Plant in full sun in a well-drained soil with infrequent to little irrigation once established - regular irrigation promotes fast growing but a shorter lived plant. It is hardy to about 20° F. As wth other rockroses, it is best not to hard prune this plant but it makes an excellent and attractive drought tolerant groundcover for difficult areas that can tolerate seaside conditions, is resistant to deer predation and is a low fuel volume plant for areas prone to wildfire.

Cistus x pulverulentus is the name given to the naturally occurring hybrid between Cistus albidus and Cistus crispus. This 'Sunset' selection of this hybrid parentage was reportedly discovered in southwestern Europe in 1929. The name of the genus is from the Greek word 'kistos' which was the name originally used to describe this plant or other evergreen shrubs in ancient Greece. The common name rockrose refers to the resemblance of the flowers to single roses and also the typical rocky habitat of the plant in its native habitat. This very attractive plant received the prestigious Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit in 2002 and we have grown and sold it in our nursery since 1987. 

The information about Cistus x pulverulentus 'Sunset' displayed on this web page is based on our research conducted in the nursery's horticultural library and from reliable online resources. We also include observations made about it as it grows in our nursery gardens and other gardens we have visited, as well how the crops have performed in containers in our nursery field. We will also incorporate comments we receive from others and welcome hearing from anyone with additional information, particularly if they can share cultural information that would aid others in growing this plant.