Montpellier rock rose (narrow-leaved cistus) Cistus monspeliensis
Montpellier rock rose (narrow-leaved cistus) (Cistus monspeliensis) is an evergreen perennial shrub in the Cistaceae family, native to Mediterranean basin and the Canary Islands. It grows 60 cm–1.2 m (24 in–3.9 ft) tall and 60 cm–1.2 m (24 in–3.9 ft) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -10 °C (14 °F). Space plants about 80 cm (31 in) apart.
Plan Montpellier rock rose (narrow-leaved cistus) in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Montpellier rock rose (narrow-leaved cistus) at a glance
| Type | Perennial shrub, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Cistaceae |
| Mature height | 60 cm–1.2 m (24 in–3.9 ft) |
| Mature spread | 60 cm–1.2 m (24 in–3.9 ft) |
| Spacing | 80 cm (31 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 7 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance high, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 4.5–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -10 °C (14 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 8) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 42 °C (108 °F) |
| Flowering | from about April for 4–7 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Moderate |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Mediterranean basin and the Canary Islands |
| Common in gardens of | 🇪🇸 Spain, 🇵🇹 Portugal, 🇮🇹 Italy, 🇬🇷 Greece, 🇫🇷 France, 🇲🇦 Morocco, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇺🇸 United States |
Is Montpellier rock rose (narrow-leaved cistus) toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Not poisonous; the leaves are sticky with aromatic resin.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Montpellier rock rose (narrow-leaved cistus)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
Questions about Montpellier rock rose (narrow-leaved cistus)
- How far apart should I plant Montpellier rock rose (narrow-leaved cistus)?
- About 80 cm (31 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 60 cm–1.2 m (24 in–3.9 ft).
- Does Montpellier rock rose (narrow-leaved cistus) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 7 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Montpellier rock rose (narrow-leaved cistus) need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is high and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Montpellier rock rose (narrow-leaved cistus)?
- It tolerates about -10 °C (14 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 8.
- When does Montpellier rock rose (narrow-leaved cistus) flower?
- From about April for 4–7 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Montpellier rock rose (narrow-leaved cistus) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Not poisonous; the leaves are sticky with aromatic resin.
- What grows well with Montpellier rock rose (narrow-leaved cistus)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Montpellier rock rose (narrow-leaved cistus). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- RHS Find a Plant (plant profiles and growing guides), Royal Horticultural Society
- Euro+Med PlantBase, Botanic Garden and Botanical Museum Berlin
Notes and assumptions
- A summer-dry plant: water it through its first summer, then rarely or never; it wants sun, lean soil and sharp drainage, and is killed by summer irrigation and heavy clay more often than by drought.
- Narrow, dark, sticky leaves that perfume the maquis with resin on hot days, and clusters of small white flowers in spring. Likes acid, sandy soil; one of the toughest cistuses for hot, dry banks.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Grey-leaved cistus Cistus albidus
- Gum rockrose Cistus ladanifer
- Common rock rose (sun rose) Helianthemum nummularium
- Sage-leaved rock rose Cistus salviifolius
- Bigleaf hydrangea Hydrangea macrophylla
- Rhododendron Rhododendron
- Boxwood Buxus sempervirens
- Oleander Nerium oleander