistus laurifolius and Cistus canescens, this compact, mounding Cistus delivers a wild, undomesticated presence to the landscape. A lavish display of silvery pink flowers dressed in tissue-paper delicacy shimmer against green, lance-shaped leaves with gray undersides and undulating margins. Showy gilded stamens upstage the cheerful, white-centered petals.

Plant ‘Silver Pink’ amid Nepeta ‘Snowflake’ and fellow Mediterranean Euphorbia myrsinites for an engaging collage of foliar colors, flowers and textures.

Cistus ‘Snow Fire’

Regarded by Eric Sammons as perhaps the most successful of his unreleased hybrids, this well-bred Cistus claims Cistus populifolius subsp. major and Cistus inflatus as its parents. ‘Snow Fire’ closely resembles ‘Snow White’, except for a slightly smaller, more spreading stance and its decorated blooms, whose blazing marks undoubtedly kindled the “fire” in this cultivar’s name. Dainty white overlapping petals surround a golden eye, and each is brushed by a prominent burgundy-red patch at its base. The bright green, wavy-edged leaves and reddish stems respond quite well to pruning.

Cistus ‘Snow White’

The name ‘Snow White’ surely refers to the multitude of orange-centered, papery white flowers that embellish this choice mounding Cistus. Perhaps even more noticeable are the large, intricately-winged buds. Deep red in color, and covered with a downy fuzz, they nearly obscure the bright green, undulating foliage for most of the season, adding to its soft, alluring appearance.

Cistus creticus f. albus ‘Tania Compton’

This well-mannered Cistus wins a place in our garden for its neat rounded habit that stays relatively small. Knitting a handsome upright foil, the easily shorn, maroon-tinted stems and small, wavy and textured gray-green leaves parade quantities of 1-½ in. blooms with prominent golden eyes and white parchmentlike petals tinged pale yellow at each base.

Cistus ladanifer var. petiolatus ‘Bennett’s White’

From afar, its easy to mistake this Cistus’ pure white, 5 in. wide flowers for those of a Romneya. Against cinnamon-colored stems and two-toned leathery leaves that are a glistening bright green on top and silver beneath, the frilly, unusually large, gold-centered blooms deliver an awe-inspiring presentation.

Yielding a sticky, sweetly fragrant resin known as Labdanum, the vigorous growing ‘Bennett’s White’ can be planted with Lavandula ‘Ana Luisa’ in a dry Mediterranean garden where its superlative flowers and pleasant aroma will undoubtedly turn quite a few heads.

Cistus ladanifer var. petiolatus Bennett’s White (s-0596)
Each $8.50
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Cistus monspeliensis ‘Vicar’s Mead’

Dotted with soft yellow, one inch wide, paper-thin blooms, this splendid Rockrose celebrates a flower color that is pleasantly unique! Rose-scented, overlapping petals swirl around a sunlit hub, while slender green leaves—long, tapering and ripple-edged—garb its small, well-branched frame. Collected on the Mediterranean island of Majorca by Harold Read, ‘Vicar’s Mead’ makes an airy evergreen companion for Isoplexis canariensis.

Cistus palhinhaii ‘Red Eye’

So named because of the ½ in. blood red spot at the base of each good-sized, paper-thin white petal, this dense, striking Cistus comes to us from Ken Montgomery of Boonville, California. Its deep green, glossy linear leaves and young stems are fragrant and sticky to the touch. Bold, deer resistant and adorned with eight-chambered brown seed pods, ‘Red Eye’ deserves to be displayed as a specimen.

Cistus populifolius

The unique, apple green foliage of this hearty species has undulating margins and grows in dense mounds, creating a luxurious backdrop for white flowers embellished with yellow centers. When the plant is budding, red-hued sepals contrast brilliantly with the delicate flowers.

