Santolina viridis BIO P12

Planting Santolina viridis BIO

Santolina viridis, often known as green santolina or olive herb, is a compact, aromatic evergreen shrub with fine, bright green foliage and small yellow button-like flowers. This organic (BIO) variety is ideal for herb gardens, borders, and gravel planting, offering both ornamental value and culinary use.

Choosing the right position

• Prefers full sun for best growth and flavour
• Thrives in warm, sheltered locations
• Ideal for herb gardens, borders, and Mediterranean-style planting
• Suitable for containers and raised beds
• Avoid shaded or damp areas

Soil requirements

• Requires well-drained soil to thrive
• Prefers light, sandy or loamy soils
• Tolerates poor or low-fertility soil conditions
• Does not tolerate heavy, waterlogged soils
• Improve drainage with grit or sand if necessary

How to plant

• Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and similar depth
• Position the plant so the root ball sits level with the soil surface
• Backfill with soil and firm gently
• Water lightly after planting
• Space plants around 30–40cm apart
• Apply a gravel mulch to improve drainage

Planting in containers

• Use a pot with good drainage holes
• Fill with a free-draining compost, such as multi-purpose mixed with grit
• Choose a container slightly larger than the root ball
• Water lightly after planting and allow excess water to drain
• Place in a sunny, sheltered position

Ongoing Care and Maintenance

Santolina viridis is very low maintenance and thrives in dry, sunny conditions.

Watering

• Water regularly during the first growing season
• Once established, it is drought tolerant
• Water sparingly, especially in cooler weather
• Container plants may need occasional watering in hot conditions
• Avoid overwatering, as this can cause root rot

Feeding

• Requires minimal feeding
• Apply a light, balanced fertiliser in spring if needed
• Avoid rich feeding, which can lead to leggy growth
• Generally thrives in poor soils without additional nutrients

Pruning

• Lightly trim after flowering to maintain a compact shape
• Cut back any leggy or woody growth
• Avoid cutting too hard into old wood
• Regular trimming helps keep the plant dense and tidy
• Use clean, sharp tools for best results

Mulching

• Use gravel or stone mulch rather than organic mulch
• Helps improve drainage and reflects light onto foliage
• Suppresses weeds and maintains a tidy appearance
• Keep mulch away from the base of the plant

Seasonal Care and Common Issues

With the right conditions, Santolina viridis will provide year-round structure and subtle colour in the garden.

Seasonal performance

• Produces small yellow button flowers in summer
• Aromatic foliage can be used in cooking, particularly with meats
• Evergreen leaves provide year-round interest
• Ideal for low hedging or edging in herb gardens

Winter care

• Hardy in mild climates but may need protection in colder areas
• Protect from excessive winter wet rather than cold
• In colder regions, grow in containers and move to shelter if needed
• Ensure excellent drainage during winter months

Common problems

• Root rot can occur in poorly drained soil
• Leggy growth may result from lack of sunlight
• Foliage may lose density if not pruned regularly
• Generally pest-free due to aromatic foliage
• Poor performance is often linked to overly rich or wet soil

Santolina viridis BIO is a versatile and attractive herb that combines ornamental appeal with practical use. Its aromatic foliage, drought tolerance, and compact habit make it ideal for sunny, low-maintenance gardens. With well-drained soil and minimal care, it will thrive and provide year-round interest and useful harvests

• Size
  P12

Kindly be aware when mix/ mixed/ assorted/ varieties is mention you will receive ONLY ONE plant/ item, which will be selected for delivery, photos may show different varieties available - which may also vary 

 
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