Holy Flax 'Primrose Gem'

Santolina rosmarinifolia 'Primrose Gem' is a beautiful and refined alternative to the more common Lavender Cotton. It is a small, evergreen, mound-forming shrub with very fine, bright green, thread-like foliage that possesses a pleasant resinous aroma. In midsummer, it is smothered in charming, button-like flower heads of a soft, pale primrose yellow, which are much more subtle and easier to place in a garden colour scheme than the bright yellow of other Santolinas. This plant is perfectly suited to the UK's increasingly popular gravel gardens and Mediterranean-style plantings. It is very drought-tolerant once established and thrives in poor, very well-drained soil in full sun. To keep it looking its best and to prevent it from splitting open, it should be trimmed back hard in early spring and deadheaded after flowering. In the UK, its evergreen nature provides valuable structure during the winter months. It is also excellent for use as a low, aromatic hedge for a knot garden or herb bed.

Sun: Full sun.

Soil: Poor to moderately fertile, very well-drained soil.

Hardiness: H5 — down to −15°C.

Flowering: Jul, Aug.