Santolina Chamaecyparissus – The Aromatic Silver Bush for Your Garden

Add texture and fragrance to your garden with Santolina Chamaecyparissus, commonly known as Cotton Lavender. This compact, aromatic shrub is prized for its silvery-grey foliage, vibrant yellow button-like flowers, and aromatic scent. Perfect for adding structure to garden borders, Mediterranean-style gardens, or even as a low hedge, Santolina is a hardy plant that thrives in hot, dry conditions. Its fragrant leaves release a pleasant aroma when brushed or crushed, making it a sensory delight in any landscape.

Key Features:

• Silvery Foliage: The fine, grey-green foliage of Santolina Chamaecyparissus creates a striking contrast with other plants in your garden, adding texture and visual interest throughout the year.
• Vibrant Yellow Flowers: During late spring to summer, Santolina produces bright, yellow button-like flowers that stand out beautifully against the silvery foliage, attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies.
• Fragrant Aroma: The aromatic leaves of this plant release a pleasant, herbal scent when brushed, making it a sensory addition to your garden or outdoor space.
• Low Maintenance: Known for its drought tolerance and ability to thrive in poor, well-drained soils, Santolina requires minimal care once established, making it an ideal plant for water-wise gardens or low-maintenance landscapes.
• Compact Size: This hardy shrub remains compact, reaching a manageable size, making it perfect for smaller gardens or as part of a Mediterranean-style planting scheme.
• Wildlife Friendly: The bright yellow flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators, making Santolina a fantastic choice for eco-friendly gardens.

Growing Tips for Santolina Chamaecyparissus:

• Sunlight: Prefers full sun to thrive and produce the best foliage and flowers. It can tolerate some light shade but will bloom and grow best in a sunny spot.
• Watering: This plant is highly drought-tolerant once established. Water moderately until established, then reduce watering. It does not like consistently wet soil.
• Soil: Santolina prefers well-drained, slightly alkaline soils but can tolerate poor soils, making it perfect for rock gardens or low-maintenance landscapes.
• Pruning: Prune in early spring to maintain a compact shape and encourage fresh new growth. After flowering, you can cut back the spent flowers to keep the plant neat and tidy.

With its silvery foliage, vibrant yellow flowers, and pleasant aroma, Santolina Chamaecyparissus is an excellent choice for a Mediterranean garden, border plant, or low-maintenance groundcover. Its ability to thrive in dry, hot conditions makes it a versatile addition to any water-wise or xeriscaped garden.