Cistus corbariensis
Also known as Cistus hybridus (or Cistus x hybridus), this is one of the two most hardy cistuses. It and C. laurifolius survive winters which flat out kill all the other cistus species and varieties. From two to three feet high (potentially a couple of feet taller if it has something to mound up against or over) and spreading widely, it is an attractive mound of evergreen leaves all year. In summer the foliage can give off a pleasant resinous scent; in winter it takes on reddish, coppery, or purplish tones. The flowers, in spring and early summer, are like single, white roses, with yellow centers. At the end of each day, all of the petals on all of the flowers fall off and a whole new crop opens every morning. In this way, the plant always looks neat and tidy without any effort. Exceptionally drought tolerant and good for protecting and holding slopes and banks, this species will also block most weed growth, once it is well established. It thrives in full sun, but will still grow well and bloom nicely if shaded for up to a third of the day. Best in sandy or gravelly soils, it will take moderately heavier soils if planted on a slope.