Lavender Cotton (Santolina chamaecyparissus) is a compact evergreen shrub valued for its dense silver foliage and cheerful yellow button-like blooms. A drought-tolerant favorite for formal edging, rock gardens, and dry landscapes, it forms neat, rounded mounds that add texture year-round. Its summer flowers support beneficial insects, while the finely cut foliage creates striking contrast in sunny garden beds.

Features

• Dense silver evergreen foliage offers striking garden contrast
• Yellow button flowers bring summer color and attract pollinators
• Ideal for edging, rock gardens, gravel gardens, and borders
• Thrives in dry, sunny, well-drained sites
• Naturally compact form requiring minimal maintenance
• Non-GMO Santolina chamaecyparissus seed variety

Specifications

• Common Name: Lavender Cotton
• Scientific Name: Santolina chamaecyparissus
• Plant Type: Evergreen perennial shrub
• USDA Zones: 6–9
• Foliage: Silver-gray, finely textured evergreen leaves
• Flower Color: Yellow button blooms
• Bloom Season: Summer
• Height: 12–24 inches
• Spread: 12–30 inches
• Growth Habit: Compact, mounded, woody base
• Heirloom: Yes
• GMO Status: Non-GMO
• Organic: Not certified organic
• Light Requirements: Full sun
• Soil Preference: Dry, rocky, sandy, or well-drained soil
• Water Needs: Low once established
• Drought Tolerance: High
• Pollinator Value: Supports beneficial insects and bees
• Maintenance Level: Very low
• Plant Spacing: 12–18 inches
• Seed Viability: 2–3 years stored cool & dry

Planting Guide

• Seed germination improves with warmth; start indoors 6–8 weeks before frost or direct sow in warm soil.
• Lightly press seeds into soil surface; do not bury deeply.
• Keep soil just slightly moist; avoid overwatering.
• Germination may take 14–35 days at 70–75°F.
• Transplant outdoors after frost into full sun and fast-draining soil.
• Water sparingly; thrives in dry ground once established.
• Trim lightly after flowering to maintain rounded, compact form.