How to Grow Cistus Sunset - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2025

Cistus sunset is a plant that is native to the Mediterranean region. It is a member of the family Cistaceae, which includes about 30 species of flowering plants. The plant grows to a height of 1–2 meters and has small, white, five-petaled flowers that bloom in the summer. The leaves are green and have a crinkled appearance. The plant is drought-tolerant and can grow in poor, rocky soils.

How to Grow Cistus Sunset - Plant Care & Tips

Also known as

  • Cistus laurifolius
  • Cistus parviflorus
  • Cistus heterophyllus
  • Cistus monspeliensis
  • Cistus montbretii

Basic info

  • Cistus sunset is a species of flowering plant in the family Cistaceae.
  • It is native to the Mediterranean region.
  • It is a shrub growing to 1–3 m tall.
  • The leaves are evergreen, oblong-lanceolate, 5–12 cm long and 2–5 cm broad.
  • The flowers are white, 3–5 cm diameter, with five petals.
  • The fruit is a capsule containing numerous seeds.
  • It is one of the few species of Cistus that is not a nitrogen-fixer.
  • It is often used as an ornamental plant.
  • It is drought-tolerant and tolerates poor soils.
  • It is susceptible to fungal diseases such as powdery mildew.

Related plant:
Cistus Pulverulentus

Planting Process

  1. For cistus sunset, first step is to grow your own. You can grow cistus sunset from seed, or you can purchase plants from a nursery.
  2. Sunset cistus need full sun and well-drained soil.
  3. Plant cistus sunset in the spring, after all danger of frost has passed.
  4. Space plants 2-3 feet apart.
  5. Sunset cistus have a tap root, so be sure to plant them at the same depth they were growing in the container.
  6. Water regularly, especially during hot, dry weather.
  7. Fertilize cistus sunset in the spring with a balanced fertilizer.
  8. In the fall, cut back cistus sunset by one-third to one-half.
  9. Sunset cistus are generally carefree and do not require much pruning.
  10. Enjoy the beautiful flowers of cistus sunset all summer long!

Soil Condition

About soil condition, cistus Sunset prefers well-drained soil, and Sunset is not particular about soil type or pH. It will grow in sandy soil, clay soil, and even chalky soil. The only thing this plant cannot tolerate is soggy soil, which will quickly lead to root rot. Sunset does best in full sun, but it will also tolerate some light shade.

Light condition

Not too different with other plants, cistus sunset requires sun light in order to grow properly. The sun provides the energy that the plant needs to produce food. Without enough sun, the plant will not be able to produce enough food to sustain itself and will eventually die.

Good Temperature

The temperature condition of cistus sunset is perfect for the plant to grow. The plant needs a lot of sunlight and the temperature should be warm. The plant cannot tolerate frost and the temperature should not be too cold.

Ideal Humidity

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is around 50%. During the hot summer days, the plant may drops its leaves if the humidity is too low. If the humidity is too high, the plant may develop root rot.

Fertilizer Requirement

Mentioning fertilizer, this kind of plant doesn't need too much. In fact, too much fertilizer will probably result in fewer flowers. An all-purpose fertilizer applied a few times during the growing season is adequate. When planting, work some organic matter into the soil to help with drainage. With regard to the roots, this plant has a fibrous root system.

Light requirement

Pruning your cistus sunset plant is important to keeping it healthy and looking its best. You should prune away any dead or dying branches, as well as any branches that are rubbing against each other. You can also prune to shape the plant, or to encourage new growth. When pruning, be sure to use clean, sharp pruning shears.

The Propagation

Propagation is best done from seed, which can be sown in spring, or by taking root cuttings in late summer. Sow seed in a well-drained seed-starting mix and cover lightly with ¼ inch of soil. Keep the soil moist but not wet and place in a warm, sunny spot. Seedlings will emerge in two to three weeks. To take root cuttings, use a sharp knife to take 4-inch cuttings from new growth. Remove the bottom leaves and stick the cuttings into a well-drained potting mix. Keep the soil moist and place in a warm, sunny spot. Cuttings should root in four to six weeks.

Plant Growth

Usually, the plant growth rate is determined by the plant's environment and its genetics. However, there are ways to encourage faster growth rates in cistus sunset. For example, using a higher concentration of fertilizer can help the plant to grow faster. Additionally, keeping the plant in an area with more sunlight can also promote faster growth.

The Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are powdery mildew, rust, and aphids. For powdery mildew, you can treat it with a fungicide. For rust, you can use a fungicide or neem oil. For aphids, you can use an insecticide or soap spray.

Growing Tips

  • Make sure to plant cistus sunset in an area that gets full sun.
  • It is important to well-draining soil when growing cistus sunset.
  • Be sure to water your cistus sunset regularly.
  • Fertilize your cistus sunset every few months.
  • Prune your cistus sunset regularly to encourage new growth.
  • Be sure to deadhead spent flowers on your cistus sunset.
  • Pests and diseases are not a major problem for cistus sunset, but be sure to watch for scale and powdery mildew.
  • Cistus sunset is a heat-loving plant, so it is a good choice for gardens in warm climates.
  • This plant is somewhat drought-tolerant, but it will perform best with regular watering.
  • Cistus sunset is a relatively low-maintenance plant, making

Similar Plants

  • Chrysanthemum maximum
  • Terminalia catappa
  • Salix babylonica
  • Anthurium clarinervium
  • Hoya kerrii
  • Punica granatum
  • Passiflora actinia
  • Dianthus caryophyllus
  • Aquilegia vulgaris
  • Alternanthera ficoidea

Source:
Cistus x hybridus (Rock Rose, White Rockrose) | North Carolina ...
Plants of the Bible - ODU Plant Site
(PDF) Use of Cistus aqueous extracts as botanical ... - Academia.edu

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