Overview

Santolina chamaecyparissus is a plant with a bushy habit in the genus Santolina, part of the Asteraceae family, with evergreen foliage. Santolina chamaecyparissus grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include gravel garden, coastal, cottage and informal garden, patio and container plants, mediterranean climate plants, low maintenance, hedging and screens, flower borders and beds and wall side borders.

About

Santolina chamaecyparissus, known as cotton lavender or lavender-cotton, is a species of flowering plant in the family Asteraceae, native to the western and central Mediterranean.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0Santolina chamaecyparissus

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Santolina

Sunlight
Full sun
Soil type
Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture
Well-drained
Aspect
South-facing, West-facing
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness
H5

Plant details

Santolina chamaecyparissus size, habit and characteristics

Habit
Bushy
Foliage
Evergreen
Suggested uses
Gravel garden, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Mediterranean climate plants, Low Maintenance, Hedging and screens, Flower borders and beds, Wall side borders

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Santolina chamaecyparissus

Propagation
Seed, Semi-hardwood cuttings
Pest resistance
Generally pest-free
Disease resistance
May be susceptible to honey fungus

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to plant Santolina chamaecyparissus?

Santolina chamaecyparissus prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Santolina chamaecyparissus need?

Santolina chamaecyparissus is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.

Is Santolina chamaecyparissus hardy in the UK?

Santolina chamaecyparissus has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.

How do I propagate Santolina chamaecyparissus?

Seed, Semi-hardwood cuttings.

More in the Santolina genus

Browse all Santolina