Lavender Cotton Santolina chamaecyparissus 'Small-ness'
ABOUT
Santolina chamaecyparissus 'Small-ness', commonly known as lavender cotton, is a compact, evergreen shrub that is notable for its decorative and aromatic qualities. It sports a dense mound of fine, silver-gray to gray-green leaves, which are feathery and small, giving the plant a soft, textured appearance. The foliage is highly aromatic when brushed or bruised, releasing a pleasant, pungent scent reminiscent of camphor. During the blooming period, the lavender cotton produces a profusion of small, button-like, bright yellow flowers. These flowers stand atop slender, wiry stems, rising elegantly above the silvery foliage and providing a striking color contrast. The blooms are attractive to pollinators, such as bees, but generally are not the primary feature; the plant is often grown for its foliage. Lavender cotton is commonly used in rock gardens, borders, herb gardens, and as a low, informal hedge, as it responds very well to pruning and shaping, which can help maintain its neat, rounded form.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Cotton Lavender, Gray Santolina, Lavender Cotton, Grey Cotton Lavender, Ground Cypress
Common names
Santolina chamaecyparissus.
ToxicityTo humans
Lavender cotton (Santolina chamaecyparissus 'Small-ness') is not widely known for its toxicity to humans. Information on the specific cultivar 'Small-ness' might be limited, but generally, the species is not considered highly toxic. However, like many plants, it could potentially cause mild irritation or an allergic reaction if ingested or handled. If someone were to consume a significant amount of the plant, they might experience gastrointestinal upset, such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. To avoid any potential adverse effects, it is advisable not to eat any parts of this ornamental plant.
To pets
Lavender cotton (Santolina chamaecyparissus 'Small-ness') is not generally listed among the plants that are commonly known to be toxic to pets. However, the specific 'Small-ness' cultivar's detailed toxicity profile may not be well-documented. Typically, ingestion of non-food plants by pets can lead to gastrointestinal discomfort, such as vomiting or diarrhea. If a pet consumes part of this plant, they might experience mild gastrointestinal upset. However, in the absence of reports of severe toxicity, it is not considered a major toxic threat to pets. Nonetheless, it's best to prevent pets from ingesting this or any non-edible plants to avoid any possible adverse reactions.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Silver-gray
Flower color
Yellow
Height
1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters)
Spread
2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
7
Native area
Mediterranean
Benefits
General Benefits- Drought Tolerance: Adapted to survive with minimal watering once established, making it suitable for xeriscaping and arid environments.
- Low Maintenance: Requires little care beyond the occasional pruning to maintain its shape.
- Pest Resistance: Generally resistant to pests, reducing the need for chemical interventions.
- Attractive Foliage: Offers year-round visual interest with its silvery-gray foliage, adding aesthetic value to gardens.
- Evergreen: Retains its leaves throughout the seasons, providing constant greenery.
- Culinary Use: Some parts of the plant can be used as a herb in cooking for their aromatic properties.
- Landscape Design: Useful for borders, ground cover, and ornamental garden beds due to its compact size and shape.
- Wildlife Support: Attracts beneficial insects like bees and butterflies, aiding in pollination.
Medical Properties- Antispasmodic: Santolina, commonly known as lavender cotton, is sometimes used to relieve muscle spasms.
- Antimicrobial: It has been traditionally used for its antimicrobial properties against various bacteria and fungi.
- Anti-inflammatory: Lavender cotton may possess anti-inflammatory effects that can help reduce inflammation.
- Carminative: The plant has been used to help alleviate digestive issues such as gas and bloating.
- Emmenagogue: Historically, lavender cotton has been used to stimulate menstrual flow.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Santolina chamaecyparissus, commonly known as lavender cotton, can be used as a natural moth repellent when its dried leaves are placed in closets or drawers.
- The fragrant foliage of lavender cotton can be included in potpourris to impart a fresh, herbal scent to rooms and linens.
- In landscape design, lavender cotton can function as a low natural hedge that requires minimal trimming as it maintains its small size.
- This plant can be a natural dye source, offering a range of yellow to green hues for textiles and wool.
- Lavender cotton can be planted as a companion plant in the vegetable garden to deter pests with its strong scent.
- Essential oil derived from lavender cotton can be used in homemade natural cleaning products for its aroma and potential antibacterial properties.
