Santolina Primrose Gem

Santolina Primrose Gem is also known as ‘Cotton Lavender’ and is a holder of the prestigious RHS Award of Garden Merit.  It is a compact and beautiful perennial plant, featuring vibrant yellow flowers and finely textured, silver-grey foliage.  It is a great option for adding a pop of colour and texture to any garden, and it can be used as an edging plant, rock garden feature or as ground cover. This hardy and low-maintenance plant is drought-tolerant and can thrive in full sun to partial shade. It also requires minimal care and is resistant to pests and disease.

Santolina is a genus of plants in the family Asteraceae. The genus is native to the Mediterranean region and is believed to have been used for medicinal and ornamental purposes since ancient times. The use of Santolina plants can be traced back to ancient Egypt, where they were used in embalming, and in ancient Greece and Rome, where they were used in perfumes and cosmetics.

In the Middle Ages, Santolina was commonly used in herb gardens for medicinal purposes and was also used as a strewing herb due to its strong scent. The plant was introduced to England in the 16th century and has been grown in gardens since then.

How to care for your Santolina Primrose Gem

• Watering: It is drought-tolerant and does not require frequent watering. Water the plant deeply once a week during the growing season, and reduce watering during the winter months.
• Soil: The plant prefers well-draining soil that is slightly alkaline. If the soil is heavy or poorly drained, add some sand or gravel to improve drainage.
• Fertilising: Fertilise the plant with a balanced fertiliser once a year, in the Spring. Avoid over-fertilising, as this can cause the plant to become leggy and reduce its attractive foliage.
• Pruning: Prune in the Spring to maintain its shape and size. Cut back the stems by one-third to one-half of their length, taking care not to cut into old wood, which does not produce new growth.
• Sunlight: The plant requires full sun exposure to thrive. Ensure that it is planted in a location that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
• Winter care: It is hardy and can tolerate frost and cold temperatures. However, if you live in an area with harsh winters, consider protecting the plant with a layer of mulch.

By following these care tips, you can ensure that your Santolina Primrose Gem remains healthy and attractive year-round.