Would you like to have a bush that was easy to maintain and also had very decorative white flowers? If so, we introduce you to the Rockrose, a shrubby plant that does not exceed three meters in height and, as if that were not enough, its beautiful leaves give off a very pleasant aroma.
Let us know what care do you need to look splendid.
Main characteristics of La Jara
Jara is a shrub native to southern Europe whose scientific name is cistus ladanifer. It grows to a maximum height of 3m, and has evergreen leaves, which means that they are kept throughout the year. It has a characteristic that makes it very unique, and that is that the upper branches, as well as the leaves and inflorescences, are covered by a viscous substance: labdanum, which was formerly used as a medicinal, but now it is used more as a fixative.
The flowers are large, 5-10cm in diameter, with a red spot at the base of the five petals. They can be pink, lilac, purple, yellow ..., although the most common is the white flower. They are very pretty, but unfortunately they only last open a few hours. But this is not a big problem, since it blooms in such quantity that you will see your Jara full of color throughout the spring and summer.
Jara care
This is a very easy plant to care for, as we will see below:
- Location: full sun, it can also be in semi-shade.
- Irrigation: occasionally, once or twice a week. It does not tolerate waterlogging. Irrigation water must be acidic (with a pH between 4 and 6). If it has a lot of lime, add the liquid of half a lemon to 1l of water and water with it. This way you make sure it doesn't have any problems.
- Soil or substrate: plant in acid soils, with a pH between 4 and 6.
- Pruning: in late winter, dead branches will be pruned. After flowering they will stand out so that it becomes more dense.
- Transplant: it does not respond well to transplants, so it is advisable to avoid it. If necessary, it will be done in spring, taking care not to manipulate the roots too much.
- Rusticity: it resists light frosts down to -3ºC.
What did you think of Jara? 🙂