Santolina

Santolina is a genus of flowering plants in family Asteraceae, comprising about 5 to 24 species. It is native to the Mediterranean region. Santolina is an easy to grow, small evergreen shrub, growing to about 10-60 cm tall. It has leaves that are simple and covered with silvery hairs. The flowers are yellow, 1-2 cm diameter, growing on top of slender stems which is held 10-25 cm above the foliage.

Santolina can be grown in mixed borders and rock gardens. They can also be pruned to create low hedges around a herb garden. In order for it to look neat, cut stems back by about half every spring. After each flowering, light shear over plants to remove the heads. Old, overgrown and straggy plants are best replaced.

Santolina chamaecyparissus (Cotton Lavender or Gray Santolina) can grow to 60 cm high and across. It has finely cut, grey-white leaves which form a dense clump. During midsummer, bright lemon-yellow flowers are borne on erect stems. Phytophthora tentaculata, a plant pathogen that causes root and stalk rot, is found to be infected Santolina chamaecyparissus in Spain in 2004.

Santolina rosmarinifolia, 60 x 90 cm, has thread-like leaves that are bright green and aromatic. In mid- to late summer, bright lemon-yellow flowers are borne on erect stems.

Santolina grows well in sun and in well-drained soil. Propagation is by seed in spring; semi-ripe cuttings in late summer.