Lavender Cotton
santolina pectinata
Also known as: ["Cotton Lavender","Santolina Chamaecyparissus"]
Overview
A small, evergreen shrub with finely divided, silvery-gray foliage and yellow button-like flowers. Native to the Mediterranean region.
Benefits & Perks
["fragrant flowers","drought tolerant","deer resistant","aesthetic foliage"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Asterales |
| Family: | Asteraceae |
| Genus: | Santolina |
| Botanical Name: | Santolina pectinata |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Shrubs
- Suitable Location: rock gardens, herb gardens, or as a border plant in sunny, dry areas
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"8–10"}
- 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 some 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 with insufficient light.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually if moving from shade to full 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 weekly for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter harsh sunlight indoors; avoid placing near large windows with direct afternoon sun.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, less frequently in winter
Water thoroughly but infrequently; allow soil to dry completely between waterings; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
Soil
well-draining, sandy or loamy soil with low fertility
pH: Slightly alkaline to neutral (pH 6.5–7.5).
Ensure pots have drainage holes; avoid heavy clay soils; top-dress with gravel for extra drainage.
Temperature
Prefers warm temperatures (65–85°F or 18–29°C); thrives in Mediterranean climates with mild winters and hot summers.
Protect from frost; ensure good air circulation in hot weather; avoid sudden temperature fluctuations.
Fertilizing
every 2–3 months during spring and summer
Fertilize only during active growth; avoid over-fertilizing to prevent leggy growth; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings; division of clumps (less common).
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone.
- Plant in moist medium.
- Maintain humidity until roots develop.
Best Time: Late spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm (70–75°F or 21–24°C), humid environment with bright indirect light.
Medium
Well-draining mix of perlite and peat moss or cactus potting mix.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is recommended to improve success rates.
Timeline
Roots typically form in 3–6 weeks; plants may take several months to establish.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, well-draining medium, plastic wrap or propagator.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; provide bottom heat if possible.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Selective pruning of individual stems; avoid shearing to maintain natural form.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushiness, and remove dead or overgrown stems; best done after flowering or in early spring.
Tools
Pruning shears, sharp knife, gloves.
Checklist
Sterilize tools; prune after flowering; remove dead or crossing branches; shape evenly.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 1–2 inches in diameter; avoid oversized pots.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim roots if necessary; place in a slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining soil; water thoroughly after repotting.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the container; beneficial for maintaining vigor and preventing root-bound conditions.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot size; use fresh soil mix; trim roots if crowded; water well after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply at the root zone; ensure proper drainage; adjust frequency seasonally.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the root zone until water drains from the bottom; ensure even moisture without saturating the soil; water in the morning to minimize evaporation and fungal issues.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once every 1–2 weeks during active growth in spring and summer; reduce frequency to once a month or less in fall and winter. Adjust based on rainfall and soil moisture retention.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite, coarse sand, or gravel to improve drainage; incorporate compost for organic matter.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Chlorosis or wilting in excessive heat; leaf drop or stunted growth in cold stress; mold or mildew in humid conditions.
Cold Stress
Leaves may turn yellow or brown; growth slows or halts; risk of frost damage in temperatures below 20°F (-6°C).
Solution: Provide frost protection in winter (e.g., mulch, row covers); move potted plants indoors; avoid overwatering in cold conditions.
Hot Stress
Wilting despite moist soil; leaf scorch or browning edges; reduced flowering.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade in extreme heat; increase watering frequency; use mulch to retain soil moisture.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer; apply during growing season; avoid winter feeding; flush soil periodically.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength; apply every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer; avoid fertilizing in fall and winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicSantolina pectinata is not considered toxic to cats. Similar to dogs, ingestion of small amounts is unlikely to cause harm, but large quantities may result in mild gastrointestinal upset due to the plant's essential oils.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten in large quantities
Dogs
Non-toxicSantolina pectinata is not considered toxic to dogs. Ingestion of small amounts is unlikely to cause harm, but large quantities may lead to mild gastrointestinal upset due to the plant's essential oils.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten in large quantities
Humans
Non-toxicSantolina pectinata 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 pectinata safe for pets?
A: Yes, it is non-toxic to dogs and cats.
Q: How often should I water Santolina pectinata?
A: Water sparingly, as it is drought-tolerant and prefers well-drained soil.
Q: Does Santolina pectinata attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it attracts bees and butterflies with its fragrant flowers.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Asteraceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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