Cistus Populifolius (Poplar-leaved Rock Rose)

Though each flower only lasts a day, from early to late summer, the red sepals of the buds open to reveal crinkly white tissue paper flowers with bright yellow stamens. Bees love them. The evergreen foliage is aromatic and the plant could reach 1 to 1.5m where it is happy.

Grow this in full sun on well drained, even poor soils - think Mediterranean. They dislike root disturbance, heavy pruning and limey soils. Can be short lived.

N.B. When clipping several plants with the same tool, have a bucket containing a 5% bleach solution and swish your blades around for 30 seconds between plants to sterilise them. This will help avoid the chance of cross contamination of disease.

As with all woody plants, plant high, exposing as much of the taper at the base of the trunk as possible. Allowing soil to accumulate round the base of a tree can be fatal. Keep very well watered when first planted.