Santolina Chamaecyparissus Cotton Lavender Plants

Santolina chamaecyparissus, commonly known as Cotton Lavender, is a compact, mound-forming evergreen shrub prized for its striking silvery-grey, finely divided aromatic foliage. In summer, it produces cheerful bright yellow, button-like flowers held on slender stems above the foliage, adding a warm contrast to its cool-toned leaves. Native to the Mediterranean, this hardy shrub thrives in hot, dry conditions and is an excellent choice for gravel gardens, low informal hedging, sunny borders, and containers.

Once established, Santolina chamaecyparissus is remarkably drought tolerant, requiring very little maintenance. It performs best in full sun and well-drained soil, making it ideal for exposed or south-facing positions. A light trim after flowering helps maintain a neat, dense habit and encourages fresh new growth. Its aromatic foliage is naturally deer and rabbit resistant, and the flowers are a valuable nectar source for bees and other pollinators throughout the summer months.

Cultural Information:

• Botanical Name: Santolina chamaecyparissus


• Common Names: Cotton Lavender, Lavender Cotton


• Classification: Hardy Evergreen Shrub


• Fully Grown Height & Spread: 50–75 cm × 60–90 cm


• Growth Habit: Compact, Mound-Forming Evergreen Shrub


• Perfect For: Gravel Gardens, Mediterranean Gardens, Low Hedging, Sunny Borders, Containers


• Flowering Time: Summer (bright yellow, button-like flowers)


• Planting Position: Full Sun


• Soil Requirements: Well-Drained, Poor to Moderately Fertile Soil


• Hardiness: Fully Hardy (RHS H5)


• Attracts: Bees & Pollinators


• Type: Hardy Evergreen Shrub


• Foliage: Silvery-Grey, Finely Divided, Aromatic Leaves


• Pruning: Trim Lightly After Flowering to Maintain Shape

What's Included:

• 1 x Santolina Chamaecyparissus plant supplied in a 2L root-ball, ready for planting.

Free UK Delivery on Every Order

All orders placed Monday–Thursday before 2pm are packed the next working day and delivered within 24 hours of dispatch.

Example: Order on Monday → packed Tuesday → delivered Wednesday.

Orders placed Friday–Sunday are packed and shipped on Monday. We don't dispatch on weekends to ensure your plants travel fresh.

How Your Plants Arrive
Every plant is individually wrapped in our plastic-free packaging and secured in a custom box designed to keep them upright and protected in transit. If anything arrives damaged, get in touch — we'll replace it.

Returns
Not happy? Contact us within 14 days of delivery and we'll sort it out. See our full returns policy here.