Santolina virens grows naturally into a neat bun shaped shrub of 60cm tall and 90cm wide.

These bushy shrubs are a great addition to sunny mixed borders or herb gardens, larger groups can make very effective fragrant ground cover and as with other Santolina, they are great for a low hedge. The bright green foliage looks good against the grey leaved types in a formal hedge design. They can be allowed to flower as an informal hedge, or clipped more frequently for a more formal look to bring out the beauty of the foliage although this approach will sacrifice most of the flowers.

Santolina virens hedges and shrubs prefer a well drained soil and to bake in full sun, this is a low maintenance plant needing just a tidy up after flowering, this will encourage new growth to keep them looking their best even in the Winter months.

How to grow Santolina virens

Position: Full sun.
Foliage: Evergreen, leaves are retained all year.
Soil and site: Any well drained soil.
Flowering time: July onwards.
Growth rate: moderate
Ultimate height and spread: 60cm high x 90cm wide.
Hardiness: Fully hardy.
Aftercare: Water regularly after planting and for the first season, trim after flowering in late summer, hedges should be cut back hard to the framework of branches.