Cistus creticus var corsicus

Shrub of the Cistaceae family, this variety is endemic to Corsica, where it constitutes one of the characteristic elements of the island maquis. It occupies rocky slopes, open garrigues, edges of pine forests, and sunny embankments, mainly on siliceous granite or schist substrates, from sea level up to about 800 meters altitude. It thrives in dry, acidic, poor, and well-drained soils, in full exposure.

It is a compact shrub, reaching 50 to 100 centimeters in height, with a rounded and dense habit. The leaves are oval to elliptical, rough and sticky to the touch due to the presence of resinous glands secreting labdanum, a powerful and characteristic balsamic aroma that permeates the warm air of the Corsican maquis in summer. Their upper side is dark green and embossed, the underside lighter and tomentose.

The flowers are purplish-pink to lilac-purple, with five crumpled petals often marked with a small darker basal spot, centered with a cluster of yellow stamens. This cool and sustained hue, quite characteristic, distinctly sets apart this island variety of rockrose with a more frankly pink bloom.

In its natural habitat, its flowering extends from April to June.

In cultivation, it requires well-drained, dry, acidic to neutral soil, in full sun, with good resistance to summer drought. Not very hardy, it has difficulty enduring prolonged frosts below -8°C.