Lavender Cotton (Santolina chamaecyparissus)

Hardy, evergreen, dwarf shrub
Description: Small, button-like, yellow flowers in summer; attractive, aromatic, gray-green foliage
Culture: Prefers full sun and ordinary, well-drained soil; drought tolerant
Habit: Grows to 2 feet high and 3 feet wide
Hardiness: USDA Zones 6 through 9
Origin: Mediterranean
Attributes: Deer resistant, drought tolerant

A 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.