Overview
Santolina chamaecyparissus is a bushy shrub in the genus Santolina, part of the Asteraceae family, with evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 0.6 m tall. 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. It is native to western and central Mediterranean.
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 4.0 — Santolina chamaecyparissus
About the genus
Santolina is a genus of plants in the chamomile tribe within the sunflower family, primarily from the western Mediterranean region.
Wikipedia contributors, "Santolina", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Santolina
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
- Plant type
- shrub
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 0.6 m
- 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
- Native to
- western and central Mediterranean
- Fragrance
- aromatic
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.
How big does Santolina chamaecyparissus grow?
Santolina chamaecyparissus reaches a height of 0.6 m.
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.
