Sage-leaved Rock-rose Plant Care

Sage-leaved Rock-rose (Cistus salviifolius) belongs to the Cistaceae family within the Cistus genus. Sage-leaved Rock-rose is also known as Salvia-leaved Rock-rose.

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

Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Sage-leaved Rock-rose 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.

Sage-leaved Rock-rose thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Cistus salviifolius tolerates temperatures of 50–80°F. Sage-leaved Rock-rose prefers humidity levels of 30–60%.

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

Feed Sage-leaved Rock-rose 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.

Sage-leaved Rock-rose 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.

Sage-leaved Rock-rose 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 Sage-leaved Rock-rose 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.

Sage-leaved Rock-rose 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.

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

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Sage-leaved Rock-rose 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.

Sage-leaved Rock-rose grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. In cooler regions, grow Sage-leaved Rock-rose as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.