Santolina pinnata ssp. neapolitana 'Edward Bowles'

Santolina pinnata ssp. neapolitana 'Edward Bowles'   –   Cotton Lavender

Santolina 'Edward Bowles' is one of the nicest cotton lavenders. It forms a small, rounded, evergreen shrub with fragrant, feathery, sage green foliage. In mid-summer it becomes covered in masses of pale yellow, button-like flowers.

'Edward Bowles' is a beautiful and versatile plant that adds a lovely touch of sage green to the landscape. Gardeners often use this compact and tidy shrub in rock gardens, as edging along paths, or in low maintenance borders. It is also a popular option for cottage gardens.

Flowering occurs in mid-summer, when pale yellow button-like flowers practically cover the plant. The soft flower and foliage colours of Santolina 'Edward Bowles' complement other plants nicely, particularly when paired with blue, pink, and purple tones.

Maintenance is a breeze, only requiring a bit of a trim in early spring to encourage new growth, and removal of spent flowers in late January to keep it looking its best. It thrives in poor soils, so there is usually no need to fertilise either.

Santolina 'Edward Bowles' prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. It is fully frost hardy and very tolerant of heat and drought. In other words, a perfect option for a sun-baked spot that doesn’t get much water. It's also a great choice for those just looking for a tough, easy care plant that still adds interest.

This cultivar is named after British horticulturist and plantsman Edward Bowles (1865-1954), who popularised the plant in the early 20th century.

• Height: 50cm
• Width: 60cm
• Light: Full sun