Guide to growing Holy Flax - Santolina

Santolina are hardy perennials that range from 30 to 75cm in height.

Santolina bloom from the end of spring through summer and carry masses of button shaped yellow flowers atop thin stems.

The foliage of Santolina has a fragrant nature and is usually a greyish green.

Some common names for Santolina include Holy Flax and Lavender Cotton.

How to grow Holy Flax

When growing Holy Flax and other Santolina members outdoors from seed then sow at a depth of 3mm, this can be done either at the start of spring or start of autumn. Ideally the seeds should be sown and the plants grown in a poor dry soil in either a sunny or partially shaded part of the garden.

If you plan to first grow Holy Flax indoors then start about two months in advance; the seedlings can be transplanted out in either early spring or late autumn. The seeds should be put into soil, placed in a plastic bag, and then put in the fridge for about three weeks. Following this, place the seeds at a temperature of about 18 to 20 degrees centigrade; it should take about 3 weeks for the Holy Flax seeds to germinate. They should be sown outdoors with a spacing of 50 to 60cm.

Caring for Holy Flax

It is fairly easy to look after Santolina members such as Holy Flax and lavender Cotton; they should be watered in extremely dry weather, and cut back to about 15cm in height once flowering has occurred. If you require more Holy Flax plants then they can be propagated by taking cuttings in autumn.