What soil does Cotton lavender grow in?

It tolerates these soils: sandy, average garden soil, calcareous.

Is Cotton lavender hardy?

Hardy down to -18 °C (USDA zone 6, RHS H6). In the colder parts of the country (Carinthia, Salzburg, Tyrol) it may not survive winter without protection.

How far from the house should Cotton lavender be planted?

Plant it at least 1 m from buildings. Keep it at least 0.5 m from paving.

How far apart should Cotton lavender be planted?

Planted on its own, it needs 45 cm between plants. For a hedge, allow 3 plants per metre.

When does Cotton lavender flower?

Flowering: June–August, yellow.

How much water does Cotton lavender need?

Water need: low. Drought tolerance: high.

How much does Cotton lavender cost?

It sells for roughly €5 to €18 in local shops, depending on size.

Cotton lavender

Santolina chamaecyparissus

Cotton lavender (Santolina chamaecyparissus) is a shrub. Light: full sun. Hardy down to -18 °C. Drought tolerance: high. Sold in local shops from about €5.

Illustration of Cotton lavender — An illustration of the typical shape of the mature plant, not a photo.

What it's good for, and what it isn't

An evergreen subshrub with silver-grey, finely cut, strongly aromatic foliage that grows into a tight little dome and carries yellow button flowers in summer. Plant it in sun in dry, lean, even limy soil next to lavender, as edging or as a low clipped hedge, and cut it back in spring or the centre opens up and goes bare. It is not for heavy, wet ground or frost pockets, and spring planting gives it time to root in before winter.

Watch out for

Not reliably hardy in Central Europe: prolonged frost below about minus 15 to minus 18 °C without snow cover kills it back, and roots rot in wet winter soil, which is the most common reason it is lost. It needs a sheltered, sharply drained, gritty spot and winter protection in harsh sites. In humid, muggy weather it is prone to fungal disease and the bush opens up in the centre. It is short-lived, going bare after 10 to 15 years or much sooner if not cut back, and is then best renewed from cuttings.

Key facts

Light: Full sun
Water need: Low
Care: Medium
Size after 10 years: 50 cm × 90 cm
Hardiness: down to -18 °C
Foliage: Evergreen
Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D June–August, yellow

Group	Shrub
Light	Full sun
Size after 10 years	50 cm × 90 cm
Ultimate size	30–60 cm × 60–90 cm
Hardiness	down to -18 °C (USDA 6, RHS H6)
Soil	Sandy, Average garden soil, Calcareous
Foliage	Evergreen
Flowering	June–August, yellow
Water need	Low
Drought tolerance	High
Maintenance	Medium
Root aggressiveness	Low
Suckering	no
Spreading	Low
Distance from buildings	at least 1 m
Distance from paving	at least 0.5 m
Litter	not typical
Planting distance	45 cm
For dogs	Non-toxic (uncertain)
For cats	Non-toxic (uncertain)
For children	Mildly toxic (uncertain)
Typical price	from about €5

Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor.

Sizes and prices available

The same plant is sold as a small pot and as a specimen several metres tall, and the price follows. Prices are rounded and for guidance only.

Size	Typical price
15-20 cm	approx. €18
20-25 cm	approx. €13
size not stated	approx. €5 – €9

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 8, 2026 · How our data is made

Appears in these lists

Ground cover plants Drought-tolerant plants Drought-tolerant shrubs Drought-tolerant plants for sandy soil Hedge plants Evergreen hedge plants Evergreen plants Plants for containers Plants for a Mediterranean garden Fragrant plants Fragrant shrubs

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