Shrub · Asteraceae family
Lavender cotton
Santolina chamaecyparissus
In short a 10-second read
in the wild up to 2 ft
spacing 15¼ in
Where to plant and how much to water
Sun, soil and water.
It grows best in full sun, in dry to average soil.
Sun
Soil
Watering
Frost
How much space it takes
Mature size.
The mature plant next to a person (69 in).
Plant 15¼ in apart.
Reaches maturity in about 5–10 years. The final size depends on the cultivar and the spot — we give the range from smallest to largest.
Calendar
Through the year.
Typical for a temperate climate (four seasons). The line shows the current month.
The year at a glance
Flowers
July–August · yellow
Planting
container plant: March–April, September–October
Feeding
May–June
Feeding
Nutrition.
up to 0.13 oz/sq ft a year, if the soil needs it · May–June
Pests and diseases
Common problems and what to do.
The most common problems in Central Europe. Protection is listed from the gentlest option.
No serious pests or diseases
The source lists no significant problems.
Sources (1)
What to combine it with
Same needs, different flowering.
They share the same sun and soil and flower in other months — so the bed flowers for longer.
Frequently asked
Quick answers.
When does lavender cotton flower?
In July–August; the flowers are yellow.
Does lavender cotton tolerate shade?
No, it needs full sun.
How much space does lavender cotton need?
At maturity 2 ft–2 ft 11⅞ in wide and 11¾ in–2 ft tall; recommended spacing 15¼ in.
Sources (20) Checked 24 October 2026
- missouribotanicalgarden.org
- plants.ces.ncsu.edu
- rhs.org.uk 2 3 4
- shop.foerster-stauden.de
- bamberger-staudengarten-shop.de
- lorberg.com
- toom.de
- api.gbif.org
- bfn.de
- hgic.clemson.edu
- lwg.bayern.de
- Invasive plant lists — this species is not on them: EASIN, Slovakia, Czechia, Germany, Poland, Denmark
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