Santolina

Family. Asteraceae.

Origin. Mediterranean.

Description. Santolina is a low evergreen shrub with a dense round shape. Abundantly branching shoots are densely covered with small, narrow, pinnately divided leaves up to 5 cm long, green in color, often covered with dense silvery pubescence. When damaged, the leaves emit a very pleasant aroma. In the summer months, bright yellow flowers up to 3 cm in diameter appear on the tops of the shoots, creating a contrast with the foliage.

Height. The plant usually does not exceed 50 cm and develops quickly. 

Planting and care

Reproduction

Propagated vegetatively by stem cuttings or grown from seeds. Rooting occurs easily and fairly quickly - within 2 weeks. Air layering.

Maintenance, pruning 

A very unpretentious species that can be grown even by beginners. Long stems of santolina are cut in early spring to give them a compact shape. Flowering may not occur after pruning, but without it the plant will lose its attractiveness. Remove wilting flowers in a timely manner. Perform sanitary pruning to remove damaged and diseased stems.

Transplant 

Replant annually, in the spring, with the beginning of new growth.

When it blooms 

Summer.

Temperature

Normal room temperature during spring and summer, winter requires a cool dormant period at about 5°C.

Lighting

Santolina requires a well-lit location. On hot summer days, this plant should be protected from direct scorching rays of the sun. 

Soil

The bush adapts well to a wide range of soils, but does not like nutrient substrates with a high organic content. Prefers alkaline soil, but can also grow in slightly acidic pH.

Diseases and pests 

When moisture stagnates, rot appears at the roots. Insects - pests - spider mites, aphids.

Fertilizer

Liquid fertilizer in half concentration, monthly from spring to autumn.

Watering 

Water sparingly, even during the growing season. The soil should dry out to 1/3 depth between waterings. 

Spraying 

Does not require spraying, easily tolerates dry air of heated rooms.

Purpose

An excellent ground cover plant. 

Note

With age, santolina loses its attractiveness - the shoots become exposed, the plant becomes elongated and loose. Replace old specimens with new ones obtained using cuttings. 

Varieties:

Santolina chamaecyparissus

 A valuable decorative deciduous, evergreen shrub with abundantly branching shoots up to 60 cm high. The plants form a spreading, rounded crown. The main decoration of the plant, as well as its main distinguishing feature, are the silver-gray leaves. Leaf blades up to 6 cm long, with small teeth, are covered with very thick, short, silvery pubescence. In the second half of summer, the plant adorns itself with bright, golden-yellow, rounded flowers, rising above the foliage with the help of erect, strong peduncles. The flowers reach 2 cm in diameter. When damaged, the leaves and stems of plants emit a pungent odor. 

Santolina rosmarinifolia

A perennial, evergreen herbaceous plant or subshrub from 30 to 60 cm in height. Numerous thin, abundantly branched plants at the base of the stem bear narrow, short, dissected, green leaves. During the flowering period, round flower heads up to 2 cm in diameter are formed at the tops of the shoots in all shades of yellow, cream or white. 

Santolina pinnata

An evergreen shrub with thin, flexible, branching shoots. The plant can reach a height of 60 cm, and a crown width of 90 cm. The leaves are narrow, feathery, bluish-green, green, and sometimes almost yellow. Plants with cream flowers are most common, but sometimes these bushes can form yellow flower heads. When damaged, the shoots and leaves of the plant emit a pleasant aroma.