Dwarf Lavender Cotton (Santolina incana ‘Nana’)
Dwarf Lavender Cotton (Santolina incana ‘Nana’) is a compact, evergreen shrub known for its silver-gray foliage and bright yellow button-like flowers. This low-growing variety adds refined texture, drought tolerance, and an eye-catching focal point to borders, rock gardens, and Mediterranean-style landscapes.
Distinctive Features
‘Nana’ forms a dense, low-growing mound of aromatic, silver-gray foliage that offers year-round interest. In early to mid-summer, it produces bright yellow, button-like flower heads that add cheerful color and contrast to the silvery backdrop. Growing 6 to 12 inches tall and spreading up to 18 inches, it is ideal for groundcover, edging, and container plantings. The finely textured foliage is both deer-resistant and drought-tolerant, making it an excellent choice for low-maintenance gardens.
Growing Conditions
- Sun Exposure: Full sun is essential for optimal growth.
- Soil: Prefers well-drained, sandy or rocky soil; tolerates poor soil conditions.
- Water: Drought-tolerant once established; water sparingly.
- Humidity: Prefers dry climates and good airflow.
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 6-9, well-suited for Mediterranean and arid landscapes.
Ideal Uses
- Rock Gardens: Perfect for low-water, rocky environments.
- Groundcover: Dense growth habit makes it an excellent ground-hugging plant.
- Edging and Borders: Softens garden edges with its silvery foliage.
- Container Plantings: Compact size makes it ideal for pots and planters.
- Mediterranean Gardens: Complements other drought-tolerant plants in arid landscapes.
Low Maintenance Care
Dwarf Lavender Cotton is a hardy, low-maintenance shrub that thrives with minimal care once established.
- Watering: Water sparingly; prefers dry conditions once established.
- Pruning: Lightly shear after flowering to maintain a neat, compact shape.
- Fertilizing: Requires minimal fertilization; overly rich soil can reduce flowering.
- Pest and Disease Resistance: Highly resistant to deer, pests, and most diseases.
- Winter Care: Mulch in colder regions for added root protection.
Why Choose Dwarf Lavender Cotton?
Dwarf Lavender Cotton offers unique foliage, vibrant blooms, and low-maintenance appeal, making it an excellent choice for water-wise landscapes and Mediterranean gardens.
- Silver-Grey Foliage: Provides year-round interest and texture.
- Bright Yellow Flowers: Adds cheerful, contrasting color in summer.
- Drought Tolerant: Thrives in dry, arid environments once established.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal watering and pruning.
- Versatile Planting Options: Perfect for edging, groundcover, or containers.
For striking foliage, bold summer color, and reliable performance in dry conditions, Dwarf Lavender Cotton (Santolina incana ‘Nana’) is an exceptional focal point choice for rock gardens, borders, and Mediterranean-inspired landscapes.