I have acquired a tiny start of a Rock Rose. I can find nothing in my gardening books about it. I have it planted in a pot and throughout the winter the leaves have never gotten very big and always seem to shrivel. Does anyone have any information on this plant?

Dear Jan:

I don't know whether you might be referring to orchid rockroses, genus Cistus. If so, the Sunset guide to western gardening has a good section on Cistus. I think they are mostly suited to mild-winter climates. Good luck!

There are many varities of cistus. All of them are very drought tolerant. They are good in the ground where sprinklers don't reach. Too much water will kill them. I grow several of them in my Southern California sandy soil.