Cistus x purpureus 'Sunset' Magenta Rock Rose
Best low-maintenance shrub for resilient, waterwise coastal or desert landscaping.
The Cistus x purpureus 'Sunset' Magenta Rock Rose offers vibrant, showy color with abundant bright pink flowers from late spring through fall. Its compact, mounding form is ideal for low dividers or lining driveways, and it thrives in challenging conditions. This evergreen shrub tolerates poor soil, desert heat, and salt spray, making it a resilient choice for coastal or arid landscapes. Once established, it requires minimal watering, providing year-round visual interest with its attractive foliage and reliable blooms.
$44.99
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
61
/ 2656
#61 in Plants
Price vs Category Average
+3%
Above average
Mature Height
3
/ feet
Who it's for
- Homeowners dealing with persistent deer and rabbit browsing
- Gardeners seeking high-impact, vibrant spring color
- Xeriscaping enthusiasts living in arid, water-restricted regions
Who should skip it
- Gardeners looking for permanent, long-term landscape fixtures
- Beginners who prefer low-maintenance, forgiving pruning requirements
- Gardeners working with heavy, moisture-retaining clay soils
Performance breakdown
Drought Tolerance
Thrives in arid conditions with minimal supplemental water once fully established.
Bloom Duration
Provides consistent, vibrant color from late spring well into autumn.
Environmental Resilience
Handles salt spray and poor soil quality with impressive, rugged ease.
Maintenance Requirements
A low-effort shrub that demands very little pruning or constant attention.
Pest Resistance
Reliably deters deer, making it a safe choice for vulnerable landscapes.
Year-Round Appeal
Evergreen foliage maintains structural interest long after the flowers fade.
Key Specs
Mature Height
3 feet
Mature Width
8 feet
Light Needs
Full Sun
Foliage Color
Gray, Green
Bloom Time
Late Spring to Early Fall
Hardiness Zone
8
Container Size
2 gallon
Features
- Showy bright pink flowers bloom late spring to fall
- Compact, mounding form for borders and dividers
- Tolerates desert heat and poor soil
- Resistant to salt spray for coastal areas
- Evergreen foliage provides year-round interest
- Drought tolerant once established
- Low maintenance waterwise plant
- Deer resistant
What customers say
Consumers consistently praise the exceptional quality and reliability of the 'Sunset' Magenta Rock Rose. Reviewers frequently highlight its robust nature, noting how well the plant establishes itself even in challenging, dry conditions, making it a highly dependable choice for xeriscaping or difficult garden spots. The vibrant magenta blooms and striking dark foliage offer significant visual impact, exceeding expectations for garden design and curb appeal. This Cistus variety is seen as a premium, high performing addition to the landscape.
Know before you buy
Since this shrub reaches a mature width of 8 feet, you should space them at least 6 to 8 feet apart if you want them to grow into a continuous, dense hedge.
Once established, the Magenta Rock Rose is highly drought-tolerant. You will only need to provide supplemental water during extreme heat or prolonged dry spells.
Yes, this variety is specifically noted for its resistance to salt spray, making it an excellent choice for coastal landscapes where other plants might struggle.
While no plant is completely deer-proof, this variety is generally avoided by deer due to its foliage texture and characteristics, making it a reliable choice for areas with high deer traffic.
While it is best suited for landscape borders, you can grow it in a large container provided it has excellent drainage and receives full sun. Keep in mind that container-grown plants require more frequent watering than those planted in the ground.
This plant thrives in poor soil, so you do not need to amend the ground with heavy fertilizers. The most important requirement is well-draining soil, as it does not tolerate sitting in wet, boggy conditions.
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$45