Care of the shrub Santolina rosmarinifolia or Green Lavender Cotton |
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The genus Santolina, family Asteraceae, comprises 15 species of shrubs native to the Mediterranean region. Some species are: Santolina rosmarinifolia, Santolina chamaecyparissus, Santolina suaveolens, Santolina viscosa. Common names: Green Lavender Cotton, Holy flax, Olive herb, Wadi tops. This species is native to south western Europe. They are sub-shrubby perennial plants of compact size that reach 50 cm (19.68") in height. The bright green foliage is composed of fine linear leaves. The showy spherical flower heads are deep yellow in color. They can bloom from mid-spring to late summer. They are used in rockery, on dry and sunny slopes, on edges and in bushy groups. Santolina rosmarinifolia needs full sun exposure and a dry, warm climate. They resist frost down to -10 ºC (14 ºF). They prefer calcareous soils; it's important that the drainage is excellent. Use a garden soil mixture with 40% coarse sand and a very light contribution of organic matter. Planting is done in late winter or early spring at a rate of 8 plants per square meter. They resist drought well and are sensitive to waterlogging; wait until the soil has dried before watering. Fertilize lightly with compost in late winter. Prune excessively long stems and faded flowers in fall; Prune older plants vigorously in early spring. They do not present serious pest and disease problems if no water accumulates in the roots. They are propagated from seeds sown in spring or late winter. |
Images of the shrub Santolina rosmarinifolia or Green Lavender Cotton |
 Santolina rosmarinifolia  Santolina rosmarinifolia  Santolina rosmarinifolia  Santolina rosmarinifolia |