Holy Flax
Santolina rosmarinifolia

Family: Asteraceae or Compositae

What it is like

Santolina rosmarinifolia is an evergreen Shrub growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in) by 1 m (3ft 3in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. It is in leaf all year, in flower from July to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.

Height (m): 0.5

Where it is found

Sandy stony places and dry rocks from the lowland to the mountains.

S.W. Europe.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 0

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating: 3

Can be grown as a low formal hedge and used as an edging plant. The plant is very tolerant of shearing. Perennial groundcover for zone 2 firebreaks. The US government has created a system of firebreaks for areas prone to wildfires, theses are separated into concentric zones surrounding buildings. Zone 2 is the second away from the house. These low-level groundcovers provide little fuel.

Hedge: Plants that can be grown as hedges.

Hedge: Hedge

Scented Plants: Plants noted for their scent

How it is grown

Does not require a rich soil and dislikes wet conditions around the roots. Prefers a light sandy soil in full sun. Established plants are drought tolerant, growing well in a hot dry soil. Plants grow well in the cracks of a south-facing wall that contains pockets of soil. This species is not very frost tolerant and is only hardy in the milder areas of Britain. This species is often confused in gardens with S. pinnata neopolitanum. There are some named forms, selected for their ornamental value. The flowers smell vile. Tolerates shearing so long as this is not done at times of low resistance (winter?). Plants can be cut back hard in spring to maintain their form. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus. Heat zone: 9-6.

Propagating it: Seed - sow spring in a greenhouse. Does not require pre-treatment. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant them out in late spring or early summer of the following year. Cuttings of half-ripe side shoots, 5 - 8 cm, July/August in a frame. Roots within 2 weeks. High percentage. Division in spring or autumn. Larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found it best to pot up the smaller divisions and grow them on in a lightly shaded position in a cold frame, planting them out once they are well established in the summer. Layering.

Best place to grow: Hedge; South Wall. In.

Habit: Shrub

Hardiness: 6-10

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Dry, moist

Things to keep in mind

The bruised leaves have been known to cause a severe rash on sensitive skins.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

S. virens. S. viridis.