Lavender Cotton

Santolina Nana Incana (Santolina chamaecyparissus)

Characteristics

Culture

Easily grown in average, dry to medium, well-drained soils in full sun. Lavender Cotton plants appreciate regular moisture during the first year, but tolerate drought once roots are established. Plants perform well in limey soils. Plants tolerate poor dry soils. Avoid rich soils. Avoid wet soils. Gritty or sandy soils help provide the exceptional drainage that these plants need. Plants dislike humid weather where they are more susceptible to fungal diseases and tend to lose compact shape by opening up in the center. Deadhead spent flowers as soon as they fade. In colder areas, it should be grown in protected locations with a winter mulch. Cut back in spring to maintain compact shape and encourage new growth. This plant may be grown as an annual.

Noteworthy Characteristics

Also known as Gray Santolina, Lavendar Cotton is a small, semi-woody, tender sub-shrub with aromatic, evergreen, silver-gray foliage. It typically grows in a mound to 2′ tall spreading to 3′ wide. It is native to the Mediterranean area (southern Europe and northern Africa). Pinnately divided leaves have a rough texture and musky fragrance. Button-like, 3/4-inch wide, bright yellow flowers (rays absent) of this aster family member bloom in summer atop stalks rising well above the foliage to 6″ tall. Flowers may not appear if plants are regularly trimmed/sheared. Plants are often grown in herb gardens. Foliage has historically been used as an insecticide and moth repellant.

Problems

No serious insect or disease problems. Blight and root rot may occur.

Garden Uses

Herb gardens, rock gardens, foundations, terraces, border fronts. Knot gardens. Edging. Dwarf hedge along walkways. Ground cover. Dried leaves may be used in sachets and potpourris.