SANTOLINA CHAMAECYPARISSUS

Description and Characteristics

Santolina chamaecyparissus, commonly known as Cotton Lavender or Lavender Cotton, is a compact, evergreen shrublet prized for its aromatic silver-grey foliage and bright yellow button-like flowers that bloom in summer. Native to the Mediterranean region, this hardy sub-shrub thrives in sunny, dry locations and brings excellent colour, texture, and fragrance to the garden year-round.

The finely divided, fern-like foliage has a soft, woolly texture and a strong, clean scent when brushed. In June to August, the plant produces upright stems topped with small, globe-shaped yellow flowers that attract pollinators and contrast vividly with the silvery leaves.

Santolina typically grows to about 40–60 cm tall and wide, forming a neat, rounded mound. It is particularly well-suited to rock gardens, gravel beds, herb borders, and Mediterranean-style planting. It is also widely used for low hedging and edging, especially in formally clipped parterre gardens.

• Evergreen shrub with finely cut, silver-grey aromatic foliage

• Bright yellow button flowers in summer (June–August)

• Height & spread: 40–60 cm

• Ideal for low hedging, dry borders, gravel gardens, and containers

• Drought-tolerant and excellent for coastal or Mediterranean settings

Growing Conditions and Maintenance

Santolina chamaecyparissus is easy to grow in well-drained soils and thrives in full sun. It is a classic plant for low-maintenance, drought-tolerant gardening, and benefits from regular light pruning to keep its compact form.

• Light Requirements:

  • Requires full sun for dense growth and flower production

  • Not suitable for deep shade; light shade tolerated only in well-drained soils

• Soil Preferences:

  • Prefers poor to moderately fertile, well-drained soil

  • Grows well in sandy, gravelly, or chalky soil

  • Avoid heavy clay or waterlogged ground—add grit to improve drainage

• Watering Needs:

  • Water regularly until established

  • Once established, very drought-tolerant and dislikes overwatering

  • Do not allow roots to sit in wet soil

• Feeding:

  • Minimal feeding required

  • A light mulch of compost or well-rotted manure in spring can support growth but avoid overfeeding, which reduces compactness

• Pruning and Maintenance:

  • Prune lightly in spring to shape and remove winter damage

  • After flowering, trim back spent flower stems and lightly shape the mound to prevent legginess

  • Avoid hard pruning into old wood, as regrowth can be slow

• Winter Care:

  • Hardy in Zones 6–9 (RHS H5)

  • In colder, wetter regions, provide sharp drainage and shelter from winter wet

  • Foliage may suffer in damp winters—cut back lightly in spring to refresh

Garden Uses, Companion Plants, and Pollinator Benefits

Santolina chamaecyparissus offers structure, colour, and texture in the garden and fits beautifully into dry and formal planting designs. Its foliage is highly decorative year-round, and its flowers are a bonus for pollinators in summer.

• Design Applications:

  • Ideal for low hedging, parterres, knot gardens, and edging

  • Excellent in rock gardens, gravel gardens, coastal landscapes, and xeriscapes

  • Works well in containers with other drought-tolerant plants

• Companion Plants:

  • Pairs well with Lavandula, Rosmarinus, Salvia, Nepeta, and Achillea

  • Complements other silver or drought-tolerant foliage plants like Artemisia, Helichrysum, and Thymus

  • Beautiful with purple, blue, or pink flowers for contrast

• Container Use:

  • Ideal for terracotta pots or low troughs in sunny locations

  • Use peat-free, gritty compost for drainage

  • Water sparingly and avoid winter saturation

• Pollinator Benefits:

  • Attracts bees and butterflies when in flower

  • Flowers are nectar-rich and bloom during mid-summer when pollinator activity peaks

  • Adds value to wildlife-friendly dry gardens

• Pest and Disease Resistance:

  • Generally pest- and disease-free

  • Resistant to deer and rabbits due to aromatic foliage

  • Avoid overcrowding to reduce risk of mildew in humid conditions

We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

Standard Delivery is FREE on orders over €250*

All standard deliveries will be completed within 5-7 working days via Fastway Couriers, any delay to this delivery time, the customer will be notified by One of our staff.

The in-Store delivery charge will vary compared with online, in-store delivery charge is done on a case by case basis. 

* Only mainland Ireland addresses qualify for free delivery.
 

Live Plants Delivery

Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
All live plants are despatched within 3-5 working days where possible, our couriers aim to deliver within 48 hours of despatch from our Garden Centre to allow the plant to arrive in healthy condition.
 

Click & Collect

Can’t wait for delivery? Why not try our FREE Click & Collect service? Simply make your purchase online and collect it from our store located in Croagh Co. Limerick. Our staff will contact you by phone when your order is ready for collection (Please allow 24 hours minimum). When collecting your item, call the store on 069-64084. We will then load into your car as required. This service is available in-store 9am – 6pm Monday – Saturday (No collections on Sundays)

Click here for more information about our shipping conditions.

You can pay your online order either by credit card or via Paypal.
If you have any further questions about the online order payment please contact us via ­069 640 84 or mail.