Santolina chamaecyparissus Compositae

CULTIVATION Santolina, a hardy evergreen perennial, has aromatic, narrow, feathery, silver-grey leaves and bright yellow, button-shaped flowers. Reaching 23-45cm (9-18in), it prefers poor, sandy soil and full sun. Its grey foliage and neat habit make it ideal for edging, though clip it to shape during the summer. Propagate it by taking tip cuttings from spring until late summer, planting them 30cm (12m) apart. Harvest the leaves all year round and the flowers from midsummer. Grow santolina as a garden, border, edging and container herb.