Lavender Cotton (Santolina chamaecyparissus) is a hardy, aromatic evergreen shrub native to the Mediterranean region. Known for its silvery-gray, finely textured foliage and bright yellow button-like flowers, Lavender Cotton is a favorite in both formal and informal garden settings. Its aromatic leaves emit a strong, herbal scent when crushed, making it an excellent choice for herb gardens, borders, or drought-tolerant landscapes. Often used in Mediterranean-style gardens, Lavender Cotton is valued for its low-maintenance nature and ability to thrive in dry, poor soils, making it perfect for xeriscaping or low-water gardens.

Key Features:

• Aromatic Foliage: The finely textured, gray-green leaves have a strong, herbal fragrance, reminiscent of lavender.
• Decorative Flowers: Bright yellow, button-like flowers bloom in late spring to summer, adding vibrant color to gardens.
• Drought-Tolerant: Lavender Cotton is highly tolerant of dry conditions and thrives in poor, well-draining soils.
• Evergreen: The plant retains its attractive foliage year-round, adding structure and texture to the garden even in the winter months.
• Low-Maintenance: This hardy shrub requires minimal care once established, making it ideal for busy gardeners or those looking for low-maintenance landscaping.
• Pollinator-Friendly: The flowers attract bees and butterflies, making it a great addition to pollinator-friendly gardens.

Growing Information:

• Light Requirements: Lavender Cotton thrives in full sun, requiring at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day to produce its best growth and vibrant flowers.
• Soil Preferences: This plant prefers well-draining, poor to moderately fertile soils. It does well in sandy, rocky, or alkaline soils and is drought-tolerant once established. Avoid overly rich or wet soils, as it can cause root rot.
• Planting Tips:
  1. Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost date or directly sow them in the garden after the danger of frost has passed.
  2. Space plants about 18–24 inches apart to allow for their spreading growth habit.
  3. Lavender Cotton is a compact shrub, typically reaching 1–2 feet in height and width, making it ideal for smaller gardens or low hedges.
• Watering Needs: This plant is very drought-tolerant once established but benefits from regular watering during the initial growing stages. Water thoroughly but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. Avoid overwatering, as Lavender Cotton does not tolerate wet feet.
• Pruning & Maintenance:
  1. Prune lightly after flowering to maintain a neat, rounded shape and remove any dead or damaged stems.
  2. Cutting back the plant in early spring helps encourage fresh growth and a bushy appearance.
  3. Deadheading spent flowers may improve the plant’s appearance but is not essential.
• Winter Care: Lavender Cotton is hardy in USDA zones 6–9. It can tolerate cold temperatures but may require some winter protection in the harshest climates. Mulch around the base in colder zones to protect the roots during winter.

Benefits:

• Drought Tolerance: Lavender Cotton thrives in dry conditions, making it a perfect choice for xeriscaping and water-conserving gardens.
• Aromatic: The strong herbal scent of the leaves is excellent for making sachets or adding fragrance to the garden, and the foliage can be used in homemade potpourri.
• Attractive Flowers: The bright yellow flowers add color and interest to gardens, particularly in the summer when other plants may not be in bloom.
• Pollinator Support: The flowers attract beneficial pollinators such as bees and butterflies, supporting the local ecosystem.
• Low Maintenance: Once established, Lavender Cotton requires little care and is resistant to many pests and diseases.
• Evergreen Structure: Its silvery foliage provides year-round visual interest, adding texture and contrast to other plants in the garden.

Growing Zones:

• Lavender Cotton is suitable for USDA zones 6–9. It thrives in Mediterranean climates with hot, dry summers and mild winters. In colder climates, it can be grown as an annual or in containers that are brought inside during the winter months.

How to Use in the Garden:

• Border Planting: Lavender Cotton is ideal for creating low borders or edging in garden beds. Its compact size and evergreen nature make it a great choice for year-round structure.
• Drought-Tolerant Gardens: Perfect for xeriscaping or dry gardens, Lavender Cotton thrives in low-water conditions and adds texture and color to dry landscapes.
• Rock Gardens: Its ability to thrive in poor, well-draining soil makes Lavender Cotton a fantastic addition to rock gardens, where other plants may struggle.
• Pollinator Gardens: The flowers attract bees and butterflies, making it an excellent plant for gardens designed to support pollinators.
• Container Planting: Lavender Cotton grows well in containers, providing a striking visual element to patios, balconies, or terraces. Use it in a mixed container garden or as a standalone ornamental plant.

Conclusion:
Lavender Cotton (Santolina chamaecyparissus) is a versatile, hardy shrub that offers both aesthetic and functional benefits. Its fragrant, silvery foliage and vibrant yellow flowers make it a standout in any garden, while its drought-tolerant nature ensures it thrives in dry, low-water environments. Easy to grow and maintain, this aromatic plant is perfect for those looking for a low-maintenance addition to their landscape, whether in herb gardens, rock gardens, or as a pollinator-friendly plant. With its beauty and resilience, Lavender Cotton is a valuable addition to any garden design.