Cistus Ladaniferus

Gum Rockrose / Labdanum Cistus

Botanical Name: Cistus ladanifer (incl. forms with/without maroon blotches)
Family: Cistaceae
Origin: Western Mediterranean (Portugal, Spain, Morocco)
Plant Type: Evergreen shrub

Overview

A sun-loving Mediterranean shrub grown for its huge, crinkled white flowers (often with maroon blotches) and aromatic, resinous foliage. In Adelaide/South Australia it excels in full sun, heat and poor, free-draining soils, making an easy, drought-resilient feature for gravel/Mediterranean borders, coastal second-line sites and hot slopes. Best grown lean—too much water or fertiliser shortens its life.

Key Features

• Mature Size: 1.2–2 m H × 1–2 m W (rounded mound)
• Growth Rate: 20-40 cm per year under good conditions
• Foliage: Narrow, glossy to sticky dark-green leaves with a warm labdanum (resin) scent; holds well through summer
• Flowers: Very large white, tissue-paper blooms with golden centres, commonly with maroon blotches (spotless forms exist); main flush late spring–early summer, with scattered blooms into early summer
  
• Seasonal Interest: Showy late spring display; neat evergreen outline year-round
• Wildlife Value: Bee-friendly nectar/pollen; summer refuge for beneficial insects
• Tolerance: Drought-tolerant once established, heat- and wind-tolerant; second-line coastal OK (salt-laden breezes); light–moderate frost hardy (protect from severe black frosts in exposed Hills pockets); dislikes humidity and winter waterlogging
• Planting Density: Informal hedge/border: 1.0–1.2 m centres; Mass: 1–2 plants/m²; Specimen: allow 1.5–2 m clearance
• Pet Friendly: No known toxicity; sticky resin can cling to fur—ingestion of any plant may cause mild tummy upset

Where It Works Best

• Sunlight: Full sun (essential for compact growth and best flowering)
• Soil: Free-draining sandy/loam or gravelly calcareous soils common on the Adelaide Plains; raise/mound on clay to avoid winter wet; keep soils lean
• Water Needs: Establishment: 2 deep soaks/week for 8–12 weeks. Established: deep soak every 3–4 weeks in summer (weekly in heatwaves); minimal to none in winter—avoid soggy conditions
• Maintenance: Light tip-prune immediately after flowering to keep bushy (don’t cut into old wood); avoid heavy fertiliser; refresh gravel/mulch to keep crown dry
• Lifespan: 8–12+ years in lean, free-draining sit
• Climate Zones: Temperate & Mediterranean SA—excellent on Adelaide Plains and second-line coastal; choose a well-drained, frost-sheltered spot in the Hills
• Soil pH: Neutral to alkaline (tolerates slightly acid)

Landscape & Design Ideas

• Coastal/Mediterranean gravel borders with rosemary, lavender & grasses
• Hot, sunny slopes and driveway islands where water is scarce

• Low-care feature shrub or informal hedge with spring “wow”

Why You Will Love It

Gorgeous papery white flowers, perfumed resinous foliage, and a love of sun, heat and poor soils—a perfect set-and-forget Mediterranean for Adelaide gardens.