Holy herb (Santolina) is still quite rare in our gardens. If you want to plant the evergreen subshrub, you will find instructions and tips here.
Holy herb is one of the daisy family. The botanical name 'Santolina' can be traced back to the Latin words "sanctus" for holy and "linum" for flax. The holy herb is mainly widespread in the Mediterranean area. The attractive subshrubs are considered a rarity in our gardens. The holy herb is easy to cultivate and conjures up Mediterranean charm in the bed. Planting lays the foundation for he althy growth. What needs to be considered can be read in the following.Holy Herb - Plant Description
The evergreen subshrubs have a branched habit. There are upright, but also decumbent species. The growth height is ten to sixty centimeters. The hairy leaves are another characteristic of the plant. The leaves are arranged alternately. The leaves are mostly pinnate. The white or yellow flower heads appear between June and August. The inflorescences are basket-shaped. The plants emanate an aromatic scent that is less attractive to insects.
Holy herb - distribution and use
The main distribution area of the plant genus Santolina is in the western Mediterranean. The plants are also widespread in northern Africa and southern Europe. Holy herb was first mentioned in a herb book written by William Turner in 1629. At that time, the plant was classified as new and very rare.
Only about three types of sacred herb are used worldwide as ornamental plants. In England, the plants were formerly used to border beds. Today the holy herb is often found in Mediterranean gardens. The plant also attracts attention in the rock garden or for the design of roof gardens. Popular accompanying plants are lavender, roses, bluebells or tulips.
The leaves of the holy herb are edible and can refine meat or pasta dishes. Fresh holy herb can also be used to repel insectsbe used. The dried plant parts drive away fruit flies or moths.
Plant sanctuary - find a suitable location
The Mediterranean plants love a bright and sunny location. The holy herb prefers to be sheltered from the wind and does not like a cold shower. Therefore, a location under an eaves is ideal. The plant is well protected from rain and wind. The plants can also be cultivated very well in tubs and find an ideal location on the balcony or terrace.
Plant sanctuary - select substrate
If we look at the natural distribution area of the holy herb, it becomes clear that the plant prefers a rather dry soil. The plants can also cope with poor soil. Calcareous soils are also tolerated. Therefore, the holy herb can also be watered with tap water without hesitation. Particular attention should be paid to the permeability of the soil. The plants do not tolerate waterlogging. Therefore, the liquid should always be able to drain off easily. If the soil is too wet, the roots will die off.
» Tip: Sand or gravel can be added to conventional garden soil to better meet the site requirements of the holy herb.
The ideal substrate is rocky sandy or loamy soil. Soil conditions should range from neutral to alkaline.
Planting sanctuary - step by step
Spring is the best time to plant the holy herb.
- Select Location
- Prepare the ground
- Dig planting hole
- Insert drainage
- Insert plant
- Note the planting distance
- Fill substrate
- Close planting hole
- Water the plant well
» Tip: The holy herb should not be planted deeper than it was in the plant pot.
Holy herb appears particularly pretty, planted in small groups of three to five plants. A planting distance of 30 to40 centimeters are observed. After the substrate has been filled, the plant is watered. The floor can then be covered with grit or gravel.
➔ Overview of tips and advice
| Activity | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Select Location | • Choose a warm and sunny location for the plants. • It is advantageous if you can provide wind and rain protection and place the holy herb under an eaves, for example. • The plants can also be placed in the tub and placed on the balcony or terrace. |
| Prepare the ground | • Holy herb prefers dry and nutrient-poor soil. • Make sure the substrate is well drained, because the plants are sensitive to waterlogging. • Suitable for planting in containers with Herbal soil mixed with lava granules. |
| Plant Sanctuary | • The planting hole should be about twice the width of the root ball. • If planting in a group, keep a planting distance of 30 to 40 centimetres. • After planting is lightly water the holy herb. |
Planting sanctuary in the pot
You don't have enough space to create a bed or you only garden on the balcony? Then you don't have to do without the planting of holy herb. The plant does very well in a planter or flower box and makes pretty arrangements with lavender, bluebells and other summer ornamental plants.
Planting in tubs generally presents the hobby gardener with greater challenges, because tub plants are not quite as easy to cultivate as plants that are planted outdoors. Holy herb in particular tolerates drought very well and therefore requires little care when cultivating outdoors. In the bucket, however, the daisy family must be watered regularly. The nutrient supply of a container plant is rather limited, so you need to stay active here throughout the growing season.
➔ Choose a suitable planter
There are also a few things to consider when choosing the planter. The planter should not only be of sufficient size, but also have enough drainage holes in the bottom. If this is not the case, the liquid accumulates in the plant pot and even heavy rain can be enough to cause the Mediterranean plants to rot.
» Tip: Set thatplanter in a saucer, this must be emptied regularly so that no liquid accumulates there either.
When choosing the potting soil for planting in containers, you can use herbal soil. These are mixed with perlite or lava granules. Here, too, it is important to create drainage on the bottom of the bucket. By adding a layer of gravel or lava granules, you improve the drainage properties of the water. In addition to regular watering, it is also important to ensure that the potted plant has a good supply of nutrients. During the flowering period, a commercial liquid fertilizer - in a low concentration - can be used every 14 days to ensure that the holy herb in the tub has a sufficient supply of nutrients.