Lavender Cotton Santolina chamaecyparissus 'Nana'
ABOUT
Santolina chamaecyparissus 'Nana', commonly known as lavender cotton, is a compact evergreen shrub that is well-regarded for its ornamental qualities. It sports finely textured, silver-gray foliage which has a feathery, delicate appearance. The leaves are narrow, with a slightly fuzzy texture, giving them a soft look and feel. This tactile appeal is complemented by the small, button-like, bright yellow flowers that bloom in mid to late summer, adding a pop of color to the overall muted tone of the foliage. The flowers are borne atop wiry stems and stand out against the gray-green background of the leaves. Lavender cotton has an overall rounded and dense form, making it suitable for a variety of landscape uses, such as borders, rock gardens, or as a low hedge. The plant's look is not only defined by its color and form, but also by its aromatic leaves, which release a pleasant, pungent scent when crushed or brushed against, adding an additional sensory dimension to the garden.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Lavender Cotton, Gray Santolina, Cotton Lavender, Dwarf Santolina.
Common names
Santolina chamaecyparissus 'Nana'.
ToxicityTo humans
Lavender cotton (Santolina chamaecyparissus 'Nana') is not widely known as a toxic plant to humans. However, with most plants, there can be individual cases of allergies or discomfort if ingested or if there's contact with sensitive skin. If you suspect poisoning, which might present with mild gastrointestinal upset or skin irritation, it is essential to seek medical advice.
To pets
Lavender cotton (Santolina chamaecyparissus 'Nana') is not frequently reported as a toxic plant to pets. Nonetheless, ingestion of plants can sometimes lead to gastrointestinal issues such as vomiting or diarrhea in pets, especially if they consume large quantities or have a sensitive system. It's best to monitor your pet and consult with a veterinarian if any adverse reactions are observed after ingestion.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Gray-green
Flower color
Yellow
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
2-3 feet (60-90 cm)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
6-9
Native area
Mediterranean
Benefits
General Benefits- Drought Tolerance: This plant is highly resistant to dry conditions, making it suitable for water-wise gardens.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care once established, reducing the need for regular watering, fertilizing, and pruning.
- Pest Resistance: It has natural resistance to many pests, reducing the need for chemical treatments.
- Attractive Foliage: Offers silvery-grey to green foliage that provides visual interest throughout the year.
- Compact Growth: 'Nana' is a dwarf variety, which makes it an excellent choice for small spaces and borders.
- Deer Resistance: Less likely to be damaged by deer compared to many other garden plants.
- Evergreen: Maintains its foliage throughout the year, offering consistent garden texture and color.
- Ground Covering: Its growth habit can help prevent soil erosion on slopes and in exposed areas.
- Edging Plant: Ideal for edging paths and walkways due to its neat and compact growth habit.
- Ornamental Flowers: Produces small, bright yellow flowers that can add a pop of color to the landscape in the summer.
- Culinary Uses: The leaves can sometimes be used for flavoring in cooking, particularly in Mediterranean dishes.
- Companion Planting: Can be used in gardens to complement other Mediterranean plants that thrive in similar conditions.
- Wildlife Attraction: While it is not the most prominent feature, the flowers can attract beneficial insects to the garden.
Medical Properties- Antispasmodic: Santolina chamaecyparissus 'Nana', commonly known as Lavender Cotton, is traditionally used for its potential antispasmodic properties to relieve spasms or cramps.
- Antimicrobial: Contains compounds that may have the ability to inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungi.
- Anti-inflammatory: May be applied topically to reduce inflammation in certain skin conditions.
- Emmenagogue: It has been traditionally used to promote menstrual flow.
- Anthelmintic: Historically used for expelling intestinal worms.
- Decongestant: Sometimes used in infusions to reduce nasal congestion.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Santolina chamaecyparissus 'Nana', commonly known as lavender cotton, can be used as a natural dye, providing hues of yellow and green depending on the mordant used.
- The fragrant leaves of lavender cotton can be added to sachets and potpourris, contributing a pleasant aroma to linens and stored clothing.
- Lavender cotton's dense foliage makes it an excellent choice for low hedges or border edging in formal gardens.
- The plant can serve as a companion plant in vegetable gardens, helping to deter certain pests with its strong scent.
- Due to its aesthetic silver-grey foliage, lavender cotton works well in rock gardens, providing a contrast against the typically dark stones.
- It is sometimes utilized in aromatherapy practices for its herbaceous and slightly woody scent that is believed to have a calming effect.
