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Silvery cotton lavender with round yellow flowers in summer sunshineShrubs

Santolina chamaecyparissus

Cotton Lavender

cotton lavendersilver foliagelow hedgedrought-tolerantMediterranean

Cotton lavender is a compact, silvery dwarf shrub with finely divided, aromatic foliage and round, button-like yellow flowers from June to August. The silver-grey leaves form dense, dome-shaped cushions that remain decorative even outside the flowering season. Excellent as a low hedge, border edging or in a herb garden.

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Before
After

Characteristics

Sun
Full sun
Water
Low
Height
30–60 cm
Spread
40–80 cm
Hardiness zone
6–9
Family
Asteraceae
Evergreen
Yes
Flower colors
yellow
Wildlife value
bees, butterflies

Bloom period

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Care guide

Plant in full sun in poor, well-drained soil. Hardly any watering needed — wet feet are disastrous. Tolerates drought, heat and coastal winds without issue. Hardy to zone 6, but protect with mulch during prolonged severe frost.

Pruning tips

Prune hard in spring to just above the old wood to keep the plant compact. Without annual pruning the plant becomes bare and woody at the base. Remove spent flowers for a tidier appearance.

Good companions

Blooming lavender with purple-blue flowers in summer sunlightShrubs

Lavandula angustifolia

English Lavender

Lavender is a beloved herb with aromatic silver-green foliage and purple-blue flower spikes. This evergreen plant blooms profusely from June to August and is remarkably drought-tolerant, attracting butterflies and bees to the garden.

Full sunLow30–60 cm
Large white rockrose flower with dark blotches at the base of the petalsShrubs

Cistus ladanifer

Gum Rockrose

The gum rockrose is an aromatic evergreen shrub from the Mediterranean with sticky, resin-scented leaves and large, papery white flowers with a striking dark blotch at the base of each petal. Each flower opens for just one day, but the plant produces new buds for weeks through May and June.

Full sunLow100–200 cm
Blue flowers and needle-like foliage of rosemary in springHerbs

Rosmarinus officinalis

Rosemary

Rosemary is an aromatic, evergreen sub-shrub with needle-like deep-green foliage and small blue flowers in spring. The plant gives off a warm, resinous scent and is prized both in the kitchen and the ornamental garden. Rosemary thrives in warm, dry spots and is highly drought-tolerant.

Full sunLow60–150 cm