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'
Width Range
1-3'
Flower Color
White
Flower Season
n/a
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
Mediterranean, Ranch, Spanish
Accenting Features
Showy Flowers
Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer
Location Uses
Perennial Border, Foundation, Parking Strip, Patio, Park, Parking Lot, Raised Planter, Roadside, Walkways, With Rocks
Special Uses
Erosion Control, Filler, Mass Planting
Attracts Wildlife
n/a
Water Saving Tip:
Dig-up patches of weeds and undesirable grasses from turf areas.
Use water to grow the turf you want, not the weeds you don't want! Once you have eliminated what you don't want, add sod or over-seed to repair the bare areas.