Montpelier Cistus
Cistus monspeliensis
- Native to:
- Algeria, Baleares, Canary Is., Corse, Cyprus, France, Greece, Italy, Kriti, Madeira, Morocco, NW. Balkan Pen., Portugal, Sardegna, Sicilia, Spain, Tunisia, Türkiye
H. Zell
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Cistaceae
- Genus:
- Cistus
- Species:
- Cistus monspeliensis
- USDA Symbol:
- CIMO7
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Shrub , Subshrub
- Height:
- 150 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- apr,may,jun
- Bloom Colors:
- white
- Landscaping Shrub:
- Yes
Wildlife Benefits
- Bees:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- bees, butterflies
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
- Salt Tolerant:
- Yes
- Fragrant:
- Yes
- Fire Ecology:
- Requires fire for germination
- Fire Notes:
- Montpelier cistus is a fire-adapted Mediterranean shrub that resprouts after fire; seeds show enhanced germination following heat or smoke treatment, typical of fire-prone maquis ecosystems.
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- sandy, nutrient-poor, well-drained soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- native to Mediterranean regions; prefers dry, rocky soils
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- None required
- Germination Time:
- 14–30 days
- Notes:
- Seeds germinate readily with light and warmth; fire or heat treatment can improve germination rates.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI