Santolina pinnata neopolitana

Family: Asteraceae or Compositae

What it is like

Santolina pinnata neopolitana is an evergreen Shrub growing to 0.6 m (2ft) 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 in July. 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. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.

Height (m): 0.6

Where it is found

Dry rocky slopes near the sea.

S. Europe - S. Italy.

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. The cultivar 'Edward Bowles' is often used. They are best spaced about 75cm apart each way.

Hedge: Plants that can be grown as hedges.

Ground cover: Ground Cover

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. Tolerates salt-laden winds. Hardy to about -15°c. There are some named forms, selected for their ornamental value. The flowers smell vile, rather like perspiration. The foliage is most aromatic. 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.

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: Ground Cover; Hedge;

Habit: Shrub

Hardiness: 6-9

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. italica. Hort. S. neopolitanum. S. rosmarinifolia. non L.