Shrubby, rounded, dwarf variety with woolly, white shoots that are densely covered with slender, toothed, very silvery-gray leaves to 1 1/2 inches long. Flowerheads are 1/2 inch across, bright yellow and borne on slender stems. Santolina is a graceful plant, with an attractive scent that makes a nice addition to any sunny border. Grows to 6″ tall and 8″ wide. Withstands clipping well, and often used as a small hedge around herb gardens. Native to W. and C. Mediterranean. S. chamaecyparissus is also known as S. incana.
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Characteristics
Cultivar: WestonFamily: Asteraceae
Size: Height: 0 ft. to 0.5 ft.
Width: 0 ft. to 0.67 ft.
Plant Category: ground covers, perennials,
Plant Characteristics:
Foliage Characteristics: evergreen,
Flower Characteristics: fragrant, long lasting,
Flower Color: yellows,
Tolerances: deer, drought, pollution, rabbits, seashore, slope, wind,
Requirements
Bloomtime Range: Mid Summer to Late Summer
USDA Hardiness Zone: 6 to 9
AHS Heat Zone: 1 to 12
Light Range: Sun to Full Sun
pH Range: 5 to 8
Soil Range: Mostly Sand to Clay Loam
Water Range: Semi-Arid to Normal
Plant Care
Fertilizing
How-to : Fertilization for Established PlantsEstablished plants can benefit from fertilization. Take a visual inventory of your landscape. Trees need to be fertilized every few years. Shrubs and other plants in the landscape can be fertilized yearly. A soil test can determine existing nutrient levels in the soil. If one or more nutrients is low, a specific instead of an all-purpose fertilizer may be required. Fertilizers that are high in N, nitrogen, will promote green leafy growth. Excess nitrogen in the soil can cause excessive vegetative growth on plants at the expense of flower bud development. It is best to avoid fertilizing late in the growing season. Applications made at that time can force lush, vegetative growth that will not have a chance to harden off before the onset of cold weather.
Light
Conditions : Full SunFull Sun is defined as exposure to more than 6 hours of continuous, direct sun per day.
Watering
Conditions : DryDry is defined as an area that regularly receives water, but is fast draining. This results in a soil that is often dry to a depth of 18 inches.
Planting
How-to : Pinching and Thinning PerennialsOnce you plant a perennial, it does not mean that you will enjoy years of maintenance-free gardening. Perennials need to be cared for just like any other plant. One thing that distinguishes perennials is that they tend to be active growers that have to be thinned out occasionally or they will loose vigor.
As perennials establish, it is important to prune them back and thin them out occasionally. This will prevent them from completely taking over an area to the exclusion of other plants, and also will increase air circulation thereby reducing the incidence of diseases like botrytis and powdery mildew.
Many species also flower abundantly and produce ample seed. As blooms fade it is advisable to deadhead your plant; that is, to remove spent flowers before they form seed. This will prevent your plants from seeding all over the garden and will conserve the considerable energy it takes the plant to produce seed.
As perennials mature, they may form a dense root mass that eventually leads to a less vigorous plant. It is advisable to occasionally thin out a stand of such perennials. By dividing the root system, you can make new plants to plant in another area of the garden or give away. Also root pruning will stimulate new growth and rejuvenate the plant. Most perennials may be successfully divided in either spring or fall. Do a little homework; some perennials do have a preference.
How-to : Planting Perennials
Determine appropriate perennials for your garden by considering sun and shade through the day, exposure, water requirements, climate, soil makeup, seasonal color desired, and position of other garden plants and trees.
The best times to plant are spring and fall, when soil is workable and out of danger of frost. Fall plantings have the advantage that roots can develop and not have to compete with developing top growth as in the spring. Spring is more desirable for perennials that dislike wet conditions or for colder areas, allowing full establishment before first winter. Planting in summer or winter is not advisable for most plants, unless planting a more established sized plant.
To plant container-grown plants: Prepare planting holes with appropriate depth and space between. Water the plant thoroughly and let the excess water drain before carefully removing from the container. Carefully loosen the root ball and place the plant in the hole, working soil around the roots as you fill. If the plant is extremely root bound, separate roots with fingers. A few slits made with a pocket knife are okay, but should be kept to a minimum. Continue filling in soil and water thoroughly, protecting from direct sun until stable.
To plant bare-root plants: Plant as soon as possible after purchase. Prepare suitable planting holes, spread roots and work soil among roots as you fill in. Water well and protect from direct sun until stable.
To plant seedlings: A number of perennials produce self-sown seedlings that can be transplanted. You may also start your own seedling bed for transplanting. Prepare suitable planting holes, spacing appropriately for plant development. Gently lift the seedling and as much surrounding soil as possible with your garden trowel, and replant it immediately, firming soil with fingertips and water well. Shade from direct sun and water regularly until stable.