Cistus x aguilarii ‘Maculatus’

We favor this upright, robust Cistus for its decorative leaves and large showy flowers. A Cistus ladanifer and Cistus populifolius hybrid backcrossed once again with Cistus ladanifer, ‘Maculatus’s foliage is fastened by reddened petioles, tapers to a point and features margins so evenly rippled that the edges are pulled up. The intriguing slender greenery elevates 3 in. wide, billowy white blossoms whose closely arranged petals flaunt a striking, almost triangular, wine-colored mark at their bases while encircling a bright gilded hub of stamens.

Cistus x dansereaui ‘Decumbens’

An excellent shrubby ground cover, this Cistus displays luminous flowers against a vigorous and glossy, dark green foil of wavy-margined, lance-shaped leaves. Each ornate snowy white petal is elegantly marked with a prominent burgundy blotch at its base.

Cistus x dansereaui ‘Jenkyn Place’

A merlot-colored triangular brush stroke boldly brands each overlapping tissuelike petal, etching a distinctive 5-pointed star with a pronounced golden center. Large blossoms, spanning 3 snowy white in. across, are cupped, rimpled and renown for their long lasting flowery pomp.

Named after a private English garden and parented by Cistus ladnifer and Cistus inflatus, ‘Jenkyn Place’s small vigorous frame blends shapely red-tinged green stems and narrow sticky, pucker-edged deep green leaves that smell spicy and taper toward their tips.

Cistus x oblongifolius

With overlapping, sheet white petals drawn together by prominent, golden clusters of stamens, the jubilant-looking, 2 in. wide flowers remind us of sunnyside-up eggs. A Cistus laurifolius and Cistus inflatus progeny, this vigorous, tall growing Cistus hosts long and pointed, dark green leaves that are gray-green below, narrowly shaped and sticky. Its sizable presence, handsome foliage and perky floral display makes it a good neighbor for Rhamnus ‘Variegata’.

Cistus x purpureus ‘Alan Fradd’

Achieving the delicacy of parchment, each white overlapping petal features a striking maroon brush mark at its base. The large flowers are drawn together by a predominant yellow eye, while poised amongst wavy, dark green narrow leaves. Upright and sticky, red-flushed stems forge a rounded profile that can be associated with Perovskia abrotanoides and Eryngium ‘Blaukappe’ for an arresting union.

Latest News

DIGGING DOG NURSERY Specials & Events

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A VALENTINE GIFT THAT GROWS ON YOU!

Choose from a stunning collection of

PINK, PURPLE or WHITE BLOOMING PLANTS

from Digging Dog Nursery!

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GREAT VALENTINE’S DAY GIFTS

~~SPECIAL VALENTINE OFFERS FROM THE DIGGING DOGS~~

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~ 15% Discount on $100 or more worth of plants that

are available now. Orders must be shipped no later than March 2nd

to be eligible for the discount!

~ 10% Discount on Gift Certificates of $100 or more.

$100 worth of plants for only $90!

(don't forget one for yourself--cash it in on your Spring order!)

Use code: ”Valentines2010”

& place in the “comment” box on the online order form.

Sale runs from now through February 27, 2010!

*** Plant orders must be received no later than February 6th

to be delivered by February 14! ***

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Gift Wrapping for Selected Plants

Valentine’s Day Special Gift Wrap:

If you'd like to select 3 or more of the plants mentioned in Deborah’s Diary, below, to be sent as a Valentine's Gift, we'll wrap them in silver paper with red ribbon and pack them with a sprinkling of festive red shredded paper. A gift card by Marsha Mello will also be included. Just put "Valentine 2010" in the “comment“ box on the online mail order form, along with the sentiment you'd like us to include.

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DEBORAH’S DIARY:

FOR A COLORFUL VALENTINE’S HOLIDAY

Valentine’s Day is a great holiday for remembering those we love near and far. We hope you'll peruse our selection of intriguing plants. They can be nurtured indoors and then planted in the garden as soon as the frost has disappeared. Next year on Valentine’s Day, your loved ones will still be enjoying this exquisite gift that will keep on growing.

