How to Grow Cistus Ladanifer - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2024

Cistus ladanifer is a small, evergreen shrub that is indigenous to the Mediterranean region. It has oblong, glossy leaves and large, white flowers that blooming from May to June. The plant grows up to 1.5 meters in height and is commonly found in rocky areas or on hillsides. The name ladanifer refers to the plant's sticky resin, which was used in ancient times for incense and perfume.

How to Grow Cistus Ladanifer - Plant Care & Tips

Alternative name

  • Rock rose
  • Labdanum
  • Gum cistus
  • Cretan labdanum
  • Cypress Labdanum

Common Knowledge

  • Cistus Ladanifer is a flowering plant in the family Cistaceae.
  • Its native range is the western Mediterranean Basin.
  • The plant is a shrub that typically grows to 1-3 m tall.
  • The leaves are evergreen, lanceolate to oblong, and 5-10 cm long.
  • The flowers are white or pale pink, and 5-7 cm diameter.
  • The fruit is a capsule containing numerous small seeds.
  • The plant is a source of the aromatic resin known as labdanum.
  • Labdanum is used in perfumes, as incense, and in herbal medicine.
  • The plant is also used as a ornamental plant in gardens.
  • Cistus Ladanifer is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.

Related plant:
Cistus Pulverulentus

Growing Steps

  1. For cistus ladanifer, first step is to find a good location. This plant prefers full sun and well-drained soil.
  2. Prepare the planting area by removing all weeds and loosen the soil.
  3. Dig a hole twice the size of the plant’s root ball.
  4. Place the plant in the hole and backfill with soil.
  5. Tamp down the soil gently and water deeply.
  6. Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the plant.
  7. Water the plant regularly during the first growing season.
  8. Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season.
  9. Prune the plant as needed to shape and control growth.
  10. Enjoy your beautiful cistus ladanifer plant!

Related plant:
Cistus Purpureus

Considering the Soil

About soil , cistus ladanifer grows well in a variety of soil types, from sandy to clay soils, as long as the soil is well-drained. It is not particular about pH, and will grow in both acid and alkaline soils. This plant is tolerant of drought and salt, and can even grow in serpentine soils.

Light requirement

Just like other plants, cistus ladanifer needs sunlight to grow. However, it is a bit more tolerant of shady areas than some other plants. It can grow in full sun or partial shade. Full sun is best for optimal growth and flower production.

Good Temperature

The temperature condition that is most ideal for growth of the cistus ladanifer is warm temperature with some sunlight. The plant is able to grow in a variety of soil types, but prefer well-drained soil that is not too compacted. The plant grows best in full sun, but can also tolerate some shade. Cistus ladanifer can be found in many Mediterranean countries and is also cultivated in other parts of the world.

Humidity Aspect

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 50% and above. This evergreen shrub is known for its distinctively fragrant, sticky resin, which is used in perfume and incense. The plant grows to about 3 meters in height and has pale yellow flowers. It is native to the western Mediterranean region, including southern Europe, northwestern Africa, and the Canary Islands.

The Fertilizer

For the fertilizer, this family of plant does best with a 1:1:1 fertilizer that is high in phosphorus. This will help the plant to produce more flowers. For the roots, it is best to keep them moist but not soggy. The plant does best in well-drained soil.

Plant Pruning

Pruning is an important part of keeping your cistus ladanifer plant healthy and looking its best. Depending on the size and shape of your plant, you may need to prune it every few months to keep it from getting too big or out of shape. To prune your cistus ladanifer, start by trimming away any dead or dying leaves or branches. Then, cut back any branches that are growing too long or too thick. Finally, shape the plant by trimming away any stray branches or leaves.

Plant Propagation

Propagation of cistus ladanifer is easy and can be done from seed or cuttings. Seeds should be sown in a well-drained seedling mix and kept moist until they germinate. Cuttings can be taken from new growth in spring or summer and should be rooted in a well-drained cutting mix. Cuttings will root quickly and can be transplanted into the garden once they have rooted.

Growth Speed

Usually, the plant growth rate during the summer months, when the days are longest and the temperatures are warmest. The plants enter a period of dormancy during the winter, when the days are shorter and the temperatures are cooler.

Basic Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are stem and root rots, rust, powdery mildew, and aphids. These problems are typically caused by too much moisture or compacted soils. Stem and root rots can be controlled by pruning out affected areas and improving drainage. Rust can be controlled by minimizing leaf wetness and increasing air circulation. Powdery mildew can be controlled by minimizing leaf wetness and increasing air circulation. Aphids can be controlled by pruning out affected areas and using an insecticide.

Tips on Growing

  • Remember to water your cistus ladanifer regularly, as it is a drought-tolerant plant.
  • The plant prefers full sun but can tolerate some partial shade.
  • Cistus ladanifer is not frost-tolerant, so make sure to protect it from cold weather.
  • This plant is not picky about soil type, but it does need well-draining soil.
  • To encourage bushier growth, pinch back the tips of the stems.
  • If you want to harvest the plant's resin, do so in the summer months.
  • Be aware that cistus ladanifer can be invasive in some areas.
  • This plant is deer-resistant.
  • When grown in containers, cistus ladanifer can reach up to 3 feet in height.
  • Although it is not necessary, you can fertilize your cist

Substitution

  • Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) Common Mugwort, Common Wormwood, Chrysanthemum Weed, Cronewort, Artificial Wormwood, St. John's Herb, St. John's Plant, St. John's Wort, Smudegrass, White Mugwort, Psychedelic Wormwood
  • Marigold (Calendula officinalis) Common Marigold, English Marigold, Garden Marigold, Gold Bloom, Holligold, Marigold Flower, Pot Marigold, Ruddes, Ruddles, Scotch Marigold, Strip Marigold
  • Cypress Vine (Ipomoea quamoclit) Cupid's Vine, Cardinal Climber, Scarlet-Cup Morningglory, Hummingbird Vine, Scarlet Morningglory, Star Gloriosa
  • Redwood (Metasequoia glyptostroboides) Dawn

Source:
Crimson-spotted Rock Rose, Cistus ladanifer - University of …
Cistus ladanifer (Cistaceae) - HEAR species info
Labdanum Resin from Cistus ladanifer L.: A Natural and …

Richelle Author Photo
Reviewed & Published by Richelle
Submitted by our contributor
Climbers Category