Growing Hydrangeas in Pots: Choosing Varieties, Planting and Care
Hydrangeas grow well in pots when the variety, container and compost are chosen with their eventual size and moisture needs in mind. Learn how to plant, water, feed and protect...
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Cistus × pulverulentus ‘Sunset’
Rock Rose 'Sunset'
I hold the RHS | Award of Garden Merit
Cistus × pulverulentus ‘Sunset’ is a low spreading evergreen shrub, usually below 50cm high, with wavy grey-green foliage and clusters of rose-pink flowers centred in yellow. Its broad, low habit makes it particularly useful on sunny banks, at border edges or in gravel planting, where poor, freely drained soil suits it better than rich, wet ground.
✅ Rose-pink flowers sit neatly above grey-green foliage
✅ Low spreading habit is useful on banks and border edges
⚠️ Needs a sheltered site and must not sit wet in winter
Plant Details
Flowering Months
Size
- Max Height
- 0.1 m — 0.5 m
- Max Spread
- 0.5 m — 1.0 m
- Growth Habit
- Densely branched plant with compact, leafy, rounded overall shape.
Planting Position
- Sunlight Indicates how much direct sunlight the plant needs each day. Full sun means 6+ hours, part shade is filtered or morning sun, and full shade is little to no direct sun.
- Full Sun
- Aspect Aspect refers to the direction the planting spot faces (north, south, east or west). It affects light levels, warmth and exposure.
- South East
- Exposure Exposure describes how sheltered or exposed a plant’s position is, particularly to wind and weather.
- Sheltered
- Hardiness Hardiness indicates how well a plant tolerates cold conditions outdoors. Higher ratings generally mean greater frost tolerance.
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(−10 to −5 °C) Hardy in most of Ireland
Ideal Soil Conditions
- Soil Type Soil type describes the texture of the soil (clay, sand, loam, chalk). This affects drainage, nutrients and how roots grow.
- Soil Moisture Soil moisture tells you how wet or dry the soil should be for best growth. Match this to your garden conditions for healthier plants.
- Free draining
- Soil pH Soil pH measures how acidic or alkaline the soil is. It affects nutrient availability and can impact plant growth.
Plant Uses & Merits
- Uses
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- Coastal Areas
- Patios / Courtyards
- Flower Borders
- Against Wall
- Banks / Slopes
- Merits
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- Generally pest-free
- RHS | Award Of Garden Merit
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