Cotton lavender herb and plants

Cotton lavender is a native of Southern France and the Northern Mediterranean area, where it grows wild on calcareous ground. It is widely cultivated, adapting to the full spectrum of European and Australian climates and to warm-to-hot regions of North America, surviving even an Eastern Canadian winter on well-drained soil. The Greeks knew cotton lavender 'abrotonon' and the Romans as 'habrotanum', both names referring to the tree-like shape of the flying branches. It was used medicinally for many centuries by the Arabs. And it was valued in medieval England as an insect and moth repellent and vermifuge. The plant was probably brought! In to Britain in the 16th century by French Huguenot gardeners, who were skilled in creating the knot garden so popular among the Elizabethans? Cotton lavender was used largely in low clipped hedges, and as edging for the geometrical beds.

Species

Despite its common name, this is not a member of the Lavandula family; rather it is a member of the daisy family.

Santolina chamaecyparissus

Cotton Lavender

Hardy evergreen perennial. Ht 75cm (2.5ft), spread lm (3ft). Yellow button dowers from mid-summer to early autumn, silver coral like aromatic foliage.

Santolina chamaecyparissus 'Lemon Queen'

Cotton Lavender 'Lemon Queen'

As 'Edward Bowles', but feathery, deep cut gray foliage.

Santolina pinnata ssp. neapolitana 'Edward Bowles'

Cotton Lavender 'Edward Bowles'

Hardy evergreen perennial. Ht 75cm (2.5ft), spread 1m (3ft). Cream button flowers in summer. Feathery, deep cut, gray/green foliage.

Santolina pinnata ssp.

Neapolitana

Cotton Lavender 'Neopolilana ' As 'Edward Bowles'.

Santolina rosmarinifolia ssp. Rosmarinifolia 'Primrose Gem'

Cotton Lavender Primrose Gem

Hardy evergreen perennial. Ht. 60cm (2ft) spread 1m (3ft). Pale yellow button flowers in summer. Finely cut green leaves.

Santolina rosmarinifolia ssp. rosmarinifolia (Virens)

Cotton Lavenda Rosmarinifolia

Also known as Holy Flax. As 'Primrose Gem'. Bright yellow button flowers in summer. Finch cut, bright Green leaves.

Cultivation

Propagation

Seed

Although seed is now available, it is erratic and not worth the effort as germination is poor.

Cuttings

Take 5-8cm (2-3in) soft stem cuttings in spring before flowering, or take semi-ripe stem cuttings from midsummer to autumn. They root easily without the use of any rooting compound.

Pests and Diseases

Compost or soil that is too rich will attract aphids.

Maintenance

Spring: Cut straggly old plants hard back, fake cuttings from new growth.

Summer: I can not stress enough that after flowering the plants should be cut back or the bushes will open tip and lose their attractive shape.

Autumn: lake semi-ripe cuttings protect them from frost in a cold frame or greenhouse.

Winter: Protect in only the severest of winters.

Garden cultivation

This elegant aromatic evergreen is ideal for the herb garden as a hedging or specimen plant in its own right. Plain in full sun, preferably in sandy soil. If the soil is too rich the growth will become soft and lose color. This is particularly noticeable with the silver varieties. Planting distance for an individual plant 45-60cm (18-24 in), for a hedging 30-38cm (12-15in). I ledges need regular clipping to shape in spring and summer. Do not cut back in the autumn in frosty climates, as this can easily kill the plants. If temperatures drop below -15° C (5°F) protect with agricultural fleece or a layer of straw, spruce or bracken.

Harvest

Pick leaves and dry any lime before flowering. Pick small bunches of flower stems lor drying, in late summer. They can be dried easily by hanging I he bunches upside down in a dry, airy place.

Container growing

Santolina can not be grown indoors, however as a patio plant, a single plant clipped lo shape in large terracotta pot can look very striking. Use a bark, peat compost. Place pot in full sun. Do not over-feed with liquid fertilizer or growth will be too soft.

Culinary

Cotton lavender (S. chamaecyparissus) makes an interesting addition to shortbread biscuits instead of Rosemary. Interesting being the operative word.

Medicinal

Although not used much nowadays, it can be applied to surface wounds, hastening the healing process by encouraging scar formation. Finely ground leaves ease the pain of insect stings and bites.

Other uses

Lay in drawers, under carpets, and in closets to deter moths and other insects, or make a herbal moth bag.

Herbal Moth Bag

A handful of wormwood

A handful of spearmint

A handful of ration lavender

A handful of rosemary

1 tablespoon of crushed coriander

Dry and crumble the ingredients, mix together and put in a muslin or cotton bag.