PERENNIALS

Cyclamen

These versatile, easy to grow perennials make an appearance for Valentine’s Day with marbled foliage and dramatic blossoms. After pointed buds rise from established tubers, glorious blooms, composed of five reflexing petals, emerge. Clusters of lustrous heart-shaped leaves etched with pewter, persist all winter, dying back in late spring. Fanciful, pretty-in-pink flowers dress up Cyclamen hederifolium ‘Rose Pearls’s marbled, glistening greenery. Interplant with white-blooming Cyclamen hederifolium ‘White Pearls’ for a marvelous vignette. Blooms from October through November, grows to eight inches and is hardy to Zone 5.

Pulmonaria

One of the earliest plants to bloom, the urn shaped flowers can be picked in February. Easy-to-grow Pulmonarias prefer cool, moist soil. A refined inspiration for those shady spots, Pulmonaria ‘Roy Davidson’ will make a great Valentine’s gift. Periwinkle blue flowers that fade with shades of pink stand up to 8 inches above handsome, evenly silver-blotched foliage. Planted en masse, it forms a noninvasive ground cover in a shaded rock garden. Blooms mid-February through May and is hardy to Zone 4.

Bergenia

Bergenia’s are known for the fine, firm foliage mass and Saxifrage-like, waxy flowers that justify their presence in the garden. Great, glossy and nearly evergreen leaves are a handsome backdrop for dense heads of lovely spring blooms that rise on stalwart, red-tinted stems. In winter the leaves become tinged with burgundy, perfect for a Valentine’s remembrance. Bergenia endures neglect, poor soil and some drought. We suggest Bergenia ‘Bressingham White’, distinguished for the pure white color of its mature blossoms, its amazing floriferous nature, and leafy robustness. It blooms from April through May and stands 12-15 inches tall and is hardy to Zone 4.

Eucomis

Eucomis belongs to the Lily family and calls tropical southern Africa its home. Pineapple Lily prefers warm, sunny nooks with mulched, well drained soil and protection from excessive winter cold and moisture. In colder areas, Eucomis comosa ‘Sparkling Burgundy’ makes an excellent plant for a favorite container. The burgundy-red, semierect rosette of strapping, waxy leaves appears more green as the weather warms. Crowned by a pineapple-like cluster of leaves, the densely set starry flowers populate thick, cylindrical maroon spikes. The purple blossoms display unique greenish tones adding dramatic highlights to arrangements. It blooms from late July through September, grows over two feet tall and is hardy to Zone 8.

Allium

Alliums or ‘Ornamental Onions’ are embellished versions of the common culinary bulbs. Prospering in a sunny, well drained site, these pest resistant Alliums add flair to the garden, a cherished container, or an arrangement and can be attractive either fresh or dried. Allium schubertii evokes the energy of a bursting firecracker as some 200 miniature star-styled florets top stiff pedicels, shooting out in different lengths from the flower's center. Spidery globes--enormous, loosely arranged lilac-pink wonders--measure at least a foot across. Blooming from May through June, it grows to eighteen inches tall and is hardy to Zone 5.

Thymus

Planted in the herb garden or around and between stepping stones, Thymes love sun and well drained soil, and can even tolerate a dose of wind and salt spray. Perfect for Valentine’s Day, delicately textured Thymus ‘Pink Chintz’ fashions a fresh pink blanket of bloom and small grayish green leaves. ‘Pink Chintz’ is one of the first Thymes to flower, blooming from May through July, it grows only 1 to 2 inches tall and is hardy to Zone 5. Another fantastic Thyme is Thymus praecox ssp. arcticus ‘Albus’ commonly known as ‘White Creeping Thyme.’ The elfin-sized army of bright green, rounded leaves and thin, straw-colored stems weave a springy evergreen mass. Petite white flowers form a thick summertime icing when they bloom from July through August. Staying low, only about two inches, it’s hardy to Zone 5. Consider Thymus serpyllum ‘Minor’, whose tiny miniature leaves comprise a snug, carpet-like hummock. Remarkably rugged, the gray-green overlapping foliage can endure some foot traffic and hot, dry conditions. Lavender-pink flowers peek from the fine textured, soft-looking clump. Blooms July through August, grows to three inches and is hardy to Zone 4.

