Cotton Lavender

Description

Santolina is a hardy subshrub that forms well-shaped clumps, dense with small evergreen leaves that are grey or green depending on the species. Because of this characteristic, santolinas were used in past centuries to form low hedges in formal gardens. The flowers and leaves of santolinas give off an intense scent which makes them among the most highly prized aromatic plants. Santolina can also be grown in pots.

Stem

The stems, which have a rounded section, become woody towards the base in the second year of cultivation, while in the first year they are greyish or green and covered with down. Since santolina stems may be erect or creeping, these plants adapt themselves to different environmental situations. Santolina can also be grown in pots.

Leaves

Santolina leaves are evergreen and may be grey-green, green or silver-grey; they are sometimes prickly to the touch, and always fragrant, though not always pleasantly so. In shape they are finely divided, but they can also be threadlike, as in the varieties S. rosmarinifolia and S. virens. The latter variety is particularly robust and also grows in damp soil and in unsheltered positions.

Flowers

Santolina flowers take the form of solitary flower heads of an intense yellow. They appear from midsummer until the end of the fine season and are well suited to drying.

Exposure

Aromatic santolina requires a sunny exposure.

Propagation

The simplest method of reproduction is to take tip cuttings in spring, or to divide the clumps.

Growth

These subshrubs are very hardy and present no particular difficulty in cultivation; as already mentioned, the soil should be well drained. If the temperature drops below -15°, the clumps should be protected with layers of straw, fern leaves or conifer branches.

Harvesting

The leaves can be picked at any time of year; the flowers, of course, in summer.

Storage

Leaves and flowering stems are preserved after they are allowed to dry.

Properties

IN THE HOME: For centuries santolinas have been used throughout the Mediterranean area to perfume the air. They also act as an insecticide: they can be placed in window boxes to keep mosquitoes away. Once dried they can be placed in wardrobes, drawers and books to ward off moths and other insects.

Curiosity

If it is planted in soil that is too rich, this plant slows its rate of growth. Lavender Cotton