ShrubsSantolina chamaecyparissus
Cotton Lavender
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.
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
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
ShrubsLavandula 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.
ShrubsCistus 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.
HerbsRosmarinus 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.