Decumbent Cotton Lavender
santolina decumbens
Also known as: ["Decumbent Lavender Cotton","Prostrate Cotton Lavender"]
Overview
A low-growing, aromatic evergreen shrub with finely divided, silvery-gray foliage and button-like yellow flowers.
Benefits & Perks
["fragrant flowers","deer resistant","drought tolerant","aesthetic foliage"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Asterales |
| Family: | Asteraceae |
| Genus: | Santolina |
| Botanical Name: | Santolina decumbens |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Shrubs
- Suitable Location: rock gardens, sunny borders, or containers in full sun
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"7–9"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, sandy, or loamy soil with added organic matter.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: low
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: Annually after flowering or every 2–3 years to rejuvenate growth.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of the plant’s growth if needed.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily); tolerates partial shade but may become leggy.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually if moving from shade to sun; protect from intense midday sun in hot climates; ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal issues.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easymoderate
Sunlight
full sun
Rotate plant for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter harsh sun; place outdoors in summer for optimal light.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, less frequently in winter
Water thoroughly but infrequently; ensure soil dries out between waterings; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
Soil
well-draining, sandy or loamy soil with low fertility
pH: Slightly alkaline to neutral (pH 7.0–7.5).
Ensure pots have drainage holes; avoid heavy clay soils; top-dress with compost annually.
Temperature
Prefers 60–80°F (15–27°C); tolerates mild frosts but thrives in warm, dry conditions.
Avoid sudden temperature changes; protect from drafts; maintain consistent warmth during active growth.
Fertilizing
every 2–3 months during spring and summer with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer
Fertilize only during active growth; use a low-nitrogen formula; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or division; stem cuttings are more common for home growers.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Keep moist and warm.
Best Time: Late spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm (70–75°F/21–24°C), humid, and bright but indirect light; protect from direct sun.
Medium
Well-draining mix of perlite and peat moss or cactus potting mix.
Hormone
Recommended to use rooting hormone for faster and more reliable rooting.
Timeline
Roots typically form in 3–6 weeks; new growth may take an additional 2–3 months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, well-draining medium, plastic wrap or propagator.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain consistent moisture; provide bottom heat if possible.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Pinch back tips for bushiness; shear lightly for shape; cut back hard for rejuvenation.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushiness, and remove dead or leggy growth; best done after flowering or in early spring.
Tools
Sharp bypass pruners, clean scissors, gloves.
Checklist
Disinfect tools; prune during dry weather; remove dead or diseased wood; shape evenly.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter; ensure good drainage holes.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim roots if necessary; place in a slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining soil; water lightly.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; beneficial for maintaining vigor and preventing root-bound conditions.
Checklist
Check root boundness; prepare new pot with drainage; use fresh soil mix; water sparingly after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; allow drainage; avoid wetting foliage.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the root zone until water drains from the bottom; ensure even moisture without waterlogging; water early in the morning to minimize evaporation.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once every 7–10 days during active growth in spring and summer; reduce frequency to every 3–4 weeks in fall and winter. Adjust based on rainfall and soil dryness.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite, coarse sand, or grit to improve drainage; incorporate compost for fertility.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, yellowing leaves, or stunted growth in cold; leaf scorch or browning in excessive heat.
Cold Stress
Slows growth and may cause leaf drop; prolonged cold can lead to root damage or death.
Solution: Move to a sheltered location or indoors during freezes; use frost cloth for protection; ensure good drainage to prevent cold waterlogging.
Hot Stress
Leaves may curl, brown, or drop; growth may slow due to excessive transpiration.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase humidity with misting; water deeply but avoid waterlogging.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check growth phase; dilute fertilizer correctly; apply to moist soil; avoid contact with foliage.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer; avoid fertilizing in fall and winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicSantolina decumbens may cause mild gastrointestinal irritation in cats if ingested. The essential oils can lead to digestive upset.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicSantolina decumbens can cause mild gastrointestinal upset in dogs if ingested. The essential oils present in the plant may irritate the digestive tract.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Non-toxicSantolina decumbens is generally considered non-toxic to humans. However, ingestion of large quantities may cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort due to its essential oils.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten in large quantities
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How often should Santolina decumbens be watered?
A: Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings, as it is drought-tolerant.
Q: Does Santolina decumbens attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it attracts bees and butterflies with its fragrant flowers.
Q: Is Santolina decumbens toxic to pets?
A: No, it is non-toxic to dogs and cats.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Asteraceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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