Salvia

Sage, was thought, in ancient times, to perpetuate good health. The following tender cultivars make stellar container candidates in cold winter areas. Salvia involucrata ‘Hidalgo’ loves full sun and is known as the ‘Roseleaf Sage’. Large, rounded, dusky magenta buds cluster at stem tips and open into brilliant pink, fuzzy tubular flowers toned down by deep purple calyxes. Dark green leaves are arranged in pairs and complement red petioles on strong straight stalks. Revered by hummingbirds, this bushy Salvia grows up to four feet, it’s hardy to Zones 8/9 and blooms from August through mid-October. Equally attractive, Salvia microphylla ‘Dennis’ Pink’ is touted as one of the best pink-colored microphyllas. These good-sized flowers are a full-bodied fuchsia pink. Freely borne blooms feature dark charcoal-tinged calyxes, hooded upper petals and prominent lower lips illuminated by singular white splotches. The long lasting display energizes a bushy mass of wiry stems and green finely toothed leaves that remain root-hardy through chilly winters. Hardy to Zone 8.

GRASSES

Carex

Offering a sea of striking blue, Carnation-like foliage, Carex flacca (glauca) is a versatile ornamental grass that can take full sun or partial shade. Narrow blades create a noninvasive, slowly spreading mass. Purple-black spikes appear to float just above the solid, flowering stems. Easy to establish, Carex flacca tolerates drought and adapts to an array of growing conditions. Blooming from May through June and standing up to 15 inches, it’s hardy to Zone 4.

SHRUBS

Erica’s

Also known as ³Heaths², Ericas have fine, short, needle-like evergreen leaves with tiny, urn-shaped flowers. Mos floriferous in winter and early spring, these four Ericas make perfect combination of pinks, purples and whites for Valentine’s Day gift giving. Erica carnea ‘Springwood Pink’ sports clear pink flowers engulfing the forest green foliage, followed by vigorous spring growth that sprouts bright bronze. Erica carnea ‘Vivelli’ brings carmine red flowers covering a low spreading form. Its deep green, summer foliage bronzes after the first frost. The Erica mediterranea ‘W. T. Rackliff’ has pristine white flowers that stand out against the dee green foliage, which clumps to an almost spherical mound. Erica x darleyensis ‘Margaret Porter’s dainty lilac urns embellish attractive mid-green needles that comprise a low spreading form.

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HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY FROM THE DIGGING DOGS

Can you even believe it?! It’s almost Valentine’s Day and we’re expected to welcome our new sisters. There are now THREE cats running around our beautiful nursery! How could they? It wasn’t bad enough that “Clause” showed up last Christmas for ‘mouse patrol’, but Zoe had to go out and find two kittens. Clause is none too happy about the situation, either. Guess we’ll just have to get out to the gardens and do some more digging…that’ll remind Deborah & Gary who’s really top dog around this place. Oh, by the way, Happy Valentine’s Day!

Happy Diggings!

Neptune, Briella & Maya, The Digging Dogs & Clause, Olivia & Parker (the annoying cats!)

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~ ~ DIGGING DOG NURSERY'S 2010 CATALOG is in the mail!

