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A shrub of the Cistaceae family, Cistus purpureus is considered a natural hybrid between Cistus ladanifer and Cistus creticus, originating from the western Mediterranean basin. It is found spontaneously in the open garrigues and maquis of the Iberian Peninsula and southern France, on dry and well-drained substrates, in full sun exposure. It is also one of the most cultivated cistuses in Mediterranean gardens and sunny rockeries in temperate regions.
It forms a rounded and dense shrub, reaching 80 to 120 centimeters in height. The leaves are oval to elliptical, grayish-green, slightly hairy and sticky, releasing a discreet resinous fragrance when crushed.
The flowers are large and very ornamental, deep pink-purple to violet-pink, each petal bearing at its base a well-defined burgundy to brown-purple spot, which strongly contrasts with the center filled with yellow stamens. This pattern of five spots arranged in a star around the stamens is the most striking feature of the species and allows for unambiguous identification.
In its natural habitat, its flowering extends from May to July. In cultivation, it often begins in April-May.
It requires a well-drained soil, dry to fresh, neutral to slightly acidic, in full sun. Its hardiness is moderate, tolerating occasional frosts down to about -10°C in well-drained soil.