Santolina
Santolina spp.
Also known as
Lavender Cotton
Photo by CandideUK (All rights reserved)
Full Sun
Easy care
Light watering
Half-hardy
H3
RHS hardiness
-5°C
Minimum temperature
Expected size
Height | Spread | |
|---|---|---|
30cm | Max | |
50cm | Min | 50cm |
Flowering
-
spring
-
summer
-
autumn
-
winter
This plant has a mild fragrance
More images of Santolina
Santolina Overview
Santolina are evergreen shrubs, occurring in dry rocky habits in the Mediterranean. They are grown mainly for their ornamental and aromatic foliage. Grey or green bushes grow slowly to form mini clouds in the garden. Santolina species are used as food plants by the larvae of some Lepidoptera species. Prune after flowering to prevent the plant from becoming 'leggy'. The perfume industry extracts oils from the plants for use in making perfumes and the yellow flowers can be boiled to make a bright yellow dye.
Common problems with Santolina
Generally trouble free.
How to harvest Santolina
Harvest flowers or branches as needed, leaving at least 5cm of the stem below the cut to allow for regrowth.
How to propagate Santolina
Cuttings
Root semi-ripe cuttings with bottom heat in late summer.
Seed
Sow seeds in trays in autumn or spring.
Special features of Santolina
Attracts useful insects
Attracts butterflies, their larva feed on the plants.
Repels harmful insects
Some people put a few of the stems in chests of drawers and cupboards where they effectively repel moths.
Other uses of Santolina
Grown for their aromatic foliage and their button-like flower heads on long stems. Ground cover. Suitable for coastal conditions.
Ornamentals to Plant Outside in April
Provided the ground isn't frozen or water-logged, plant these varieties.
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