Cistus 'Mickie'
Rockrose
Description
This stable variegated form of Cistus hybridus has a low mounding habit that hugs the ground and creates a super colorful, evergreen colorspot. 'Mickie' hails from northern Washington State and has survived some brutal winters. Charming white flowers punctuate the flashy foliage in May and June. Use in fall mixed containers like you would use Coleus in summer. This perennial quickly reaches 18" tall and spreads 36". It does best in full sun and prefers poor to moderately fertile soil with good drainage. Tolerant of mildly alkaline soils. Best pH range: 6.5-8.5. Water deeply and infrequently once established. Drought tolerant. Similar to the British variety 'Gold Prize', this stable variegated form of Cistus hybridus has a lower, mounding habit and has stable variegation. Use as a low mounding shrub as an accent or in mass planting. Use in fall in containers with several plants. All Cistus prefer dry, sunny habitats and poor soils.
Plant Type
Perennial
Height Range
1-3'
Flower Color
White
Flower Season
Spring, Summer
Leaf Color
Green, Yellow, Variegated
Bark Color
n/a
Fruit Color
n/a
Fruit Season
n/a
Sun
Full
Water
Very Low, Low
Growth Rate
Fast
Soil Type
Sandy, Loam, Rocky
Soil Condition
Average, Poor, Well-drained, Dry
Soil pH
Neutral, Basic
Adverse Factors
n/a
Design Styles
English Cottage, Mediterranean, Ranch, Spanish
Accenting Features
Fall Color, Showy Flowers, Unusual Foliage
Seasonal Interest
Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
Location Uses
Entry, Patio, Raised Planter, Walkways, With Rocks
Special Uses
Cascade, Container, Hanging Baskets
Attracts Wildlife
n/a
Replace turf with groundcovers, trees, and shrubs. If you have areas where no one uses the grass, patches that do not grow well, or a turf area too small to water without runoff, consider replacing the turf with water-efficient landscaping.