Grey Santolina, Abrotano Hembra, Lavender cotton

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 foliage, 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 optimise 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.