Also known as Lavender Cotton · 66 saves
Santolina
Santolina, the genus most gardeners know as lavender cotton. We track 5 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 5 most-saved Santolina varieties
2 species of Santolina
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Santolina in Sow
Save the Santolina you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Santolina
Whats common across all Santolina varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 5 most-grown of them.
The Santolina year
- PruneJuly100% of varieties
Shear lightly after flowering to maintain compact, dense shape
- PlantApril and September40% of varieties
Plant in spring or early fall in very well-drained, poor soil
- Spring CleanupFebruary40% of varieties
Remove any winter-damaged wood or dead foliage
- PropagateMay and June40% of varieties
Take softwood cuttings in early summer.
Do
- Water moderately, allowing soil to dry between watering 🌱
- Prune after flowering to promote bushiness
- Water sparingly once established 🌱
- Fertilize with a balanced, low-nitrogen fertilizer in spring
- Provide full sun for best growth
Avoid
- Avoid overwatering, which can cause root rot ❌
- Don’t prune in late fall or winter
- Refrain from using heavy or clay soils without amendments
- Avoid excessive fertilizing that encourages legginess
What goes wrong with Santolina
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky residue and distorted leaves | Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil organic spray |
| Spider mites | Fine webbing and speckled foliage | Spray with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil |
| Root rot | Wilting and browning of roots | Improve drainage, reduce watering, and remove affected plants |
| Root Rot | Plant wilts, turns yellow or brown, and the base becomes mushy. | Caused by poor drainage. Prevention is the only cure. Ensure soil is very well-drained. Discard affected plants. |
Making more Santolina
Cuttings
- Take 4-inch semi-hardwood cuttings in late summer.
- Dip cut ends in rooting hormone.
- Plant in moist, well-draining soil mix.
- Keep humidity high by covering with plastic.
- Roots develop in 6 weeks.
Seeds
- Tuck seeds lightly into prepared soil in early spring.
- Keep soil moist and in full sun.
- Germination occurs in 2-3 weeks.
Santolina questions
How many types of Santolina are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 5 distinct Santolina varieties. The most popular — ranked by 66 real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Santolina grow in?
Across its varieties, Santolina covers USDA Zones 6–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Santolina bloom?
Most Santolina varieties bloom in early summer, mid-summer, summer. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Santolina should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.