Palmensis Rockrose Plant Care

Palmensis Rockrose (Cistus palmensis) belongs to the Cistaceae family within the Cistus genus. Palmensis Rockrose is native to the island of La Palma in the Canary Islands.

Palmensis Rockrose displays a low spreading shrub growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 4 ft. Palmensis Rockrose produces showy, 5-petaled flowers in shades of pink, white, or purple.

Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Palmensis Rockrose every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Palmensis Rockrose thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Cistus palmensis tolerates temperatures of 50–80°F. Palmensis Rockrose prefers humidity levels of 30–60%.

Well-draining sandy soil mix with added perlite for improved drainage. Good drainage is essential for Palmensis Rockrose to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Palmensis Rockrose every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining sandy soil mix with added perlite for improved drainage. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Palmensis Rockrose is suited to USDA Zone 12a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Palmensis Rockrose can spread to about 4 ft (1.2 m) and reach about 3 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 4 ft (1.2 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Palmensis Rockrose while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Palmensis Rockrose is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Palmensis Rockrose can be propagated through softwood cuttings, semi-hardwood cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to clusius' rockrose plant care, which shares the same genus.

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Palmensis Rockrose is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, whiteflies. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Palmensis Rockrose grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Palmensis Rockrose is native to the island of La Palma in the Canary Islands. In cooler regions, grow Palmensis Rockrose as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.