Re: Black spots on Cistus populifolius

Bonjour Gordon,

Good idea to plant Cistus populifolius. Where do the seeds come from ? If
you have collected them in the Cevennes or at Fontfroide, near where you
live, you have Cistus populifolius var populifolius. If you have collected
them in Spain, it is Cistus populifolius var major, with even larger leaves
and more wavy margins.

I have never seen any fungus attack on natural poulations of Cistus in the
wild. Cistus live in dry conditions and poor well drained soil, conditions
which generally prevent fungus. Often when planted in gardens Cistus can
have fungus problems, because they are watered or fertilized by zealous
garneners or because the soil is not well enough drained. Usually the fungus
is a Phytophtora : branches die back and the whole plant can often die. The
black spots could come though from another fungus than Phytophtora. If you
want a serious analysis, you can ask the Laboratoire du Service de la
Protection de Vegetaux in Montpellier, tel : 0467101950, fax : 0467031021
(cost of analysis : 75 Francs).

Here we have a Cistus collection in our garden. No fungus problem, but we
never water the plants. If you like Cistus, come and have a look next April
or May : over 200 different species and cultivars of Cistus and Halimium
planted in that section of the garden, a nice sight when in full bloom !

Olivier
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