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GENERAL
Origin
:
Mediterranean
Humidity
:
semi-arid, semi-
humid
Propagation :
cuttings
Maintenance :
low
CONDITIONS
Urban climate :
resistant
Dessication :
vulnerable
Stagnant water :
vulnerable
Irrigation
:
medium
Salinity/ppm :
moderate (2000
ppm)
Hardiness
:
-15°C
SHAPE
Type
:
perennial,
sub-shrub
Height
:
0.4 m
Spread
:
0.5 m
Foliage
:
evergreen
FLOWER
Colour
:
yellow
Size
:
0.5 cm - 1 cm
Period
:
July - August
Smell
:
aroma, pleasantly
scented, leaf,
spicy
FRUIT
Type of fruit :
achene
Fruit size
:
0.2 cm
Santolina chamaecyparissus has the common names Grey Santolina or Abrotano Hembra. Its
area of distribution includes the whole Mediterranean region of southern Europe and northern
Africa. Santolina is a subshrub and herb that reaches a height of 40 cm. The evergreen foliage has
a silvery colour. The leaves are linear in form, multiple-pinnately arranged, and emit an aromatic
scent when touched. The Santolina is a member of the Asteraceae family, with its yellow knob-
like flowers which appear in summer. Propagation is best done with cuttings. With its silver foli-
age, the Grey Santolina is very well adapted to heat and is also frost-tolerant, but as an evergreen
subshrub that is native in the Mediterranean it requires sufficient humidity. Irrigation, too, must
be moderate, with low salinity. Maintenance is low, except for pruning once or twice a year to op-
timise a dense growth. In landscape design, Santolina chamaecyparissus can be recommended as
park planting, in private gardens, in containers and as a topiary. Santolina is at its most effective
where used as a groundcover, grouped or massed planting, or as edging plant. It is also valuable in
rock gardens or on tops of walls. In Arriyadh, the Grey Santolina is not seen very frequently, but
it should be used more often, especially in parks and private gardens. Where it can be found, its
development is satisfying. With its eye-catching foliage and bright flowers, Santolina can create
appealing garden themes. The green-leaved species, S. virens, is not successful in Arriyadh.
272
Santolina chamaecyparissus,
Asteraceae
Grey Santolina,
Abrotano Hembra, Lavender cotton