Santolina

Family: Asteraceae
Common Name: Lavender Cotton

Endemic to the Mediterranean, this genus consists of 18 compact, evergreen shrubs, generally with gray, aromatic foliage and circular, daisy-like flower heads in summer. They make good border or rockery plants.

Species

S. chamaecyparissus, lavender cotton, is a many-branched, dwarf shrub, to 60 cm (24 in), with silver-gray, aromatic foliage. Masses of yellow blooms cover this bush in summer. Used as low hedging, it also has insecticidal properties and a long history of use in folk medicine as an antiseptic.

S. rosmarinifolia subsp. rosmarinifolia (Synonym: R. virgens) has bright green, feathery foliage and yellow flower heads.

Cultivation

Santolinas are easy to grow, requiring only full sun and well-drained soil. Prune after flowering to remove old flower heads and to prevent plants from becoming leggy. Propagate from cuttings from late spring to autumn.

Climate

Zone 7.