Collection of Santolines for Mediterranean rock gardens

The Santolina Collection for Mediterranean rock gardens is a perfect choice for enthusiasts of dry gardens. This collection comprises three different varieties of santolinas. These are small shrubs with a compact habit and evergreen, aromatic leaves, offering summer flowering in shades ranging from bright yellow to cream white. Highly resistant to cold and drought, santolinas adapt well to poor, dry, well-drained soils. They are among the essential plants for creating a dry rock garden in the style of "garrigue".

The collection consists of:

1 x Santolina chamaecyparissus: Also known as Silver Santolina, this plant reaches about 50 cm in height and 60 cm in spread. It is distinguished by its finely dissected, silver foliage and its golden yellow flowering in summer.

1 x Santolina virens: Known as Rosemary-leaved Santolina, it features dark green foliage and its summer flowering is yellow. This variety reaches about 40 cm in height and 50 cm wide, with a dense and bushy silhouette.

1 x Santolina ‘Lemon Fizz’: This santolina has lemon green leaves that brighten up borders. Reaching 30 cm in height and 45 cm in spread, it produces pale yellow to cream flowers during the summer. It is a particularly bright variety in the garden.

Plant the santolinas from this collection in spring (in cool climates) or in autumn (in dry and warm climates) to allow for good rooting before summer or winter. In rock gardens, they will thrive in full sun, in dry, well-drained soil, even if calcareous. For a successful landscape effect, place the taller plants, such as Santolina chamaecyparissus, behind the shorter varieties, like Santolina ‘Lemon Fizz’. Aim for about 4 to 5 plants per m² for optimal coverage, with a spacing of 40 cm between each plant.

To create a harmonious Mediterranean rock garden, combine this collection of santolinas with plants that have similar needs. Lavandula angustifolia 'Hidcote' (true lavender) will add a touch of lavender blue; plant 3 in front of the santolinas to create a gradient of colours. Helichrysum italicum (Italian everlasting), with its silver foliage and unique scent, will pair well with Santolina virens; plant 2 to 3 in the background. Add a touch of pink with Cistus creticus (Cretan rockrose) with its pink flowers and green-grey foliage; place 2 plants behind the santolinas to give a bit of height to your composition. Thymus vulgaris (common thyme) will form lovely fragrant cushions; place 3 to 4 plants mixed with the santolinas to create a coherent ensemble that withstands dry conditions.