Cistus pulverulentus is a small, evergreen shrub with a dense, compact habit. It is covered in small, white, papery flowers from late spring to early summer. The leaves are dark green and heavily veined. This plant is native to the Mediterranean region and is drought tolerant.
Related plant:
Cistus Corbariensis
About soil condition, cistus pulverulentus grows on well-drained soils, including sandy soils, in full sun. It is tolerant of drought, negligent watering and poor soils. It is not tolerant of waterlogging.
Not too different with other members of the Cistaceae family, Cistus pulverulentus requires full sun to partial sun in order to thrive. The sun helps the plant to produce the oils that give it its unique smell. It also helps to keep the plant's leaves from getting too scorched in the heat of the summer.
The temperature condition of cistus pulverulentus is relatively warm and dry. The plant prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Cistus pulverulentus is drought tolerant and can tolerate some light frost. However, the plant will not tolerate heavy frost or prolonged freezing temperatures.
Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 50-60%. The plant will do well in most homes as long as the air is not too dry. Brown tips on the leaves are a sign that the air is too dry. The plant should be watered when the soil feels dry to the touch. Over-watering can cause the leaves to turn yellow and drop off.
About fertilizer, this type of plant benefits from a good amount of fertilizer during the growing season. A granular fertilizer applied around the base of the plant in early spring, followed by a second application in midsummer, is all that is needed. Be sure to Scratching the fertilizer into the root zone of the plant.
Pruning is an important part of keeping your cistus pulverulentus healthy and looking its best. Pruning helps to encourage new growth, keep the plant tidy and compact, and can even help to prevent disease. When pruning, be sure to remove any dead or damaged branches, as well as any branches that are rubbing against each other. It is also a good idea to prune back any branches that are growing too close to the ground.
Propagation of cistus pulverulentus is best done by softwood or semi-ripe cuttings taken in late spring or early summer. The cuttings should be around 10-15cm in length and taken from the current year's growth. Use a sharp knife or secateurs to make a clean cut just below a leaf node. Remove the lower leaves from the cutting, leaving around 2-3 leaves at the top. Dip the cutting into a rooting hormone powder or gel and then insert it into a well-drained growing medium. I like to use a mix of 50% perlite and 50% peat moss. Water well and place the cutting in a bright, warm spot but out of direct sunlight. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged and within a few weeks, you should see new growth appearing. Once the plant is established, water it less frequently.
Usually, the plant growth rate is determined by its environment. The amount of light, water, and nutrients in the soil all affect how fast the plant will grow. In general, cistus pulverulentus grows best in well-drained soils in full sun.
Common problems for this kind of plant are pests, diseases, and nutrient deficiencies. Pests such as aphids, whiteflies, and spider mites can infest the plant and cause damage. Diseases such as powdery mildew, root rot, and rust can also affect the plant. Nutrient deficiencies can cause the leaves to yellow and the plant to become stunted.
Source:
Costus pulverulentus (Costaceae) - HEAR species info
Costus pulverulentus - Species Page - ISB: Atlas of Florida Plants
Costus pulverulentus: info from PIER (PIER species info)
