Santolina chamaecyparissus (Lavender Cotton)

Santolina chamaecyparissus (Lavender Cotton) is a compact evergreen shrub prized for its aromatic, finely divided silver-grey foliage and bright yellow button-like flowers. Its soft, silvery appearance provides excellent contrast in borders, rockeries, herb gardens, and Mediterranean-style landscapes. The foliage releases a pleasant herbal fragrance when brushed or crushed, while the cheerful summer flowers attract bees and other pollinators.

Thriving in full sun and very well-drained soil, Santolina chamaecyparissus is drought tolerant once established and requires minimal maintenance. Regular light pruning after flowering helps maintain its neat, rounded form and encourages dense new growth. It is particularly well suited to dry gardens, coastal conditions, containers, and low-water landscapes.