Lavender cotton: care, uses, and safety tips

Lavender cotton (Santolina) is a low, woody shrub with silver-gray leaves and button-like yellow flowers. It looks like a soft gray carpet in sunny borders, keeps its shape without fuss, and smells aromatic when you brush it. If you want a drought-tolerant border plant or a natural moth repellent, it's a smart pick.

Where it grows best: plant lavender cotton in full sun and in very well-drained soil. It thrives in poor, rocky soil where many garden plants sulk. Avoid heavy clay and overwatering; soggy roots cause rot fast. In temperate climates it tolerates heat and dry spells; in colder zones protect it with a dry mulch or grow in pots you can move.

Planting and pruning: space plants 30–45 cm apart for a neat low hedge or groundcover. Plant in spring after frost, and add grit or sand to heavy soil to improve drainage. Prune lightly after flowering to keep a compact shape; don't cut back into old wood because it may not reshoot. A yearly trim keeps the foliage dense and attractive.

Propagation: you can start from seed, but cuttings give faster, reliable results. Take semi-ripe cuttings in summer, root them in a gritty mix, and keep misting until established. Seeds need warmth and patience; they germinate slowly and may produce variable plants.

Practical uses: people use lavender cotton in borders, rock gardens, and Mediterranean-style plantings. Dried flower heads make long-lasting sachets that repel moths and add a soft scent to drawers. The plant acts as a pollinator magnet too—bees visit the button flowers in summer.

Aromatherapy and oil: the fragrance is pleasant but different from true lavender. Commercial essential oil yield is low; small home distillations rarely make much usable oil. Use dried sprigs or sachets for scent instead of trying to extract oil at home.

Medicinal notes and safety: Santolina has been used traditionally for digestive complaints and as a mild antiseptic, but modern evidence is limited. Do not ingest the plant without professional guidance. Some people may get skin irritation or allergic reactions from contact; wear gloves when pruning if you have sensitive skin. Avoid use in pregnancy and by small children—treat it as a garden aromatic, not a household medicine.

Pests and diseases: generally pest-free. Watch for root rot if drainage is poor. In humid climates, fungal problems can appear; improve air flow, reduce watering, and remove affected parts.

Quick care checklist

Full sun, sharp drainage, light yearly pruning, propagate by cuttings for best results, dry flowers for sachets, don't eat it. These simple rules keep lavender cotton healthy and useful in the garden.

Companion planting and design tips: pair lavender cotton with low Mediterranean plants like rosemary, thyme, salvia to support pollinators. Use it to edge pathways or soften gravel. For a low hedge, plant in a staggered double row and trim annually. In containers, use a gritty mix and let soil dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Cut spent flowers to encourage fresh growth.