LAVENDER COTTON. All of the Santolinas are fine edging materials and can be trimmed into any desired shape. Traditionally used for knot gardens and borders. The plants have a strong pleasant odor and are used in potpourri and to moth-proof stored linens. The essential oil is used in perfumery and a decoction of the leaves is used to expel internal parasites. It also shows strong antibacterial activity. Yellow button flowers borne singly on individual stems are common to all Santolina varieties. They need good drainage and are quite drought tolerant.