About

A compact, evergreen, spreading shrub to 60cm high with finely-cut, fresh green, aromatic leaves and, in summer, bright yellow, button-like flowerheads.

About the genus

Santolina are aromatic, dwarf evergreen shrubs with entire or pinnately dissected leaves and dense, button-like flower-heads in summer

Growing conditions

SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained, Moist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH5

Plant details

Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Mediterranean climate plants, Patio and container plants, Rock garden
Native toS W Europe
FragranceFoliage

Care notes

CultivationThrives in hot, sunny, well-drained sites
PruningPruning group 10
PropagationPropagate by semi-ripe cuttings in late summer
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus in gardens where it is present but insufficient data to determine degree of susceptibility