Gray Santolina

This wonderful Old World herb, native to the Mediterranean region of Europe, has aromatic foliage and deep yellow flowers. With evergreen foliage and eye-catching flowers, Gray Santolina (Santolina chamaecyparissus) is perfect for rock gardens, low-water gardens, xeriscapes, and lawn alternatives. If you have success with growing Lavender, your garden should be a good place to grow Santolina, which is also known as Lavender Cotton. Santolina was introduced in the US in the 1950s, and have since naturalized in some areas of California. It prefers sandy, rocky, lean soils, but is adaptable, and can also be planted in loam or clay, as long as it is well-drained, has plenty of sun, and lots of air circulation. Avoid planting in humid climates, or into unamended clay or rich garden loam. Water regularly to establish Santolina, but grow them on the dry side from the second growing season and beyond. It is fairly short-lived, about 3-5 years. Prune in the late winter or spring to prevent it from getting leggy or woody; it can be divided in spring or fall. Resinous foliage is completely deer and rabbit resistant, and highly resistant to pests – the foliage and flowers can also be used in sachets to keep away clothes moths. Other xeric companion plants that grow well with Santolina include Teucrium (Germander), Creeping Thyme (Thymus), and Rosemary (Rosmarinus).