Cotton Lavender 'Edward Bowles'

Santolina chamaecyparissus 'Edward Bowles' is a refined cultivar of Cotton Lavender, prized for its exceptionally silver, almost white, finely dissected foliage. This evergreen subshrub forms a tight, rounded mound about 45cm high and 60cm wide. In mid-summer, it produces pale, creamy-yellow button flowers that contrast beautifully with the ghostly foliage, unlike the starker bright yellow of the species. The entire plant is highly aromatic, with a sharp, herbal scent that was historically used to repel moths. It is hardy to H5 and is a perfect choice for dwarf hedging, parterres, or as a structural element in a dry, sun-baked garden. It requires very well-drained soil and full sun; it will become leggy and lose its silver colour in shade or rich, wet soils. It should be pruned hard in spring to keep it neat and prevent it from splitting open in the centre as it matures.

Sun: Full sun.

Soil: Well-drained, poor to moderately fertile soil.

Hardiness: H5 — down to −15°C.

Flowering: Jun, Jul, Aug.