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GENERAL
Origin
:
Mediterranean
Vigour
:
slow-growing
Humidity
:
semi-humid, very
humid
Propagation :
sowing and
pricking out,
cuttings
Maintenance :
moderate
CONDITIONS
Urban climate :
resistant
Dessication :
vulnerable
Stagnant water :
vulnerable
Irrigation
:
medium
Salinity/ppm :
moderate (2000
ppm)
Hardiness
:
-18°C
SHAPE
Type
:
sub-shrub
Height
:
0.3 m-0.7 m
Spread
:
0.4 m-0.9 m
Foliage
:
evergreen
FLOWER
Colour
:
pale yellow
Size
:
0.6 cm - 1 cm
Period
:
June - August
Smell
:
scented, aroma,
moderate, leaf,
spicy
FRUIT
Type of fruit :
achene
Fruit size
:
0.1 cm - 0.2 cm
Santolina rosmarinifolia is a slow growing subshrub and herb that originally comes from the
Mediterranean, northwest Africa, Portugal and central Spain. It is called by its common name
Lavender Cotton or Olive Herb. The evergreen foliage is deep green. The leaves are lanceolate and
entire, and alternately arranged. As the name says, its leaves are comparable with Rosmarinus
officinalis. The pale-yellow, knob-like flowers, appear in summer with a size of about 1 cm. The
fruits are 0.1-cm nutlets. Propagation is by sowing and cuttings. The herb requires medium ir-
rigation with low salinity. S. rosmarinifolia prefers penetrable, limey soil, and a sunny location.
Because of its evergreen foliage, it grows better in locations with sufficient humidity. Maintenance
is low: once in a while, pruning is required to create a compact shape. In landscape design, it can
be used as a groundcover, in groups or massed planting, as a low hedge or border plant, and also
in rock or steppe gardens. This bee-attracting herb will be effective in urban areas, park planting,
public open spaces, in pedestrian precincts, private gardens, in containers and as a topiary plant.
It is rarely seen in Arriyadh, and is not used as often as its relative, Santolina chamaecyparissus.
It can be recommended for sheltered garden areas because of its fresh appearance and spicy fra-
grance.
273
Santolina rosmarinifolia,
Asteraceae
Green Lavender Cotton,
Olive Herb