What is this bush? (forum)

Cat Catrell starts with ...
I have this bush growing in my backyard and it has been here longer than I have lived here, which is over 10 years. The leaves are small and a bit sticky to the touch. It's about 1.5 metres high and about 2 metres wide. I am in Canberra and it tolerates frost well. It's in semi-shade.

The flowers are simply amazing and it is in full bloom now it's mid October (although I think it's two weeks early this year). The blooms are bright candy pink with a bright yellow centre and they have 5 dark spots of maroon and are about 8cm across. It doesn't do much the rest of the year and can look a bit plain, but this time of the year it's just gorgeous. Does anyone know what it is please? It looks a bit Azeleaish, but I really wouldn't have a clue. I hope someone can help because I'd like to try and find another.
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Time: 19th October 2014 6:25pm

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Original Post was last edited: 19th October 2014 6:25pm
About the Author Cat Catrell
Canberra
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Julie 1 says...
It's a Cistus, known as rock rose. Very hardy - mine hasn't been fed or watered for years! Good luck finding another.

Time: 20th October 2014 12:06pm

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About the Author Julie
Roleystone WA
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TMary says...
Should be easy to strike; I had a yellow one once.

Time: 20th October 2014 12:14pm

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About the Author TMary
Neutral Bay NSW
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MaryT1 says...
Best check the botanic name and see a picture of the flowers before your buy, Cat Catrell, as 'rock rose' is a common name for a few flowers. Also if you buy seeds from ebay you may find that when the seeds germinate (if they do) they are not what you want. Buyers Beware.

If you already have a bush why not strike some cuttings? It would give you new bushes much quicker than growing from seeds. Anyway small plants are readily available from nurseries (in Sydney anyway).

Time: 21st October 2014 9:41am

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About the Author MaryT1
Sydney
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Cat Catrell says...
A rock rose ahy?
Just found seeds for them on e-bay. A white variety and a yellow one.
Thanks for your answers.

Time: 21st October 2014 9:38pm

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Original Post was last edited: 21st October 2014 9:38pm
About the Author Cat Catrell
Canberra
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Cat Catrell says...
I don't know how to 'strike' (stick a bit in water?)I don't know but I guess there is youtube and google for that. Thanks again guys. It's been driving me nuts for years not knowing what it was :)

Time: 23rd October 2014 2:51pm

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About the Author Cat Catrell
Canberra
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MaryT1 says...
Cat Catrell this might help you:

http://www.abc.net.au/gardening/stories/s3572642.htm

or you can google "growing cistus from cutting" and you'll find lots of information on the subject.

Time: 23rd October 2014 3:13pm

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About the Author MaryT1
Sydney
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