Cistus × hybridus (syn. Cistus × corbariensis), the white rockrose, is a natural hybrid between Cistus populifolius and Cistus salviifolius. It takes its old name from Corbières, in southern France, where it was first described. It is an evergreen shrub reaching about 1 to 1.2 m tall and a little more across, with a dense, rounded habit. The leaves are small, oval to heart-shaped, wavy-edged and dark green, with a slightly wrinkled surface and a faint resinous scent.
The flowers are white with a bright yellow centre, about 4 to 5 cm across, and open from red-tinged buds in late spring and early summer. Each lasts only a day, but they come in generous succession over several weeks and are popular with bees.
It is one of the hardiest rockroses, tolerating about -10 to -15 °C (roughly zone 7 to 8), which makes it a good choice where Cistus × purpureus would struggle.
It needs full sun and poor, very well-drained soil, and it is drought tolerant once established. It resents heavy pruning into old wood, so just trim lightly after flowering, and expect a lifespan of 10 to 15 years.
It suits gravel gardens, rock gardens, banks and sunny, Mediterranean-style borders.