Cotton lavender Santolina chamaecyparissus
ABOUT
Commonly known as lavender cotton, this plant has a distinctive appearance characterized by its silvery-grey, finely textured foliage. The leaves are small, narrow, and resemble the scales of a cypress tree, contributing to a soft, feathery look that can add a unique texture to garden beds or borders. Throughout the summer, lavender cotton blooms with small, bright yellow flowers that grow in tight, button-like clusters at the tips of the branches. Even when not in bloom, the silver-toned leaves provide a stark contrast against the greener hues of a typical garden, making it a favored choice for year-round interest. The overall shape of the plant tends to be rounded or mounded, with branches that spread outward in a somewhat dense fashion, giving it a tidy appearance that is often used in formal garden designs or as an edging plant. The distinctive color and shape of lavender cotton can make it a focal point in a rock garden or xeriscaped area, where its drought tolerance is especially valuable. In addition, the aromatic nature of the plant's foliage makes it a pleasure to brush against or crush between fingers, releasing a pleasant, camphor-like scent. Easy to care for and resilient, lavender cotton is appreciated not just for its visual appeal but also for its fragrant contribution to the sensory experience of a garden.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Lavender Cotton, Gray Santolina, Cotton Lavender, Ground Cypress, Petite Cypress, Holy Flax
Common names
Santolina chamaecyparissus, Santolina incana, Santolina pinnata, Santolina pinnatifida, Santolina hispanica, Santolina rosmarinifolia, Santolina virens.
ToxicityTo humans
Lavender cotton is not generally considered highly toxic to humans. However, caution should be exercised as consuming plant material can lead to undesirable effects. The plant contains essential oils and other compounds which, if ingested, may cause gastrointestinal discomfort, vomiting, or diarrhea. Handling the plant may also cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals due to its oils. It's advisable to avoid consuming lavender cotton, especially in significant quantities, and to keep it out of reach of children who might inadvertently ingest it.
To pets
Lavender cotton is not commonly known for being particularly toxic to pets such as dogs and cats. Nevertheless, as with any non-food plant, it may cause mild gastrointestinal upset if ingested by pets, characterized by symptoms like vomiting or diarrhea. The essential oils in the plant can also be irritating to pets if they are exposed to them in significant quantities or if they have sensitive skin. It is always a good practice to monitor your pets around plants and discourage them from chewing on lavender cotton or any other ornamental plants.
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- Landscape Design: Cotton lavender is often used in gardens for its fine-textured silver-gray foliage and yellow button-like flowers, which can enhance the visual appeal and aesthetic of a garden landscape.
- Drought Tolerance: This plant is highly tolerant of dry conditions, making it a suitable choice for xeriscaping and water-efficient gardens.
- Low Maintenance: Cotton lavender typically requires minimal care once established, which makes it a convenient choice for gardeners seeking a low-maintenance plant.
- Pest Deterrent: The aromatic foliage can deter certain pests, making it a natural option for pest control in gardens.
- Ground Cover: With its dense, compact growth habit, cotton lavender can be used as an effective ground cover, reducing weed growth and soil erosion.
- Habitat for Wildlife: The flowers attract beneficial insects like bees and butterflies, providing a habitat for pollinators in the garden.
Medical Properties- Antibacterial: Santolina chamaecyparissus has been noted for its potential antibacterial properties against certain strains of bacteria.
- Antifungal: The plant may also possess antifungal characteristics that could be beneficial in inhibiting fungal growth.
- Anti-inflammatory: Compounds in Santolina chamaecyparissus may work to reduce inflammation, although more research is necessary to confirm this.
- Antispasmodic: Historically, it has been used to alleviate spasms, but current medical evidence is lacking to support this use.
- Diuretic: There is anecdotal evidence that the plant may have diuretic effects, promoting the excretion of urine.
- Emmenagogue: Traditional uses include promoting menstrual flow, yet caution is recommended as this has not been scientifically verified.
- Febrifuge: It has been used in folk medicine to reduce fever, but scientific validation for this application is insufficient.
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 insect repellent when its leaves are placed among clothes and linens to ward off moths.
- The aromatic foliage of lavender cotton is sometimes used in potpourri mixes for a long-lasting fragrance.
- It can be planted as part of a xeriscaping scheme to reduce the need for watering, as it is drought-tolerant once established.
- Lavender cotton is often used in knot gardens for its fine-textured, silvery foliage that contrasts well with green-leaved plants.
- Its dense, compact growth habit makes it suitable for growing as a low hedge or border in formal garden designs.
