Santolina (
Santolina chamaecyparissus).
Other Names
Lavender Cotton, Cotton Lavender.
Origins- The Mediterranean.
Type
Perennial (evergreen)
Hardiness (see References, below)
Zones 6 - 9.
Bloom - Spring, Summer.
Height - Up to 2 ft (60 cm).
Cultivation
Sunny, or partially shaded locations. Loves rocky/sandy soils with good drainage. Santolina is a very rewarding, and unfussy plant. Prune, particularly in early Spring to promote healthy, compact shape. Not pruned, it will get a little leggy, which is also charming.
Propagation
Very easy. Take cuttings from Spring, through Summer. Put them in a jar of water and they will root promptly.
Other
Santolina's name comes from Latin (
Sanktum linum (holy flax)).
Perfect, year round interest plant. It comes with very attractive foliage, and buttermilk colored bloom. Beautiful, and refreshing focal point in any garden.
Santolinas look perfect, mixed with true Lavenders, and many other
herbs, and flowers. They tend to fill the gaps, a very desirable feature, particularly in flower borders. Cotton Lavender makes great topiary material. Many knot gardens used it for border defining hedge. Native rock garden plant.
Santolina plant's parts are edible (if a little bitter), and could be used to flavor cooked dishes, such as stews, soups, and sauces.
In the past, Santolina had some application in home made remedies for internal worms, inflammations, and stimulating liver function.
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References -
Find more about: Hardiness Zones, Ham House
Special Thanks
Special Thanks to Town & Country Gardens Contributors:
Amanda Oliver, blogger, bulabean, dive-angel (Karin), flickr, Jasmine&Roses, National Trust, Rita Crane Photography. Rita Crane, daughter of LIFE magazine photographer Ralph Crane. Her work can be seen on Flickr at Rita Crane Photography or on her website., SuzieQ26uk, TMR Davies, Wikipedia, W.D. Williams
