Green santolina (holy flax) Santolina rosmarinifolia
Green santolina (holy flax) (Santolina rosmarinifolia) is an evergreen perennial shrub in the Asteraceae family, native to Spain, Portugal and southern France. It grows 40–60 cm (16–24 in) tall and 50–80 cm (20–31 in) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -15 °C (5 °F). Space plants about 50 cm (20 in) apart.
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Green santolina (holy flax) at a glance
| Type | Perennial shrub, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Mature height | 40–60 cm (16–24 in) |
| Mature spread | 50–80 cm (20–31 in) |
| Spacing | 50 cm (20 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 7 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance high, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6–8.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -15 °C (5 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 7) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 40 °C (104 °F) |
| Flowering | from about June for 4–7 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Moderate |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Spain, Portugal and southern France |
| Common in gardens of | 🇪🇸 Spain, 🇵🇹 Portugal, 🇫🇷 France, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇺🇸 United States |
Is Green santolina (holy flax) toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Not known to be poisonous; strongly aromatic.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Green santolina (holy flax)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
Questions about Green santolina (holy flax)
- How far apart should I plant Green santolina (holy flax)?
- About 50 cm (20 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 50–80 cm (20–31 in).
- Does Green santolina (holy flax) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 7 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Green santolina (holy flax) need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is high and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Green santolina (holy flax)?
- It tolerates about -15 °C (5 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 7.
- When does Green santolina (holy flax) flower?
- From about June for 4–7 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Green santolina (holy flax) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Not known to be poisonous; strongly aromatic.
- What grows well with Green santolina (holy flax)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Green santolina (holy flax). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- RHS Find a Plant (plant profiles and growing guides), Royal Horticultural Society
Notes and assumptions
- A summer-dry plant: water it through its first summer, then rarely or never; it wants sun, lean soil and sharp drainage, and is killed by summer irrigation and heavy clay more often than by drought.
- A cushion of bright green, finely toothed, aromatic leaves with button flowers of pale lemon yellow on wiry stems in summer. Clip after flowering to keep it tight, for low hedges and knot gardens.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
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