They are perennial shrubs found on dry or rocky soils throughout the Mediterranean region from Morocco and Portugal through to the Middle East and also on the Canary Islands.
"Cistus salviifolius 'Prostratus' (Sageleaf Rockrose) - A low spreading evergreen shrub growing about 2 feet tall by 6 to 8 feet wide. Gray-green foliage looks wrinkled like a sageleaf. In spring appear the 1 1/2" wide white flowers with orange yellow stamens in the center and a yellow spot at the base of each petal. Plant in full sun in a well-drained soil and irrigate occasionally to very little. Cold hardy to about 18 degrees F. This is a great drought tolerant plant for securing sloped areas or other difficult areas. Its low ground-hugging nature makes it a good candidate for areas where a low fuel fire resistant plant is needed in the landscape. Cistus salviifolius is widespread through the Mediterranean Sea basin both throughout southern Europe east to Turkey and North Africa in Algeria, Libya, Morocco and Tunisia. The name Cistus is from the Greek word "kistos" which was the name originally used to describe the plant in ancient Greece. The specific epithet "salviifolius" means foliage like a sage. This plant is sometimes eroneously listed as Cistus villosus prostratus, a name of no botanical standing. Cistus villosus and Cistus incanus are synonyms of Cistus creticus. This description is based on research and observations of this plant as it grows in our nursery, in our nursery garden and in other gardens that we visit. We also incorporate comments received and appreciate getting feedback of any kind from those who have any additional information about this plant, particularly if they disagree with what we have written or if they have additional cultural tips that would aid others in growing Cistus salvifolius 'Prostratus'." (smgrowers.com)
Cistus salviifolius cultivated in the nursery industry, and grown in gardens and public landscapes, often for its drought-tolerant and pollinator habitat attributes.