Lavender Cotton, Cotton Lavender
santolina chamaecyparissus
Also known as: ["Lavender Cotton","Cotton Lavender","Cypress Sage"]
Overview
A small, evergreen shrub with finely divided, silvery-gray foliage and button-like yellow flowers, native to the Mediterranean region.
Benefits & Perks
["drought tolerant","deer resistant","fragrant flowers","aesthetic foliage","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Asterales |
| Family: | Asteraceae |
| Genus: | Santolina |
| Botanical Name: | Santolina chamaecyparissus |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Shrubs
- Suitable Location: rock gardens, border fronts, or sunny, dry spots in the garden
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"6–9"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent root rot.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, sandy or loamy soil with some organic matter.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: low
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring; light pruning can be done as needed.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of the plant’s growth if overgrown.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily); tolerates partial shade but may become leggy with insufficient light.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate new plants to full sun gradually over 1–2 weeks; protect from intense midday sun in hot climates; ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal issues.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easymoderate
Sunlight
full sun
Full sun is essential; rotate pot for even growth; avoid deep shade.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, less frequently in winter
Water thoroughly but infrequently; allow soil to dry between waterings; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
Soil
well-drained, sandy or loamy soil
pH: Slightly alkaline to neutral (pH 6.5–7.5).
Ensure excellent drainage; avoid heavy clay soils; amend with sand or perlite.
Temperature
Prefers 60–75°F (15–24°C); tolerates mild frosts but may suffer in prolonged freezing temperatures.
Protect from frost; ensure good air circulation in heat; adjust watering with temperature.
Fertilizing
every 2–3 months during spring and summer
Fertilize sparingly; avoid high-nitrogen formulas; stop feeding in winter.
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 (65–75°F), humid environment with 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 root development.
Timeline
Roots typically form in 3–6 weeks; establish in new pots after 2–3 months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, well-draining medium.
Quick Tips
Use fresh cuttings; maintain humidity with a plastic cover; avoid overwatering.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Shear back stems uniformly; avoid cutting into old wood unless necessary.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushiness, and remove dead or overgrown stems.
Tools
Pruning shears, sharp knife, gloves.
Checklist
Sterilize tools; prune in early spring; remove dead wood; shape evenly.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins.
Pot Size
Move to a pot 1–2 inches larger in diameter; ensure drainage holes.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim roots if crowded; replace with fresh, well-draining soil; ensure good drainage.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; beneficial for maintaining vigor.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot size; use fresh soil; trim roots if needed; water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil dryness; water deeply; ensure drainage; avoid wetting leaves.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; water early in the morning to minimize evaporation; ensure excess water drains away to prevent waterlogging.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once every 7–10 days during active growth in spring and summer; reduce to every 2–3 weeks in fall and winter. Adjust based on rainfall and soil dryness.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite, coarse sand, or gravel to improve drainage; incorporate compost for fertility.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Chlorosis (yellowing leaves) in excessive heat; leaf drop or browning in cold stress.
Cold Stress
Slows growth; may cause leaf discoloration or dieback in temperatures below 20°F (-6°C).
Solution: Provide winter protection with mulch; move potted plants indoors or to a sheltered location; avoid overwatering in cold conditions.
Hot Stress
Wilting, leaf scorch, or reduced flowering in extreme heat above 90°F (32°C).
Solution: Provide afternoon shade in hot climates; increase watering frequency; use mulch to retain soil moisture.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer; apply during growing season; avoid winter feeding.
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 chamaecyparissus is slightly toxic to cats if ingested. The essential oils in the plant may lead to mild gastrointestinal distress. No severe toxic effects on feline physiology have been documented.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicSantolina chamaecyparissus can be slightly toxic to dogs if ingested. The essential oils present in the plant may cause mild gastrointestinal upset. There are no known severe toxic effects on canine physiology.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Non-toxicSantolina chamaecyparissus is generally considered non-toxic to humans. However, ingestion of large quantities may cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort due to its essential oils. The plant is not known to have significant toxic effects on human physiology.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten in large quantities
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Santolina chamaecyparissus toxic to pets?
A: No, it is non-toxic to dogs and cats.
Q: How often should I water Santolina chamaecyparissus?
A: Water sparingly, as it is drought-tolerant and prefers well-drained soil.
Q: Does Santolina chamaecyparissus attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds due to its fragrant flowers.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Asteraceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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