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Cistus creticus - Pink rock-rose, Cretan rock-rose

Updated: 10 hours ago

Explore Cistus creticus (Pink rock-rose) - its characteristics, habitat, cultivation, propagation, and medicinal and cosmetic uses.


Cistus creticus - Pink Rock Rose - Cretan rockrose

Cistus creticus | Botanical Characteristics

Common Names: Pink rock-rose, Cretan rock-rose

Family: Cistaceae

Appearance: It has aromatic, sticky leaves covered in glandular hairs and produces bright pink to purple flowers with crinkled petals and a yellow center.

Type: Perennial

Evergreen / Deciduous: Evergreen

Layer: Shrub

Root System: Features a wide-spreading, shallow root

Height: Up to 1 meter

Width: Approximately 1 meter

Lifespan: Typically 10-15 years

Growth Rate: Moderate

Fertility: Self-fertile

Flowers: Hermaphroditic

Pollinator: Bees and other pollinators

Toxicity: Not known hazards

Cistus creticus | Habitat and Cultivation

Range

  • Native Range: Mediterranean region (Greece, Turkey, Aegean islands)

  • Companionship: Often found with Mediterranean shrubs and herbs

  • Invasive Range: Not widely reported as invasive

  • USDA Hardiness Zone: 7 - 10

  • Minimum Chill Hours Required: None specified

Resistance/Tolerance

  • Poor Soil: High tolerance

  • Drought: High tolerance

  • Shade: Low tolerance

  • Flood: Low tolerance

  • Wind: Moderate tolerance

  • Maritime: Moderate tolerance

  • Air Pollution: Moderate tolerance

  • Fire: Moderate tolerance

Thriving Conditions

  • Sun Exposure: Full sun

  • Soil Moisture: Prefers dry to moderately moist conditions

  • Soil Type: Well-drained, sandy or rocky soils

  • Soil PH: Prefers slightly acidic to neutral (6.0 - 7.5)

Propagation

  • Seeds: Require cold stratification

  • Cuttings: Yes

Cistus creticus | Functional Uses and Benefits

Edible: Not typically used as an edible plant

Medicinal: Used in traditional medicine for its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties

Cosmetics: Labdanum extract used in perfumes and creams

Animal Feed: Not typically used as animal feed

Fiber: Not used for fiber

Timber: Not used for timber

Firewood: Not typically used for firewood

Wind Break: Can serve as a windbreak in its native regions

Fence: Can be used as a barrier plant due to its dense growth

Cover Crop: Not used as a cover crop

Mulch: Not typically used as mulch

Nitrogen Fixer: No

Dynamic Accumulator: No significant data available

Pollinator Attractor: Yes, attracts bees and other pollinators

Pest Repellent: Not typically known as a pest repellent

Wildlife Supporter: Provides habitat for various small animals and insects

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