Santolina

Santolina

Santolina chamaecyparissus ( Lavender Cotton )
Also called Santolina incana. A rapid growing, small, evergreen shrub, reaching a maximum size of 3.5 x 6.7 feet but averaging closer to 1.7 x 3.3 feet. Some records include: 5 years - 1.7 x 6.7 feet. It is native from southern Spain thru southern France to Greece. It can be clipped and used as edging or for a low hedge.
The aromatic bright silvery-gray, thread-like leaves, up to 2.4 x 0.15 ( usually under 1.5 ) inches in size, are feathery and soft. The young foliage is almost white.
The foliage may become deciduous in cold climates.
The abundant, yellow, button flowers, up to 0.7 inches wide, are borne on new growth during early summer. They are usually clipped off.
Hardy zones 7 to 10 ( 6 on very protected sites ) in full sun on very well drained soil. Unlike in the west; it is not summer hardy south of zone 7 in the east due to hot humid summers causing fungal problems.
Shear off old blooms during late summer, shearing at other times may disrupt blooming. Tolerant of heat, severe drought, humidity, poor soil, salt, wind and fire. Deer and rabbit resistant. It is often clipped back to 6 inches in height during early spring to encourage vigorous dense habit. Can be cut to ground every 3 years and will regenerate quickly. Propagation is from seed or rooting cuttings in sand.

* photos of unknown internet source



* photo taken on Aug 2 @ Hyde Park, NY

* photo taken on June 1 2011 in Columbia, MD

* photo taken on Aug 2 2013 in Stratford, Ontario

* photo taken on Oct 22 2013 in Towson, MD

* photo taken @ U.S. Botanical Garden, Wash., DC on Aug 25 2014

* photos taken on Aug 14 2024 @ Coventry Gardens, Windsor, ON

'Lemon Queen'
Silver-green foliage and pale yellow flowers.

'Small-Ness'
Dwarf form with sea-green foliage that is great for edging.

Santolina pinnata neapolitana
Also called Santolina neapolitana. It is similar to S. chamaecyparis but with lacier finer textured foliage and a more open habit. A rounded, bushy, small, evergreen shrub, it reaches a maximum size of 32 x 40 inches, and is native to coastal hills of southern Italy. Some records include: 5 years - 20 inches x 3.3 feet.
The pinnate leaves, up to 1.3 inches in length, are composed of 8 leaflets.
The dense, aromatic foliage is lacy textured, woolly and white.
The creamy-white to bright yellow flowers are borne on dense, small flowerheads during summer.
Hardy zones 7 to 10 ( 6 on very protected sites ) in full sun on very well drained soil. Deadhead after blooming. Long stems can also be cut back during fall.
Propagation is from semi-ripe cuttings taken during summer.

'Edward Bowles'
Green foliage and creamy-white flowers.

'Sulfurea'
Larger gray-green leaves, up to 2 inches in length, and pale yellow flowers.

Santolina rosmarinifolia ( Green Santolina )
Also called Santolina virens. It is a fast growing, small evergreen shrub, reaching a maximum size of 4 x 6 ( rarely over 2 x 4 ) feet, that is native to southwest Europe.
The aromatic, thread-like, narrow, rich bright green leaves, up to 2 inches in length, resemble that of Rosmarinus, except that it is finely toothed.
The bright yellow flowers are borne on flowerheads during early summer.
Hardy zones 6 to 10 in full sun on very well drained soil.
Very heat tolerant. Shear back after flowering to maintain vigor and dense habit.
Deer resistant.

* photos taken on May 3 2014 in Baltimore Co., MD

* photos taken on May 20 2014 in Baltimore Co., MD

* photo taken on Aug 3 2018 in Olney, MD

'Little Ness'
A compact, miniature form, reaching only 6 inches in height.

'Primrose Gem'
Paler yellow flowers.