Santolina ‘Chamaecyparissus Cotton Lavender’ — Hardy Evergreen Shrub, Bee-Friendly, 2L Pot
Santolina ‘Chamaecyparissus Cotton Lavender’ — Hardy Evergreen Shrub, Bee-Friendly, 2L Pot
Santolina ‘Chamaecyparissus Cotton Lavender’ — a hardy garden shrub with flowering summer. A reliable nectar source for bees and pollinators. Supplied as an established specimen in a 2L pot, grown peat-free at our Yorkshire nursery and ready to plant out.
At a glance
- Type: Hardy Evergreen Shrub
- Mature size: 50–75 cm × 60–90 cm
- Flowering: Summer (bright yellow, button-like flowers)
- Position: Full Sun
- Attracts: Bees & Pollinators
- Supplied as: Single plant in a 2L pot
The detail
Santolina chamaecyparissus, commonly known as Cotton Lavender, is a compact, mound-forming evergreen shrub prized for its striking silvery-grey, finely divided aromatic foliage. In summer, it produces cheerful bright yellow, button-like flowers held on slender stems above the foliage, adding a warm contrast to its cool-toned leaves. Native to the Mediterranean, this hardy shrub thrives in hot, dry conditions and is an excellent choice for gravel gardens, low informal hedging, sunny borders, and containers.
Once established, Santolina chamaecyparissus is remarkably drought tolerant, requiring very little maintenance. It performs best in full sun and well-drained soil, making it ideal for exposed or south-facing positions. A light trim after flowering helps maintain a neat, dense habit and encourages fresh new growth. Its aromatic foliage is naturally deer and rabbit resistant, and the flowers are a valuable nectar source for bees and other pollinators throughout the summer months.
Why ours
Grown by us in Yorkshire, in peat-free compost, shipped in plastic-free packaging. Every plant arrives strong, well-rooted and ready to thrive — not weeks of waiting before it gets going. Each order includes access to our free care app with planting and seasonal care reminders.
How to grow
| Botanical name | Santolina chamaecyparissus |
| Mature size | 50–75 cm × 60–90 cm |
| Growth habit | Compact, Mound-Forming Evergreen Shrub |
| Position | Full Sun |
| Flowering | Summer (bright yellow, button-like flowers) |
| Hardiness | Fully Hardy (RHS H5) |
| Attracts | Bees & Pollinators |
| Best for | Gravel Gardens, Mediterranean Gardens, Low Hedging, Sunny Borders, Containers |
Frequently asked
How big will it grow?
50–75 cm × 60–90 cm. Most established shrubs reach mature size within 3–5 years.
When should I plant it?
Container-grown shrubs can be planted year-round in the UK, but autumn and spring give the best establishment. Avoid planting in extreme heat or frozen ground.
When does it flower?
Expect flowers from summer (bright yellow, button-like flowers).
What size pot does it arrive in?
Supplied as a single specimen in 2L pot, well-rooted and ready to plant out or pot on.