Santolina virens rosmarinifolia

Santolina virens, more commonly known as Green Santolina, is a hardy evergreen Mediterranean shrub. It has vibrant green foliage, composed of small narrow leaves with a highly aromatic scent when crushed. This beautiful species forms a dense, plump cushion that is covered in summer with abundant flowers with small, round, bright golden-yellow heads. Resistant to drought, heat, and rocky soils, it is a perfect plant for dry and poor slopes in full sun.

Santolina virens, also known as S. rosmarinifolia or Green Santolina or Rosemary-leaved Santolina, is an undershrub native to rocky areas of southern Europe. This woody perennial belongs to the asteraceae family. It forms a rounded tuft that is 50 to 60 cm (20 to 24in) in height and spread, sometimes more depending on growing conditions and soil type. Its woody and prostrate stems easily root upon contact with the ground, allowing it to form beautiful compact cushions that spread like golden carpets. They are covered with persistent and fragrant foliage, exuding a scent reminiscent of bergamot and turpentine. The bright green leaves are almost linear, very thin, and bordered by barely noticeable small teeth. The inflorescences appear in summer, from June to August. They are small, round, and bulging heads, resembling small buttons of a very bright golden yellow. It is advisable to prune the plant after flowering to maintain a compact habit. This variety is hardy down to -15°C in well-drained soil and sheltered locations.

This lovely undershrub for rocky and poor soils is perfectly adapted to drought. It dislikes above all heavy, rich, and moist soils. Create a bed to accompany your santolina, evoking the scrubland by mixing the foliage and scents of rockroses, lavender, rosemary, thyme, and salvias. Add some California poppies and drought-tolerant euphorbias for some dynamism in your composition. Santolinas tolerate pruning very well. It is even essential to maintain a compact habit. They can be planted along pathways, kept as low hedges, or placed in the middle of a rock garden, providing a golden or silver touch. They are excellent ground cover plants that prevent the germination of weeds. Green santolina is also very ornamental in large pots, covering the base of Mediterranean shrubs such as oleander, rosemary, or lavender. In this case, it is important to allow the substrate to dry between waterings.

Properties:

Santolines have insecticidal properties. Like lavenders, they were once used to repel moths in closets.