Advanced Search Filters

Plant Type
Hardiness Zone
Heat Zone
Sunset Zone
Function
Sun Exposure
Soil Moisture
Water Requirement

Santolina chamaecyparissus 'Nana'

Image of Santolina chamaecyparissus 'Nana'

Gerald L. Klingaman

Family

Asteraceae

Botanical Name

Santolina chamaecyparissus 'Nana'

Plant Common Name

Lavender Cotton

Special Notice

This entry has yet to be reviewed and approved by L2G editors.

General Description

This is a superb drought tolerant plant for garden hot spots. Lavender cotton is a shrubby perennial that originates from the Mediterranean. It is grown for its fragrant, finely divided, silvery, evergreen foliage that blends well with many other perennials. This dense, broadly mounded plant can be sheared or pruned to formal shapes if desired. In midsummer it produces sprays of small, yellow, button-like flowers that are subtly attractive.

Full sun is essential for good garden performance as is sharply drained soil with average to poor fertility. Sandy or gritty soils are optimal. It is not a fussy grower if provided these conditions and can withstand high heat and extended periods of drought. This semi-woody perennial should be hard-pruned or sheared back in spring if it is to maintain fresh foliage and a tidy habit. It is a classic plant for herb gardens, edging and knot gardens and sunny perennial gardens.

There are several notable cultivars to include 'Nana', which is a very compact, mounding form, and the super silvery 'Lambrook Silver.'

Characteristics

  • AHS Heat Zone

    9 - 4

  • USDA Hardiness Zone

    6 - 9

  • Sunset Zone

    H1, H2, 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24

  • Plant Type

    Shrub

  • Sun Exposure

    Full Sun

  • Height

    18"-20" / 45.7cm - 50.8cm

  • Width

    2'-3' / 0.6m - 0.9m

  • Bloom Time

    Summer, Late Summer

  • Native To

    Mediterranean

Growing Conditions

  • Soil pH

    Neutral, Alkaline

  • Soil Drainage

    Well Drained

  • Soil type

    Loam, Sand

  • Tolerances

    Drought

  • Growth Rate

    Fast

  • Habit

    Cushion/Mound-forming

  • Seasonal Interest

    Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Ornamental Features

  • Flower Interest

    Showy

  • Flower Color

    Yellow

  • Foliage Color (Spring)

    Gray Green, Silver, Gray

  • Foliage Color (Summer)

    Gray Green, Silver

  • Foliage Color (Fall)

    Gray Green, Silver

  • Foliage Color (Winter)

    Gray Green, Silver

  • Bark Color

    Gray Green, Tan

  • Fragrant Flowers

    Yes

  • Fragrant Fruit

    No

  • Fragrant Foliage

    Yes

  • Bark or Stem Fragrant

    Yes

  • Flower Petal Number

    Single

  • Repeat Bloomer

    No

  • Showy Fruit

    No

  • Edible Fruit

    No

  • Showy Foliage

    Yes

  • Foliage Texture

    Fine

  • Foliage Sheen

    Matte

  • Evergreen

    Yes

  • Showy Bark

    No

Special Characteristics

  • Usage

    Bedding Plant, Container, Herb / Vegetable, Mixed Border, Rock Garden / Wall

  • Sharp or Has Thorns

    No

  • Invasive

    No

  • Attracts

    Butterflies

  • Self-Sowing

    No