Troubleshooting
Cotton Lavender problems — and how to fix them
Cotton Lavender (Santolina chamaecyparissus) is generally low-drama, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Woody, open centre after several years
Plants become woody and open in the middle without annual pruning. Cut back hard to within a few centimetres of old wood immediately after flowering to maintain a dense, compact mound.
Root rot in wet or clay soil
Wet winters or poorly drained soil rapidly cause root and crown decay, especially in cold weather. Plant in raised beds or on slopes with added grit, and avoid autumn fertilisation.
Prevent cotton lavender problems before they start
Most cotton lavender issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Cotton Lavender problems — FAQ
Why is my cotton lavender woody, open centre after several years?
Plants become woody and open in the middle without annual pruning. Cut back hard to within a few centimetres of old wood immediately after flowering to maintain a dense, compact mound.
Why is my cotton lavender root rot in wet or clay soil?
Wet winters or poorly drained soil rapidly cause root and crown decay, especially in cold weather. Plant in raised beds or on slopes with added grit, and avoid autumn fertilisation.