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Botanical  Name: Santolina Chamaecyparissus (LINN.)
Family: N.O. Compositae
Synonym: Santolina.
Common Name: French Lavender, like L. Stoechas
Part Used: Herb.
Habitat: Europe – Mediterranean. Occasionally naturalized in Britain.   Dry ground, stony banks and rocks, usually on calcareous soils

Description:
Cotton Lavender is an evergreen perennial herb with aromatic strangely shaped silver leaves with that remind one of ocean coral.  In midsummer it bears small yellow flowers like round buttons.. This species is a particular favorite of the herb garden. An evergreen Shrub growing to 0.6m by 1m.
It is hardy to zone 7. It is in leaf all year, in flower from July to August, and the seeds ripen from August to September. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Insects.
The plant prefers light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils, requires well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. The plant prefers acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline soil. It cannot grow in the shade. It requires dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.
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A perfume oil is also extracted from it.

It is not a true Lavender at all, buthas yellow, clustered buttons of composite flowers and finely-cut, grey, rather disagreeably-scented leaves, whose odour somewhat resembles Chamomile. It is used as a vermifuge for children. This plant was once also esteemed for its stimulant properties, and the twigs have been used for placing amongst linen, etc., to keep away moths. All the species of Santolina have a strong resemblance to one another, except S. fragrantissima, which differs in having the flowerheads in flat inflorescences termed corymbs, the flowers all being at the same level, instead of singly at the apex of the twigs.
The Arabs are said to use the juice of this plant for bathing the eyes. Culpepper tells us that Lavender Cotton ‘resists poison, putrefaction and heals the biting of venomous beasts.’ It is now chiefly used as an edging to borders, spreading like a silvery carpet close to the ground.

Cultivation details
An easy and undemanding plant that does not require a rich soil, though it strongly dislikes wet conditions around the roots. Prefers a light sandy fairly poor soil on a sunny slope. Prefers a chalky soil[190]. Established plants are drought tolerant. They succeed in a hot dry position. Hardy to about -15°c when in a well-drained soil. A very wind hardy plant, it succeeds on the top of Cornish dry-stone walls. A very ornamental plant, there are several named varieties. Cotton lavender tolerates shearing so long as this is not done at times of low resistance (winter?). Plants can be cut back hard in spring to maintain their form, though this will prevent them flowering. A good companion plant for roses. Flowers are produced on two year old wood. The leaves are very aromatic. The bruised leaves are pleasantly pungent, though the flowers have an unpleasant smell. The form S. chamaecyparissus nana has a more pungent aroma than the type. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus.

Propagation
Seed – sow spring in a greenhouse. Does not require pre-treatment. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant them out in late spring or early summer of the following year. Cuttings of half-ripe side shoots, 5 – 8 cm long with a heel, July/August in a frame. Roots within 2 weeks. High percentage[78]. The heeled cuttings can also be placed direct into the open garden in early July and should be well-rooted by the winter. Division in spring or autumn[111]. Larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found it best to pot up the smaller divisions and grow them on in a lightly shaded position in a cold frame, planting them out once they are well established in the summer. Layering.

Medicinal Uses:
Antispasmodic; Disinfectant; Emmenagogue; Stings; Vermifuge.

The leaves and flowering tops are antispasmodic, disinfectant, emmenagogue, stimulant and vermifuge. Cotton lavender is rarely used medicinally, though it is sometimes used internally as a vermifuge for children and to treat poor digestion and menstrual problems. When finely ground and applied to insect stings or bites, the plant will immediately ease the pain. Applied to surface wounds, it will hasten the healing process by encouraging the formation of scar tissue. The leaves and flowering stems are harvested in the summer and dried for later use.

Cotton Lavender was used in classical Greek times as a dewormer and moth repellent. They made an infusion of the leaves and used it as a rub for rheumatism and painful joints. The Arabian people used Cotton Lavender as an eyewash. Cotton Lavender can be used as a topical anti-inflammatory – rub the crushed leaves on insect bites to ease the pain.

Other Uses
Dye; Essential; Ground cover; Hedge; Pot-pourri; Repellent.

Plants can be grown as a low formal hedge and used as an edging plant. The plant is very tolerant of shearing. In less exposed areas the plants can be trimmed in the autumn, otherwise they need to be cut by early April if they are to be allowed to flower. Plants can also be grown for ground cover. They are best spaced about 60cm apart each way. The leaves are strewn amongst clothes to repel moths etc. The growing plant repels various insect pests, especially cabbage moths. The dried leaves are used in pot-pourri[238]. An essential oil from the leaves is used in perfumery[4], the oil is also obtained from the flowers
Scented Plants
Flowers: Fresh
The flowers have an unpleasant smell.
Leaves: Crushed
The bruised leaves are pleasantly pungent

Edible Uses
Edible Uses: Condiment.

The aromatic leaves are used as a flavouring for broths, sauces, grain dishes etc

Disclaimer:The information presented herein is intended for educational purposes only. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplements, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider

Resources:

http://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/l/lavcot14.html

http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=SACH2

http://www.pfaf.org/database/plants.php?Santolina+chamaecyparissus

http://www.herbgarden.co.za/mountainherb/article_CottonLavender.htm

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