Rockrose : a low-growing shrub

Many perennial flowering plants add beauty to gardens. Some "exotic" types are harder to grow in certain climates. Rockrose is one of these. It thrives in winter gardens or greenhouses, and in warmer southern areas.

Rockrose belongs to the Cistaceae family. Gardeners may know it as rock rose, stone rose, labdanum, or cistus. The name "rock rose" comes from the flowers' resemblance to wild roses.

This perennial became a popular garden plant in Europe around the early 1800s. It then spread to other continents. Today, rockrose decorates gardens and flower beds. It also has uses in different industries.

Some rockrose types face endangerment. They appear on the Red Book list of protected species.