Rock Rose, Tauric (Cistus incanus tauricus), packet of 20 seeds, Organic
$4.95
Family: Rock-rose (Cistaceae)
Hardy to Zones 7 to 11
Bushy evergreen perennial, native to the Mediterranean basin, flowers showy, rose-purple, to 40 inches tall. The flowers dot the bush in a most comely manner, spacing themselves carefully, as if one flower does not wish to touch the next, but then they drop their petals and a new conformation of different flowers occurs the next morning. The show goes on and on through the summer. Traditionally (TWM): dried aerial parts of the plant used in therapies against viral infections and Lyme disease. The herb demonstrates an ability to break down biofilms. Plant prefers dry, sandy or rocky soils in the full sun. Press seeds into surface of potting soil and keep moist and cool until germination, which takes 14 days. Space plants 2 to 3 feet apart.
20 seeds per packet, certified organically grown
In stock
Question
Dr Jeff Sullender –
I am searching for the mediterranean Rock Rose that is reputed to have such a high concentration of polyphenols and other health benefits, making it a healthy tea. I always come to your website first. I am “confused” by the “tauricus” variety. How do I know if this IS the variety of which so much is spoken or it is another variety?
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Richo Cech –
Hello Dr Sullender,
I think you might be thinking of the very resinous species Cistus ladanifer or C. creticus that were used to produce labdanum. That’s not what these are–the tea of our Cistus incanus is much like black tea, has astringency, a listed medicinal plant, is not particularly high in resin or essential oil. Hope that helps.
Richo
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Question
Michelle –
Can I grow these in Idaho 5a zone?
If not outside can I grow them indoors!
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Richo Cech –
Hello Michelle, Rock rose is winter hardy to zone 7. In Idaho you can grow these as an annual or pot them up and bring indoors for the winter. They are quite compact and make good potted plants. Richo
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Question
Jenni –
Do you post to Australia ?
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Richo Cech –
Hi Jenni, So sorry, we can no longer post to Australia! Australian AQIS has taken it upon themselves to destroy or return all seed shipments.
Richo
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Tara (verified owner) –
Recommendation for soil for potted sprouts?
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Richo Cech –
the standard fast-draining mix is fine–i have mine in 4 inches of sand over mineral soil and they are currently in glorious flower. r
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Tara stephens (verified owner) –
Can you explain mineral soil to me?
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Richo Cech –
Mineral soil is unamended soil as it occurs in nature. Clay, sandy loam, etc. are all mineral soils.
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Question
Anita Porterfield –
Could you please post a picture of the rock rose flowers. Thanks.
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Admin Richo Cech –
This is a relatively new plant for us, and we have a nice set of them in the field. They have not flowered yet, and when they do, I will post!
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Jim –
Hi Richo, just purchased six plants.
Will it be okay to plant them in the ground here in Monterey Calif. Zone 10A in December?
Jim
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Richo Cech –
Hi Jim, Good timing, you got in just under the wire. The tauric rock roses are evergreen perennials for me here in a Z8 and so in Monterey (beautiful place, by the way!) they should be good winter growers. We do recommend planting them first to gallons and growing on for a few weeks that way to size them up prior to transplant, but I know a lot of people just go ahead and transplant them immediately. These are pretty robust, I have faith in them. Richo
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Susie –
You did not mention the intoxicating fragrance of the leaves, which are also covered in a type of resin. These were my favorite flowering bush when I lived in San Jose, California. Now that I’m in Florida, will give it a try. I’ll report back with my success! Love these flowering plants!
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Susie –
Oh, and I forgot to mention. I dried the leaves and put them in a spice box with cinnamon sticks and other spices. It lasted forever until the fire took it away.
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Question
Allegra Chesnut –
Do you plant out the seedlings after germination or grow them in successively larger pots for some length of time before transplanting? How long before they reach full size in ideal conditions?
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Admin Richo Cech –
Standard horticultural technique potting up to larger pots, with maturity in fall of second year.
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Tony –
Is this a Cistus with aromatic, resinous foliage? Some Cistus are used for essential oil and oleoresin/absolutes in perfumes.
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Admin Richo Cech –
Hi tony, Yes, this is both a medicinal plant and a culinary herb. It is aromatic! Richo
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Krysia –
Richo, may I plant the cistus and harvest it in the first year? I am in the zone 5b
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Admin Richo Cech –
Hi Krysia,
If your’s is growing as slowly as is mine, then I think iuts a stretch to think there would be a harvest in the first year. BTW I put some in moist mulch and they died, and planted others in rock and sand and they are thriving!
Richo
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Michelle (verified owner) –
I purchased these seeds from you two seasons ago and although the bush is huge, I haven’t seen any flowers yet. How long do flowers normally take to pop up? And for resin production on leaves? Thanks.
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Richo Cech –
Hi Michelle,
Not sure where you’re located but here in S. Oregon these bloomed freely starting in spring of second year. I was actually just going out to try to catch a photo of them, as they are blooming in concord with Echinacea tennesseensis and it is quite a display. I imagine you can use the leaves any time from second year onwards although I haven’t worked with them yet myself. Often if perennials don’t flower as expected in the spring they’ll do a surprise show come fall. i hope that happens with your’s.
Richo
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michelle (verified owner) –
Thanks. Im in northern FL, rock roses grow fast and well, but dont want to bloom. Leaves are not resinous yet.
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Elizabeth –
Will these grow in zones 6a-b?
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Richo Cech –
Hi Elizabeth, You could grow them as an annual but they don’t make flowers until the second year. Zone 6 is too cold for them.
Richo
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FE –
Hi there,
Can these be planted in zone 8b? If so when s the best time to plant them and should the seedlings be germinated indoors before doing so? Thank you.
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Richo Cech –
Hello FE, Thanks for contacting. If you click on the picture it gives you the monograph that has the zones listed. 8b is pretty much ideal for these. Any woody perennial of this sort is going to be way easier to grow using standard greenhouse technique and working up in pots. Direct-seeding would be a long shot I think. I’m already planting the seeds up here but I would suggest going for the potted plants, you would get a year jump on the equation. Richo
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FE –
Hi Richo, This is excellent. Thank you very much for this! Would the potted plants survive if i left them outside from present day onward or would it be best to bring them and or keep them inside? Can these plants be kept indoors? Can you email me or do you mind telling me where abouts you are? Richo on behalf of many others thank you very much for your expertise and very quick communication. Im proud of you and thank you!
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Richo Cech –
Hi FE, No prob, its a pleasure. If you order plants now they won’t ship until spring and you can set them out at that time. right now would not be a good idea, would suffer. richo
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Question
Amy (verified owner) –
Could you provide references or related articles for the use of rock rose for Lyme Disease??
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Admin Richo Cech –
there are many. http://www.greenmedinfo.com/article/cistus-creticus-extract-has-growth-inhibitory-effect-against-borrelia-burgdorf
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Terry –
Dr Dietrich Klinghardt is using cistus in his treatment of Lyme patients. He has much good info available on line if you search “Klinghardt” and “cistus.”
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Question
Lily –
What season is suitable for planting Rock Rose in Guangxi province China?
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Admin Richo Cech –
Spring.
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