Aromatic silvery grey foliage and bright yellow button like flowers make Santolina chamaecyparissus a great cottage garden or low edging plant.
The common name is Cotton Lavender, and with soft downy foliage and being evergreen this is a useful plant in a sunny position in any garden.
Suited to Mediterranean style gardens, sunny well drained soil and also being very low care this no fuss plant has many uses. When in flowers the bright yellow flowers contrast well against the grey foliage. It can be mass planted with a great effect as well as low maintenance.
How To Grow Santolina chamaecyparissus – Basic Care
Plant Santolina chamaecyparissus in a well drained humus rich soil. It will grow in full sun as well as a little shade, however is nor suited to deep shade.
Water well after planting and lightly mulch to maintain some moisture. Once established this is a plant that will rarely require any watering at all.
Position
Plant in full sun for best growth and colour.
Will tolerate light or partial shade.
Not suitable for deep shade.
Soil
Prefers well-drained, humus-rich soil.
Performs well in sandy or gritty soils.
Avoid heavy clay or waterlogged ground.
If soil is heavy, improve drainage by adding grit or sand before planting.
Watering
Water well after planting to help establish roots.
Lightly mulch to retain moisture during establishment.
Once established, Santolina is very drought tolerant and rarely needs watering.
Overwatering is a common cause of failure.
Hardiness
Hardy in mild to moderate winters.
Good drainage is essential in colder, wetter conditions.
Suitable for container growing where drainage can be controlled.
Wildlife & Pests
Attractive to bees and other pollinators when in flower.
Generally pest and disease free.
Most issues occur in overly wet conditions.
Size
Mature height and spread: approximately 40–60 cm.
Space plants to allow good air circulation.
Uses
Mediterranean and dry gardens
Gravel gardens
Herb gardens
Edging and low hedging
Containers and pots
Pruning
Maintenance is limited to pruning, and this is a plant that responds well to a regular cut back. The best time to prune is in spring, this gives the plant time to put on good new growth. In warmer climates, you can also prune in late summer.
- Lightly prune in late spring or after flowering.
- Trim to maintain a compact, rounded shape.
- Avoid cutting back into old woody growth.
If you need to hard prune, do this in spring as for other Santolina varieties. Some gardeners grow this plant for the foliage, so will prune away the yellow button flowers as they emerge.
Summary Information
- Common Name – Santolina chamaecyparissus
- Botanical Name – Cotton Lavender
- Soil – Well drained humus rich.
- Position – Full sun.
- Foliage – Deep silvery grey.
- Flowers – Small yellow buttons.
- Flowering time – Spring to Summer.
- Growth Rate – Fast to Medium
- Frost tolerant – Yes
- Drought tolerant – Yes
- Pruning – Prune in spring or late summer.
Where to Buy
52 Rodd St Canowindra NSW 2804
An online nursery specialising in drought and frost tolerant perennials and fragrant, edible and herbs.
www.perennialle.com.au