- Because of its resistance to deer browsing, it is a beneficial plant to use in areas where deer are a common garden problem.
- The dried stems and flower heads can be used in flower arrangements for their unique texture and color.
- Lavender cotton can be planted as a companion plant to vegetables to help deter garden pests due to its strong scent.
- The plant can serve as a natural dye source, imparting a greenish-yellow hue to fabrics or yarns.
- When pruned, the trimmings of lavender cotton can be scattered around other plants as a natural herbaceous mulch to help retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Lavender Cotton is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Lavender Cotton is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Protection: Santolina chamaecyparissus, commonly known as lavender cotton, has historically been used in gardens to repel insects and protect other plants. Its symbolism of protection extends to this role as a natural pest deterrent.
- Longevity: With its ability to withstand dry conditions and relatively long lifespan for an herbaceous plant, lavender cotton is often associated with the symbolism of longevity and resilience.
- Purity: The color and scent of lavender cotton are evocative of cleanliness and purity. Its use in herbal medicine and its crisp, clean scent contribute to this symbolic association.
- Healing: Lavender cotton has been used in traditional medicine for its potential health benefits, symbolizing healing and the nurturing of physical well-being.
WaterLavender cotton should be watered thoroughly, ensuring that the soil is allowed to dry out between watering sessions. Deep, infrequent watering is preferable to encourage a strong, deep root system. During the growing season, you may water with 1 to 2 gallons per plant approximately every two weeks, depending on the climate and soil drainage. In winter, reduce watering significantly and only provide water if the soil is very dry and the plant shows signs of stress. Lavender cotton is drought tolerant and excessive water can lead to root rot.
LightLavender cotton thrives best in full sun conditions, meaning it should receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day. The ideal planting spot is in an area where the sunlight is unfiltered and intense. However, in extremely hot climates, some light afternoon shade can help prevent scorching.
TemperatureLavender cotton is hardy in a wide range of temperatures but performs best in conditions between 50 and 80°F. It can typically survive minimum temperatures down to about 10°F and maximum temperatures that soar well into the 100s°F. The plant is quite tolerant of heat and cold but should be protected from extreme winter conditions with mulch if necessary.
PruningPruning lavender cotton is essential to maintain its shape and encourage dense foliage. It should be pruned lightly in early spring to shape the plant and remove any dead or winter-damaged branches. Additionally, after flowering, trim back the spent blooms to encourage a second flush of flowers. Pruning is generally done once or twice a year, depending on the plant's growth and desired appearance.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for Lavender Cotton (Santolina chamaecyparissus) should be well-draining and sandy with a little organic matter. The ideal soil pH for the Lavender Cotton ranges between 6.5 and 7.5.
RepottingLavender Cotton should be repotted every two to three years to refresh the soil and encourage healthy growth.
Humidity & MistingLavender Cotton thrives in dry to average humidity conditions and does not require high humidity environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Lavender Cotton in bright light indoors for best growth.
Outdoor
In well-drained soil and full sun, Lavender Cotton thrives outdoors.
Hardiness zone
6-9 USDA
Life cycleSantolina chamaecyparissus, commonly known as Lavender Cotton, begins its life cycle when seeds are sown in well-draining soil, preferably in early spring or after the last frost. Germination occurs over several weeks, given appropriate sunlight and moisture. The plant then enters a vegetative growth phase, developing a dense, silver-gray foliage of fine, feathery leaves that are aromatic when crushed. Following vegetative growth, from early to mid-summer, Lavender Cotton produces small, bright yellow flowers atop its branches, attracting pollinators and providing visual interest. After the flowering period, it enters a phase of seed maturation, where the flowers develop into seed heads, releasing seeds to propagate the next generation. Finally, as a perennial, the plant will go dormant in winter, conserving energy to begin the cycle anew in spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-summer
The most popular method of propagation for Santolina chamaecyparissus, commonly known as lavender cotton, is through semi-hardwood cuttings. This process typically takes place during the summer months when the plant's growth is semi-ripe and the current year's growth has started to harden. To propagate lavender cotton, one would take cuttings of about 4 to 6 inches (approximately 10 to 15 centimeters) in length, ensuring each cutting has several leaves. The bottom inch (2.54 cm) of each cutting should be stripped of leaves and dipped in rooting hormone before being placed in a well-draining soil mix. The soil should remain moist but not waterlogged, as too much moisture can cause the cutting to rot before it roots. This process usually takes several weeks, and once the cuttings have rooted and are showing signs of growth, they can be transplanted to their final location.
