Species lavender cotton

lavender cotton

Santolina chamaecyparissus

Lavender cotton (Santolina chamaecyparissus) is an aromatic mourning shrub, characterized by fragrant grey-green foliage. This evergreen perennial grows best in sunny locations and well-drained soils while tolerating some drought. It usually grows to about 1 foot tall and wide with a single stem from which branches emerge. It produces white and yellow flowers in small clusters that bloom in the summer. It is often used as an ornamental border or in knot gardens. Lavender cotton makes an excellent low hedge, as it can easily be trimmed to shape. Its strong aroma attracts a variety of beneficial pollinators.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Minimum

Propagation:

Seed Propagation,Greenwood Cuttings

Hardiness Zone:

6 - 9

Flowers:

Yellow Flowers

Sun:

Full sun

Soil:

Rocky , gravelly , dry, Well-drained

Fruits:

brown,tan Fruits In Autumn Ready In Fall

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

silver,gray,gray

Growth Rate:

High

Maintenance:

Moderate

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Thorny:

Yes

Care Level:

Easy

watering

Lavender cotton (Santolina chamaecyparissus) should usually be watered once a week. It is important to give it enough water so that the soil stays moist, but not overly wet. If the soil is too dry, the foliage will turn brown. If the soil is too wet, the roots can rot. Water generously, allowing the soil to become slightly damp. Let the soil dry out between waterings. In hot and dry weather the plant may need to be watered more often. During winter, reduce watering to allow the plant to go dormant.

sunlight

Lavender cotton (Santolina chamaecyparissus) grows best in full sun, meaning it will do best when it is receiving at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight every day. The best time of day to get this much sun for lavender cotton is in the early morning or late afternoon, when the sun is less intense and will not burn the delicate foliage of the plant. On especially hot and sunny days, it is beneficial to provide some shade for lavender cotton during the hottest part of the day.

pruning

Lavender cotton (Santolina chamaecyparissus) should be pruned in early spring or late winter, generally. Pruning Lavender Cotton helps to maintain the shape of the shrub or to remove any dead or diseased growth. Start by trimming away any dead or diseased branches, then prune off the tips of the branches to keep the bush compact. You can also remove some of the side branches to thin the plant, but do not over-prune the plant as it can affect its bloom. Prune down 1-third of the longer branches, but no shorter than 2-3 inches from the base. Make sure to use sharp, clean pruners to avoid damaging the plant when pruning. If your Lavender Cotton is in a pot, it is recommended to prune it in early summer and again in mid to late fall. This encourages new growth and keeps the plant looking healthy throughout the year.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Santolina chamaecyparissus typically starts flowering in late spring, usually in May or June.

Starts Flowering

Santolina chamaecyparissus typically starts flowering in late spring, usually in May or June.

Harvest Fruit

The best time to start harvesting the fruits from Santolina chamaecyparissus is in July and August.

Hardiness Map