A small highly aromatic shrub, growing to about 60 cm (2 ft.), it has silvery-grey, finely divided, woolly foliage and bright yellow, globular button-shaped flowers.
History and traditions
Cotton lavender is a native of southern Europe and was well known to the ancient Greeks and Romans and has long been valued as a vermifuge and for its insect-repellent properties. Culpeper recommended it also against poisonous bites and skin irritations (The English Physician, 1653). The neat, silvery foliage responds well to close clipping and it was introduced to Britain and northern Europe in the 16th century as hedging for knot gardens.
Habitat/distribution
Cotton lavender is native to the Mediterranean region, introduced and widely cultivated worldwide. Found in fields and wastelands on calcareous soil.
Growth
Grow in light, sandy soil and a sunny position. Tolerates drought. Propagated by semi ripe cuttings in summer. Prune hard in spring to maintain a neat, clipped shape. It will regenerate if cut back to old wood.
Uses
Medicinal
Formerly used to expel intestinal worms. It is said to have anti-inflammatory properties and is sometimes made into an infusion as a lotion for skin irritations and insect bites, but in general it is little used in herbal medicine today.
Aromatic
Dried leaves are added to pot-pourri and insect-repellent sachets.
