Lavender Cotton

Santolina rosmarinifolia, also known as Green Santolina or Rosemary-leaved Cotton Lavender, is a wonderfully aromatic evergreen sub-shrub, perfect for adding texture and scent to sunny, dry spots in UK gardens. It forms a neat mound of fine, bright green, rosemary-like foliage that releases a pleasant aroma when brushed. In summer, it produces cheerful, bright yellow, button-like flowers held on slender stems. This plant thrives in full sun and very well-drained soil, often performing best in poor conditions, making it ideal for gravel gardens, Mediterranean borders, or rockeries. Prune after flowering to maintain its compact shape.

Sun: Full sun.

Soil: Well-drained, poor.

Hardiness: H4 — down to −10°C.

Flowering: Jul, Aug.