Does Santolina Repel Pests?

Types

• Santolina chamaecy parissus, or lavender cotton as it is more commonly known, is a gray-green shrub with fine coral-like leaves and yellow button flowers. Lavender cotton grows 32 inches tall and likes full sun and well-drained soil. Santolina virens, or green santolina, has fine dark-green leaves with pale yellow flowers. In warmer climates it is an evergreen shrub. Green santolina grows 24 inches in height and needs to be pruned back hard in the spring to prevent it from becoming woody. Lesser known cultivars of santolina include green lavender cotton, rosmarinifolia -- with leaves that resemble rosemary -- and santolina neapolitan, which has fine, serrated leaves.

History

• Santolina was used in ancient Greece as a moth repellent and taken internally to treat ringworm and parasites in humans. Sprigs of santolina were strewn about floors in mansions and huts in England and Colonial America to mask odors and repel fleas and vermin. Sachets of dried santolina have been used through time and are used today to repel moths.

Pests

• The Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife recommends planting santolina to repel rabbits from the garden, and the Ministry of the Environment in British Columbia suggests using the shrub to deter deer. Fresh santolina sprigs are used to repel fleas, and the dried herb is used against moths and ants.

Method

• Plant santolina around the perimeter of the vegetable garden, flower bed or fruit orchard to deter rabbits and deer. Spread fresh sprigs of the herb around dog kennels and beds as a natural flea repellent. Use the dried herb in sachets alone or with cedar chips to repel moths in woolen clothing and blankets.

  Create an herbal soap spray to use against ants like this one published in The Herb Companion, Defend Your Garden with Herb Repellent Herb and Soap Spray by Herbalist Susan Belsinger and Tina Marie Wilcox. Pour 1 quart of boiling water over ½ Cup each fresh santolina and tansy leaves. Cover and steep, [soak], 30 minutes. Strain leaves, and add 1 Tablespoon Murphy's Oil Soap and 10 drops of vetiver oil. Pour into a spray bottle and use as needed on ants.