Gray Santolina

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Santolina chamaecyparissus Santolina chamaecyparissus, known as lavender cotton or gray Santolina, is a charming small semi-woody sub-shrub that features delightful aromatic evergr een silver-gray foliage. It typically reaches a height of about 2 feet and can spread up to 3 feet wide, thriving in its native Mediterranean habitat found in southern Europe and northern Africa. The plant showcases pinnately divided leaves with a unique rough texture and a musk-like fragrance. In the summer, it blooms with bright yellow, button-like flowers, approximately 3/4-inch wide, that rise above the foliage on stalks up to 6 inches tall. If regularly trimmed or sheared, the flowers may not appear, making it a popular choice for herb gardens. Lavender cotton is easy to grow in dry to medium, well-drained soils and prefers full sun exposure. During its first year, it appreciates regular moisture but becomes drought-tolerant once its roots are established. This plant performs well in slightly alkaline soils and can handle poorer dry soils, but it should be planted in areas that avoid overly rich and wet conditions. Gritty or sandy soils are ideal as they provide the exceptional drainage this plant needs. However, watch out for humid weather, as it can make the plant more susceptible to fungal diseases and cause it to lose its compact shape by opening up in the center. To promote blooming, be sure to deadhead spent flowers promptly after they fade. In the spring, cutting back the plant will help maintain a compact form and encourage fresh growth. This lovely plant can also be cultivated as an annual. Height: 1’-2'Spread: 2’-3'Bloom: July-AugustLight: Full SunWater: Low-MediumZone: 6-9Origin: Western and Central Mediterranean Show more