Santolina chamaecyparissus – Aromatic Evergreen Shrub with Silvery Foliage

Santolina chamaecyparissus, commonly known as Lavender Cotton, is a compact, evergreen shrub valued for its dense, aromatic, silvery-grey foliage and bright yellow button-like flowers. It is an excellent choice for low hedging, edging, rock gardens, or sunny borders, adding texture and colour to your garden throughout the year.

Flowering takes place in summer (June to August), with clusters of small, vibrant yellow flowers that attract pollinators such as bees.

Best positioned in full sun, Santolina thrives in well-drained, sandy or chalky soils and is drought tolerant once established. It prefers a warm, sheltered spot and is well suited for Mediterranean-style gardens.

Care tips: Water moderately, allowing the soil to dry out between watering. Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.

Feed sparingly in early spring with a balanced fertiliser or organic compost to support healthy growth.

Prune annually in late spring or early summer, just after flowering, by trimming back about one-third of the plant. This helps maintain a compact shape and encourages fresh, dense growth.

Santolina chamaecyparissus is a low-maintenance, fragrant shrub perfect for adding year-round structure and silver tones to UK gardens.