(If you are on our mailing list and don't receive it soon, or you want to

order our catalog ($4), you can do so at this web site or call 707-937-1130)

~ ~ SUMMER & FALL PLANT SALES 2010 ~ ~

July 9, 10 & 11 and

October 8, 9 & 10

Friday, Saturday, Sunday - 10:00 am to 5:00 pm

~ ~ SATURDAY STROLLS 2010 ~ ~

Informative walks through the Nursery & Nursery gardens

with Gary Ratway, Deborah Whigham and/or Nursery staff

twice a month on alternate Saturdays - June through October.

- dates to be announced -

GARDEN CLUB NEWS

We are now offering special accommodations for garden clubs, master gardeners and any other educational groups.

Set against a majestic backdrop of towering redwoods, our 1.5 acre, family-owned Nursery includes

9 greenhouses, a large outdoor growing area, exquisitely planted borders, hedgerows, a new kitchen garden and more.

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~~We'll provide tea, coffee and water and an inspired setting for a luncheon.

Bring your own lunch, or we can arrange for a catered meal.

~~If you would like to spend more time on our beautiful coast,

we'll assist you in selecting your lodging.

~~We'll be happy to give your group a guided tour of the Nursery and

surrounding plantings that is tailored to your specific interests and needs.

LECTURES BY DEBORAH WHIGHAM

Horticurturalist and Digging Dog co-owner, Deborah Whigham,

is available to travel to your club meeting

for a talk and slide show on garden topics such as

drought resistant plants and “Off Season Interest in Your Garden.”

Deborah has lectured at the Luther Burbank Garden Center, Livermore Gardening Club,

the Garden Club of Palo Alto, Marin Master Gardeners,

the Shepherd Garden & Art Center, the Modesto Garden Club and others.

To inquire about fees and arrangements, call Deborah at (707) 937-1235.

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Catalog

Digging Dog Nursery

Cistus (Rock Rose)
at Digging Dog

Including Cistus x oblongifolius, Cistus monspeliensis Vicar's Mead, & Cistus Little Gem

Cistus

Rockrose

Cistus ‘Ann Baker’

Cistus ‘Anne Palmer’

Cistus ‘Jessamy Beauty’

Cistus ‘Little Gem’

Cistus ‘Silver Pink’

Cistus ‘Snow Fire’

Cistus ‘Snow White’

Cistus creticus f. albus ‘Tania Compton’

Cistus ladanifer var. petiolatus ‘Bennett’s White’

Cistus monspeliensis ‘Vicar’s Mead’

Cistus palhinhaii ‘Red Eye’

Cistus populifolius

Cistus x aguilarii ‘Maculatus’

Cistus x dansereaui ‘Decumbens’

Cistus x dansereaui ‘Jenkyn Place’

Cistus x oblongifolius

Cistus x purpureus ‘Alan Fradd’

Latest News

DIGGING DOG NURSERY Specials & Events

Customer Comment:

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Icons:

Catalog

Digging Dog Nursery

Cistus (Rock Rose)at Digging Dog

Including Cistus x oblongifolius, Cistus monspeliensis Vicar's Mead, & Cistus Little Gem

Cistus

Rockrose

Cistus ‘Ann Baker’

Cistus ‘Anne Palmer’

Cistus ‘Jessamy Beauty’

Cistus ‘Little Gem’

Cistus ‘Silver Pink’

Cistus ‘Snow Fire’

Cistus ‘Snow White’

Cistus creticus f. albus ‘Tania Compton’

Cistus ladanifer var. petiolatus ‘Bennett’s White’

Cistus monspeliensis ‘Vicar’s Mead’

Cistus palhinhaii ‘Red Eye’

Cistus populifolius

Cistus x aguilarii ‘Maculatus’

Cistus x dansereaui ‘Decumbens’

Cistus x dansereaui ‘Jenkyn Place’

Cistus x oblongifolius

Cistus x purpureus ‘Alan Fradd’

Latest News

DIGGING DOG NURSERY ***Specials & Events***

Customer Comment:

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Cistus (Rock Rose)
at Digging Dog

DIGGING DOG NURSERY Specials & Events