Cotton Lavender


Cotton Lavender

A genus of 18 species of small, aromatic, evergreen shrubs, found in dry, stony places in Mediterranean regions. Santolina chamaecyparissus was grown in Classical times; it became popular for knot garden hedges in norther regions in the 16th century, having neat, silver-gray foliage that contrasts well with darker hedging plants, such as dwarf boxwood (Buxus sempervirens 'Suffruticosa'). Culpeper described S chamaecyparissus, in The English Physician Enlarged (1653), as a remedy for poisonous bites, intestinal worms, and skin irritations. Although seldom used today, research in the 1980s showed it to be an effective anti-inflammatory. Santolina comes from the Latin sanctum linum, "holy flax".

Dense, strongly aromatic shrub with white-wooly, linear leaves, to 4cm (1½in) long, divided into closely packed, blunt segments. Solitary, globose heads, to 1cm (½in) across, of deep yellow, tubular flowers are produced in summer.


Common Name:
Cotton Lavender
Other Names:
Lavender Cotton
Botanical Name:
Santolina chamaecyparissus
Genus:
Santolina
Family:
Asteraceae
Native Location:
W and C Mediterranean
Cultivation:
Light, well-drained to dry soil in sun. Tolerates sady and poor, alkaline soils. Cut back hard in spring. Remove dead flower heads and trim in autumn.
Propagation:
By seed sown in autumn or spring; by semi-ripe cuttings in late summer.
Harvest:
Leaves are picked in the growing season, flowering stems in summer; both are dried for use in infusions and powders.
Height:
20-50cm (8-20in)
Width:
60-90cm (24-36in)
Hardiness:
Z6-8
Variations:
Lambrook Silver
Has silver-gray leaves.
Lemon Queen
Is compact, with cream flowers and gray-green leaves that have a slightly sweeter aroma than the species.
Height: 60cm (24in)
Width: 60cm (24in)
Var. nana
Is the smalles santolina. Ideal for alpine troughs.
Height: 15cm (6in)
Width: 15cm (6in)
Pretty Carol
Is compact, with silver foliae, and bright yellow flowers.
Height: 25-50cm (10-20in)
Width: 60cm (24in)
Small-Ness
Is dwarf. Suitable for containers or a miniature hedge.
Height: 20cm (8in)
Parts Used:
Leaves, flowering stems
Properties:
A bitter, stimulant herb with a strong, chamomile-like aroma. It reduces inflammation, improves digestion, stimulates the uterus and liver, and expels intestinal parasites.
Medicinal Uses:
Internally for poor digestion, digestive and menstrual problems, worms in children, and jaundice. Externally for stings, bites, minor wounds, and skin inflammations.
Culinary Uses:
Leaves are used to flavor meat and fish dishes, grains, soups, and sauces.
Aromatic Uses:
Dried leaves are added to potpourris.
Economic Uses:
Dried leaves are blended with Chamaemelum nobile (See, Roman Chamomile) and Tussilago farfara (See, Coltsfoot) in herbal tobacco.
Bibliography:
The Encyclopedia of Herbs by Deni Bown Copyright © 1995, 2001 Dorling Kindersley Limited pp.359-360