Lavender Cotton (Santolina chamaecyparissus)
Lavender Cotton (Santolina chamaecyparissus), Hardy, evergreen, dwarf shrubDescription: Small, button-like, yellow flowers in summer; attractive, aromatic, gray-green foliageCulture: Prefers full sun and ordinary, well-drained soil; drought tolerantHabit: Grows to 2 feet high and 3 feet wideHardiness: USDA Zones 6 through 9Origin: MediterraneanAttributes: Deer resistant, drought tolerantA native of the Mediterranean region, Lavender Cotton has been cultivated in gardens since the sixteenth century. This slow growing shrub is very hardy and grows well from the sandy soils of Cape Cod to the heavy clay soils of Illinois. Its yellow flowers can be cut during or after they bloom in order to encourage fresh growth of the aromatic, gray foliage, which is not attractive to deer. Lavender Cotton's stems have been used for household moth repellent and to produce oil for perfume. The plant also responds well to shearing and is used in knot gardens and as a border for walkways and perennial beds.Arrives in a 2.5" pot.