- Dried sprigs of lavender cotton can serve as bookmarks, releasing a pleasant scent when placed between the pages of books.
- This plant's distinctive texture and color can be used in dried floral arrangements or wreaths, adding longevity and a unique aesthetic.
- In culinary uses, small amounts of lavender cotton can be used as an herb to flavor meats, much like rosemary, though it is not commonly used due to its intense flavor.
- Lavender cotton's silver-gray foliage can be utilized in the art of bonsai to create miniature landscapes that mirror the beauty of larger gardens.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant Lavender Cotton is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe plant Lavender Cotton is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Protection – Santolina, commonly known as lavender cotton, has a historical use in gardens to deter insects and protect other plants, symbolizing safeguarding and defense.
- Healing – Lavender cotton has been used in traditional medicine, representing the plant's association with health and recovery.
- Purity – Due to its fine silver-gray foliage and clean scent, lavender cotton often symbolizes purity and cleanliness.
- Longevity – The hardiness and persistence of lavender cotton in various climates and conditions signify endurance and a long life.
- Resistance – Lavender cotton's ability to resist drought and pests exemplifies resilience and the power to withstand adversities.
WaterLavender cotton should be watered moderately as it tolerates dry conditions well. During the growing season, water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Approximately 1 gallon of water per plant every week should suffice, but adjust based on rainfall and temperatures, as overly wet conditions can lead to root rot. During the winter, reduce watering to once every two weeks or less, as the plant enters dormancy and requires less moisture. Water directly at the base to avoid wetting the foliage, which can encourage disease.
LightLavender cotton thrives in full sun, meaning it requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. The ideal spot would be a south-facing location where it can receive ample sunlight throughout the day. In regions with very hot summers, some afternoon shade may be beneficial to prevent scorching.
TemperatureLavender cotton prefers temperate climates and can withstand temperatures between 10°F and 90°F. However, the ideal temperature range for this plant is 50°F to 80°F. It should be protected from extreme cold, as temperatures below 10°F can be damaging to the plant.
PruningTo maintain shape and encourage dense growth, prune lavender cotton after it blooms in the summer. Cut back about one-third of the plant's height, focusing on removing spent flowers and any leggy or dead stems. The best time for a more thorough pruning is in early spring before new growth begins.
CleaningAs needed
SoilLavender Cotton requires well-draining soil with a mix of sand, peat, and some organic matter. Aim for a neutral to alkaline pH, generally between 6.5 and 7.5, to promote healthy growth.
RepottingLavender Cotton doesn't need frequent repotting; do it every 2 to 3 years or when you notice its growth has slowed significantly.
Humidity & MistingLavender Cotton thrives in dry conditions and doesn't require high humidity levels; it prefers typical household humidity or even lower.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, direct light with good airflow.
Outdoor
Needs full sun, well-draining soil, and protection from excess moisture.
Hardiness zone
6-9 USDA.
Life cycleSantolina chamaecyparissus 'Small-ness', commonly known as Cotton Lavender, begins its life as a seed, typically germinating in warm, well-drained soil in full sun after exposure to spring temperatures. Once germinated, the seedling emerges and establishes a small rosette of fine, silver-gray foliage. As it enters the vegetative stage, the plant increases in size and produces more of its distinctive leaves, which are both ornamental and aromatic. Following the vegetative stage, Cotton Lavender reaches maturity and enters the flowering stage during summer, producing clusters of small, button-like yellow flowers which attract pollinators. After pollination, seeds are formed and dispersed, completing the reproductive cycle. Finally, as a perennial, the plant enters dormancy during the cold season, reducing its above-ground activity and conserving energy until the next growing season.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Santolina chamaecyparissus 'Small-ness', commonly known as Lavender Cotton, is best propagated through the method of softwood cuttings. This process typically occurs in late spring or early summer. To propagate, a gardener would cut a 4 to 6-inch (10 to 15 cm) length of softwood stem that has not yet become hard or woody. The lower leaves are stripped off, and the cut end of the stem is often dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root growth. The prepared cutting is then inserted into a moist potting mix, ensuring that the leaf nodes where leaves were removed are buried in the soil. The cutting needs a warm, humid environment to take root, so providing a plastic cover to maintain humidity can be beneficial. Roots usually develop within a few weeks, at which point the new Lavender Cotton plant can eventually be transplanted outdoors.