- The dried stems and flower heads of lavender cotton are used in floral arrangements and wreaths for a rustic look.
- In landscape design, the low-growing and spreading nature of lavender cotton makes it suitable as ground cover to minimize soil erosion.
- Lavender cotton can be shaped into topiary forms for ornamental garden accents or to add structure to garden spaces.
- The evergreen nature of lavender cotton allows it to be used in winter gardens, adding color and texture during the cold months.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiLavender Cotton is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityLavender Cotton is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Protection: Santolina chamaecyparissus 'Nana', commonly known as lavender cotton, is often associated with protection due to its historical use in hedges and as a companion plant to ward off pests in gardens.
- Purity: The silvery-gray foliage and aromatic nature of lavender cotton can be symbolic of cleanliness and purity, echoing its namesake lavender, which has similar associations.
- Health: Historically used in traditional medicine for its antiseptic properties, lavender cotton can represent health and well-being.
- Endurance: Lavender cotton is a hardy, drought-tolerant plant, often symbolizing resilience and the ability to thrive in challenging conditions.
WaterLavender cotton requires moderate watering, with more frequent watering during the first growing season to establish a deep root system. Once established, it is drought-tolerant and does best with less frequent waterings. Typically, watering once every week or two with approximately 1-2 gallons of water per plant should suffice, depending on the climate and soil conditions. During the hotter, drier months, monitor the plant to ensure the soil doesn't become completely dry; watering may need to be slightly increased. In winter, reduce watering significantly to prevent root rot, especially if the plant is in soil with poor drainage.
LightLavender cotton thrives in full sun conditions, where it can receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. It should be planted in a spot where it can enjoy continuous sunlight throughout the day. Partial shade may lead to leggy growth and fewer flowers, so a sunny spot will result in a healthier and more compact plant.
TemperatureLavender cotton is hardy and tolerates a wide range of temperatures; it can survive minimum winter temperatures down to about 10°F. The ideal temperature range for growing lavender cotton is between 60°F and 80°F. It is a Mediterranean plant, so it is used to warmer conditions and may not thrive in prolonged cold or extreme heat above 90°F without adequate care.
PruningPruning is important for keeping lavender cotton compact and bushy. It should be pruned in the early spring, just before new growth starts. Light pruning or shearing can also be done after flowering to shape the plant and encourage more dense foliage. Pruning once a year, or after the blooming period, is usually adequate to maintain its shape and health.
CleaningNot needed
SoilLavender Cotton 'Nana' thrives in well-draining soil with sandy or gritty composition and a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. A mix of two parts sand, one part peat, and one part perlite or pumice creates an ideal growing medium.
RepottingLavender Cotton 'Nana' should be repotted every 2-3 years or when it outgrows its current container, with spring being the best time to do so.
Humidity & MistingLavender Cotton 'Nana' prefers a dry climate and does not require high humidity, making it suitable for arid and semi-arid environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Lavender Cotton 'Nana' in bright light, sandy soil, minimal water.
Outdoor
Full sun, well-draining soil, drought-tolerant once established.
Hardiness zone
6-9 USDA.
Life cycleSantolina chamaecyparissus 'Nana', commonly known as dwarf lavender cotton, starts its life cycle as a seed, germinating in warm conditions with good sunlight exposure. After sprouting, the seedling establishes a root system and grows into a compact, evergreen shrub characterized by silvery-gray leaves which are finely divided and aromatic. During its growth stage, it develops a woody base and reaches maturity at around 30-60 cm (1-2 feet) tall and wide. The mature dwarf lavender cotton produces small, button-like yellow flowers in the summer, which are attractive to pollinators such as bees. After pollination, seeds are developed and dispersed, ready to begin the cycle anew. The plant typically has a lifespan of several years, and to maintain its shape and health, it requires regular pruning.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: Santolina chamaecyparissus 'Nana', commonly known as Lavender Cotton, is best propagated using softwood cuttings in late spring or early summer. To do this, you should select a healthy, non-flowering shoot and cut a 3 to 5 inch (approximately 7.5 to 12.5 cm) length, making sure there are several nodes present. Strip off the lower leaves, dip the cut end into rooting hormone for better root development, and insert it into a pot filled with a well-draining soil mix, like half peat and half perlite. The cutting should be kept moist and in a warm, bright area out of direct sunlight until roots develop, which typically takes a couple of weeks. After rooting, it can be transplanted into the garden or a larger pot for further growth.
