Santolina chamaecyparissus

Santolina chamaecyparissus: A Guide to Growing and Caring for Cotton Lavender

Santolina chamaecyparissus, commonly known as Cotton Lavender or Gray Santolina, is a versatile evergreen shrub that adds unique texture and fragrance to gardens. With its fine, silvery-gray foliage and compact growth habit, this Mediterranean native is an excellent choice for both formal and informal garden designs.

Appearance

• Height: Typically grows between 12 to 18 inches tall.
• Spread: Spreads approximately 2 to 3 feet wide.
• Foliage: Its needle-like, aromatic leaves boast a silver-gray hue, emitting a delightful scent when brushed against.
• Flowers: Produces small, button-like yellow flowers in summer, adding a splash of color to the garden.

Planting

• Location: Thrives in full sun with well-drained soil.
• Spacing: Plant Santolina chamaecyparissus around 18 inches apart to allow ample space for growth.
• Hardiness: Suited for USDA Hardiness Zones 6 to 9.
• Container Gardening: Suitable for containers but ensure proper drainage to prevent waterlogging.

Maintenance

• Pruning: Trim back the plant by one-third in spring to maintain its compact form and encourage new growth. Remove spent flowers to promote continuous blooming.
• Watering: Once established, this shrub is drought-tolerant and prefers infrequent watering. Overwatering can lead to root rot.
• Fertilization: Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring to support healthy growth.
• Winter Care: Generally hardy, but in colder regions, consider protecting with a layer of mulch during winter to shield roots from frost.

Uses in the Garden

• Border Plant: Ideal for edging pathways or borders due to its low-growing, neat appearance.
• Rock Gardens: Adds texture and interest to rockeries or dry gardens.
• Aromatic Qualities: Planted in herb gardens, the fragrance of its leaves can repel pests and add a pleasant scent to the area.

Benefits

• Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care once established, making it suitable for busy gardeners.
• Deer and Pest Resistant: Its aromatic foliage deters browsing animals and certain pests.
• Drought Tolerance: Thrives in hot, dry conditions, making it a resilient choice for various climates.

Conclusion

Santolina chamaecyparissus, or Cotton Lavender, is a hardy and visually appealing shrub that offers year-round interest to gardens. Its low-maintenance nature, aromatic foliage, and adaptability to different garden styles make it a valuable addition to any landscape.

Consider integrating Cotton Lavender into your garden to enjoy its beauty, fragrance, and ease of care throughout the seasons.

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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.
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