How to Take a Santolina Cutting?

A lovely plant with fine, aromatic foliage, lavender cotton (Santolina) thrives in dry gardens while remaining cold-hardy. This member of the Asteraceae family is undemanding when it comes to soil or watering. Native to the Mediterranean region, it flourishes in poor soils and requires little maintenance. The silvery foliage of Santolina chamaecyparissus or the greener leaves of Santolina virens or Santolina lemon fizz beautifully adorn flower beds, rockeries, or low borders. In summer, lavender cotton is adorned with small cream or yellow flowers. However, it tends to become leggy. To counter this, regular pruning is needed—an ideal opportunity to take cuttings and refresh your border. Follow our guide to learn when and how to propagate lavender cotton.

Essential Tools for Propagating Lavender Cotton

A sharp, sterilised pruner for trimming your lavender cotton.
A sharp, sterilised secateurs for removing unnecessary leaves.
A seed tray, a small crate, standard or biodegradable pots, or terracotta containers.
special seed and cutting compost.
Sand.
A pen.
A spray bottle.

When to Take Lavender Cotton Cuttings?

The best time to propagate Santolina is during pruning. While lavender cotton can be trimmed several times a year, the main pruning occurs in late summer, around September, when flowering ends.

Propagating lavender cotton is best done just after flowering

Use secateurs to remove spent flower heads, then trim with shears to maintain a compact, rounded shape. Don’t discard the cuttings—they’re perfect for propagation.

How to Propagate Lavender Cotton

Gather the pruned stems and select the healthiest, at least 15–20 cm long.
Remove the lower leaves from each stem (about 10 cm up) using secateurs.
Trim the top cleanly to encourage sap flow.
Fill your chosen container with a light mix of three-quarters seed compost and one-quarter sand. Lightly moisten with a spray bottle and top with a thin layer of sand.
Use a pen to make holes spaced 5–10 cm apart.
Insert cuttings halfway into each hole, gently firming the soil without compacting.
Water with a spray.

In autumn, keep cuttings outdoors in partial shade, ensuring the soil stays moist. Avoid prolonged direct sunlight.

In winter, move cuttings under a cloche or cold frame in milder regions. In colder areas, place them in a conservatory. Keep the compost damp but not waterlogged to prevent rot.

Direct Propagation of Lavender Cotton

In Mediterranean climates, cuttings can be planted directly in their final spot. Dig a trench 15–20 cm deep where you want your low border. Every 10 cm, place prepared cuttings (with lower leaves removed), backfill halfway, and water generously. In spring, keep only the strongest plants.