Flower Library
Cotton Lavender
Santolina · Asteraceae
Cotton lavender is one of the loveliest silvery foliages there is: fine, almost coral-like feathered shoots with dense, white-felted leaves that release a spicy, herbal scent as you work. It brings structure and Mediterranean light to bouquets without ever being loud. We buy santolina in season as bunched stock at the Veiling Rhein-Maas — freshly cut, it lasts remarkably long.
- Season
- June – July – August – September – October
- Vase life
- 10–18 days
- Latin name
- Santolina
- Colors
- Silver-grey (foliage), Grey-green, Yellow (button flowers)
The most important species is grey cotton lavender, Santolina chamaecyparissus, with silver-white foliage; alongside it grows green santolina, Santolina rosmarinifolia, in fresh green. In high summer both push up small, button-like yellow flower heads without ray petals — pretty, but usually a side note in floristry. Santolina is traded first and foremost as aromatic structural foliage.
In arranging, cotton lavender takes on the role otherwise played by eucalyptus or dusty miller: it cools colour schemes down, gives support between soft blooms and adds a fine, almost fluffy texture. With dusky pink roses, lavender and white hydrangeas it is a dream partner for anything meant to look like Provence.
A practical bonus is the scent: the essential oil smells herbal and camphor-like and once kept moths out of wardrobes. In wreaths, scented bouquets and dried work this aroma lingers for weeks — a genuine selling point for customers who want more than looks.
Santolina dries superbly. The felted shoots keep their shape and silver tone almost completely when air-dried, which is why we like working them into wreaths and long-lasting pieces. Used fresh, the only real mistake is leaving too much foliage standing in the water — the felt soaks itself full and starts to smell.
In the garden cotton lavender is a classic, clip-tolerant small shrub for sunny, dry spots and low edging — the Mediterranean answer to box. So if you fancy rooting leftovers from a bouquet: summer cuttings succeed surprisingly often.
Is Cotton Lavender toxic to children and pets?
- Children
- Mildly irritating
- Cats
- Mildly irritating
- Dogs
- Mildly irritating
Cotton lavender contains essential oils and bitter compounds. It is considered mildly irritating to cats, dogs and children — dangerous poisoning is not expected, but eating it should be avoided.
Typical symptoms: After eating larger amounts: drooling, upset stomach, vomiting or diarrhoea; occasional contact irritation on sensitive skin.
In an emergency:call the German poison control centre in Bonn on +49 228 19240 (24/7) — for pets, contact an emergency vet directly. This information does not replace medical or veterinary advice.
Overview: toxic & non-toxic plants for cats, dogs and children
Care
- 01Cut the stems at an angle and stand them in a little, but clean, water.
- 02Strip the foliage from the lower stem — the felt rots in water otherwise.
- 03Change the water every two to three days.
- 04Keep cool; direct sun bleaches the silver foliage faster.
- 05To dry, hang upside down in an airy, shaded spot.
- 06Scent fading? Rub the shoots gently between your fingers and the aroma returns.
Frequently asked
- Is cotton lavender toxic to cats or dogs?
- Cotton lavender is not strongly poisonous, but it contains essential oils and bitter compounds that can cause drooling, stomach irritation or diarrhoea in cats and dogs after eating. Small nibbles are usually harmless, but the bouquet is still best kept out of reach.
- What does santolina smell like?
- The scent is spicy and herbal with a distinct camphor note — some describe it as a blend of rosemary, chamomile and olive. It is noticeably stronger than lavender and was traditionally used as a moth repellent in wardrobes.
- Can you dry cotton lavender?
- Yes, exceptionally well. Hung upside down in an airy spot, the shoots keep their shape, silver tone and much of their scent for months. That makes santolina one of the most rewarding foliages for dried wreaths and lasting arrangements.
- How long does santolina last in the vase?
- As fresh cut foliage cotton lavender lasts a good ten to eighteen days, outliving most blooms in the bouquet. Afterwards you can simply let the shoots dry and keep using them.