Asteraceae
Green Santolina: Complete Care Guide
Santolina rosmarinifolia
Plant in full sun in poor, sharply drained soil and water sparingly once established. Shear after flowering and lightly in early spring to keep it compact. Wet, heavy soil is its main enemy.
Every 14 days
Direct sun
-15ยฐ - ยฐC
% - %
Categories
What is Green Santolina?
Green Santolina (Santolina rosmarinifolia) is a easy-care plant from the Asteraceae family. Green santolina (Santolina rosmarinifolia, syn. S. virens) is a small evergreen subshrub from the western Mediterranean, in the daisy family. It forms a dense, rounded mound up to about 60 cm tall of thread-like, bright green, aromatic leaves that resemble rosemary. In early to mid summer it is cove...
Green Santolina grows up to 60cm, spread of 90cm, watering every 14 days. It is not suitable for indoor environments and safe for pets.
Unlike many tropical plants, Green Santolina tolerates watering mistakes. Best for beginners. Unlike many popular species, Green Santolina is safe to keep around pets.
How to Care for Green Santolina?
TLDR: Green Santolina needs Direct sun, watering every 14 days, and temperatures between -15-30ยฐC with 40-70% humidity.
How Often Should You Water Green Santolina?
Water regularly only during the first season. Once established, water deeply but rarely, roughly every 2 weeks in summer dry spells and almost never in winter.
How Much Light Does Green Santolina Need?
Full sun, 6 or more hours a day, ideally in a south- or west-facing, sheltered spot. In shade it becomes floppy and flowers less.
What Is the Best Soil for Green Santolina?
Perfectly drained stony, sandy or gravelly soil, poor to moderately fertile; it tolerates slightly chalky soil. Avoid heavy clay that stays wet.
What Pot Should You Use for Green Santolina?
Terracotta or other porous pot with large drainage holes and a gritty mix, if not grown in the ground
What Is Green Santolina and Where Does It Come From?
Green santolina (Santolina rosmarinifolia, syn. S. virens) is a small evergreen subshrub from the western Mediterranean, in the daisy family. It forms a dense, rounded mound up to about 60 cm tall of thread-like, bright green, aromatic leaves that resemble rosemary. In early to mid summer it is covered with yellow button flowers on long stalks. It is drought, deer and heat tolerant.
How to Propagate Green Santolina?
Stem cutting
Keep cuttings on the dry side; too much moisture causes them to rot before they root.
- 1 Take 5-8 cm semi-ripe cuttings from non-flowering shoots in late summer
- 2 Strip the lower leaves
- 3 Insert into a gritty mix of compost and sand or perlite
- 4 Keep in bright light, barely moist, until rooted
- 5 Pot on and plant out the following spring
Materials needed:
Seed
Cuttings are faster and keep the plant true to type.
- 1 Sow on the surface of a free-draining seed mix in spring
- 2 Cover very lightly with grit
- 3 Keep at about 15-20 ยฐC and barely moist
- 4 Transplant seedlings once they have several true leaves
Materials needed:
How Big Does Green Santolina Grow?
TLDR: Green Santolina can reach up to 60cm tall with Medium growth rate.
Max height
60cm
Spread
90cm
Growth rate
Medium
Foliage
Evergreen
Plant Uses
Ornamental
Great for decoration
Aromatic
Pleasant fragrance
Is your plant showing symptoms?
Click on the symptom to discover possible causes:
What Diseases Commonly Affect Green Santolina?
TLDR: Green Santolina is susceptible to 4 known diseases. Monitor regularly for early detection.
Root Rot
Root rot is a serious fungal disease that affects the root system of plants, causing them to decay and die. It is primarily caused by overwatering, poor drainage, or soil-borne fungi such as Pythium, Phytophthora, Rhizoctonia, and Fusarium. The disease thrives in waterlogged conditions where roots are deprived of oxygen, making them susceptible to fungal infection.
Crown Rot
Crown rot is a serious fungal disease that attacks the crown (base) of the plant where the stem meets the soil. It is caused by various fungal pathogens including Phytophthora, Fusarium, and Rhizoctonia. The disease thrives in waterlogged conditions and can quickly spread to kill the entire plant if not addressed promptly.
Overwatering
Overwatering occurs when plants receive too much water, depriving roots of oxygen and causing root rot. This environmental stress is one of the most common causes of houseplant death, as waterlogged soil prevents roots from breathing and functioning properly.
Aphids
Aphids are small, soft-bodied, pear-shaped insects (1/16 to 1/8 inch long) that feed by sucking nutrient-rich sap from plants. They reproduce rapidly and can quickly weaken plants, causing distorted growth and transmitting plant viruses. Aphids come in various colors including green, black, red, yellow, brown, and gray. They secrete honeydew, a sticky substance that attracts ants and encourages sooty mold growth.
Fun Facts
Its fine leaves look like rosemary, which gives it the name rosmarinifolia.
It is said to be fire resistant and is used in water-wise and xeriscape gardens.
It is sometimes sold under its older name, Santolina virens.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I water green santolina?
When should I prune Santolina rosmarinifolia?
Is green santolina hardy?
Is green santolina deer resistant?
Compare with similar plants
| Attribute | Difficulty | Light | Watering | Pet Safe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Field Maple | Easy | Bright indirect | 14d | โ |
| Iberian Houseleek | Easy | Direct sun | 14d | โ |
| Silver Birch | Easy | Direct sun | 14d | โ |
| Common Blanketflower | Easy | Direct sun | 10d | โ |
Choose & Compare
Sources & References
- Santolina rosmarinifolia (Green Santolina) - Gardenia.net
- Green Santolina - Conservation Garden Park
- Santolina rosmarinifolia - Arizona State University plant library
- Santolina rosmarinifolia subsp. rosmarinifolia - RHS
- Santolina virens (Green Lavender Cotton) - NC State Extension
- Santolina rosmarinifolia - Promesse de Fleurs