Practical
Plants

Santolina pinnata neopolitana

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Taxonomy and growth

Life cycle
perennial
Foliage
evergreen
Woodiness
woody
Height
0.6 m
Spread
1 m
Fertility
Insects
Flower type
hermaphrodite
Pollinators
Insects

Uses

Toxicity

Toxicity warning. The historical record reports a hazard for this plant. Do not use it to decide which parts are safe to eat or use medicinally.

The bruised leaves have been known to cause a severe rash on sensitive skins[3].

Material uses

Can be grown as a low formal hedge and used as an edging plant[6]. The plant is very tolerant of shearing[6]. The cultivar 'Edward Bowles' is often used[9]. They are best spaced about 75cm apart each way[7].

Ecology and functions

Ecosystem niche
Soil surface

Ground cover

Hedge

Environment

Range
S. Europe - S. Italy.
Habitat
Dry rocky slopes near the sea[4].
Light
full sun
Shade tolerance
no shade
Water
moderate
Hardiness
Zone 7+
Soil textures
sandy, loamy
Soil pH
acid, neutral, alkaline
Drainage
well drained
Tolerances
high wind, maritime exposure, drought
Wind
Yes
Maritime
Yes
Tolerates Nutritionally Poor Soil
No
Drought
tolerant

Propagation

Seed - sow spring in a greenhouse. Does not require pre-treatment[2]. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant them out in late spring or early summer of the following year. Cuttings of half-ripe side shoots, 5 - 8 cm, July/August in a frame. Roots within 2 weeks. High percentage[10]. Division in spring or autumn[1]. Larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found it best to pot up the smaller divisions and grow them on in a lightly shaded position in a cold frame, planting them out once they are well established in the summer. Layering.

Cultivation

Does not require a rich soil and dislikes wet conditions around the roots[6]. Prefers a light sandy soil in full sun[6]. Established plants are drought tolerant[6], growing well in a hot dry soil[5]. Tolerates salt-laden winds[6]. Hardy to about -15°c[4]. There are some named forms, selected for their ornamental value[9][6]. The flowers smell vile[5], rather like perspiration[8]. The foliage is most aromatic[8]. Tolerates shearing so long as this is not done at times of low resistance (winter?)[6]. Plants can be cut back hard in spring to maintain their form[6]. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[6].

References

  1. Sanders. T. W. Popular Hardy Perennials. Collingridge 1926-00-00

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  2. Dirr. M. A. and Heuser. M. W. The Reference Manual of Woody Plant Propagation. Athens Ga. Varsity Press 1987-00-00 ISBN 0942375009

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  3. Thomas. G. S. Ornamental Shrubs, Climbers and Bamboos. Murray 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-7195-5043-2

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  4. Phillips. R. & Rix. M. Shrubs. Pan Books 1989-00-00 ISBN 0-330-30258-2

    ↩1↩2

  5. Chatto. B. The Dry Garden. Dent 1982-00-00 ISBN 0460045512

    ↩1↩2

  6. Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-333-47494-5

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4↩5↩6↩7↩8↩9↩10

  7. Thomas. G. S. Plants for Ground Cover J. M. Dent & Sons 1990-00-00 ISBN 0-460-12609-1

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  8. Genders. R. Scented Flora of the World. Robert Hale. London. 1994-00-00 ISBN 0-7090-5440-8

    ↩1↩2

  9. Shepherd. F.W. Hedges and Screens. Royal Horticultural Society. 1974-00-00 ISBN 0900629649

    ↩1↩2

  10. Sheat. W. G. Propagation of Trees, Shrubs and Conifers. MacMillan and Co 1948-00-00

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