There are probably very few plants that are as visually impressive as the holy herbs, but also so easy to care for and undemanding. If you follow a few basic rules, you can't really go wrong with saint herb. It is even possible to overwinter in the garden, although it is actually a Mediterranean plant that loves sun and warmth.
Art
Santolina chamaecyparissus, the botanical name of the saint herb, belongs to the daisy family. It is an evergreen subshrub that can reach a height of up to sixty centimeters. The flowers are small, spherical and yellow. Santolina chamaecyparissus originally comes from the Mediterranean region, where it is still very widespread. It grows there with great preference on stony or rocky ground. This property makes it the ideal companion in Mediterranean gardens or rock gardens. However, the herb has so far been relatively rare to find in our latitudes. In total, only three species of saint herb have been cultivated as ornamental plants. It is conditionally hardy and extremely easy to care for.
Companion plants
As an ornamental plant, saint herb usually grows in a group of other plants. The combination with roses of all kinds is particularly attractive. In addition, red wild tulips, purple bells or blue cushion bellflowers are also perfect as companion plants.
Floor
Sacred herbs do not place high demands on the soil or plant substrate. In general, it can be said that the soil should be nutrient-poor and calcareous. It is also important that it is as loose and permeable as possible. Water in particular must be able to drain extremely well. Santolina likes it dry and cannot cope with waterlogging at all. If in doubt, it helps to enrich the garden soil with a lot of sand. If the soil at the chosen location contains a lot of clay, drainage made of stones or other materials must definitely be installed. However, it is even better to look for another location for the holy herb.
Fertilize
As already mentioned several times, saint herb is an absolutely undemanding plant. The natural nutrients that it finds in the soil are completely sufficient for it to grow and thrive. It is therefore not necessary to fertilize them. On the contrary: fertilizer applications can have adverse effects and even lead to the death of the plant.
Pouring
The holy herb loves it not only warm, but also dry. As a result, there is no need to water, which of course makes caring for the plant much easier. Outdoors, occasional downpours or morning dew are sufficient to provide the plant with sufficient fluid. Santolina chamaecyparissus can survive even a long dry period relatively easily. However, prolonged wetness or periods of rain can cause considerable problems for the plant.
Diseases and pests
Sacred herbs are extremely robust and resilient. If they are protected from moisture, they are generally not at risk of disease. If it is too wet for the plants, there is a risk of root rot in the vast majority of cases. This can only be combated by drying out quickly. Pests also avoid this herb. The reason for this is the essential oils that each shrub produces. The insects are literally repelled by the smell. This also applies to snails, which avoid proximity to sacred herbs. The shrub works wonders in this regard near a bed.
Planting
As a rule, holy herbs can be purchased as small bushes from garden shops. To plant, simply dig a small depression at the chosen location into which the root ball fits easily. The hollow is then filled well and watered with plenty of water. Since several bushes are usually planted at the same time, a sufficiently large distance must be maintained between the individual plants. A minimum distance of around 30 centimeters is recommended. Incidentally, you can plant practically all year round - unless the ground is frozen or there is an acute threat of a period of frost.
Cutting
The holy herb not only requires very little care, but is also extremely tough. That's why it can tolerate very strong pruning. Although it is not absolutely necessary to cut the bush, experience has shown that when it is cut, it grows bushier and gains significantly more volume. It is also possible to shape Santolina through targeted cutting. When cutting, all shoots are shortened well. The timing is important: Pruning should be done immediately after flowering and under no circumstances later. Annual pruning is recommended. Sharp knives or secateurs are suitable as tools.
Location
Santolina comes from the sunny south. So it's no wonder that the plant generally prefers a warm, sunny location. The plant has no problem with the blazing midday sun. It also copes very well with wind. The location does not have to be particularly protected. For example, planting in a roof garden is possible without having to worry about the plant.
Wintering
It cannot be mentioned often enough: saint herb is a Mediterranean plant that likes it to be extremely dry and sunny. It is all the more surprising that the plant also copes well with winter in our latitudes. However, you should be aware that it is only partially hardy. Although it can remain outdoors during the winter months, it must be given special protection. Brushwood in the root area is, so to speak, mandatory. A warming fleece is also recommended. In addition, protection from precipitation, especially snow, is required. Covering it with a garden tarpaulin can be helpful here.
Tip:
If you have cultivated several sacred herbs in one location, you should think about setting up a kind of mobile greenhouse for the winter months.
Propagate
The propagation of saint herb is extremely easy and actually always works. Propagation is done using cuttings. The ideal time for this is early summer. How to do it:
- Cut off 15 to 20 centimeter long shoot tips
- remove the leaves from the lower area
- Put the tips into sandy potting soil and water well
- keep moist throughout until the tips have grown
- Waterlogging must be avoided at all costs
The right location for the cuttings has a lot of light or is partially shaded at most. The young holy herbs can then be planted in their final location next spring. The necessary overwintering of the young plants is best done in a cool, frost-free and bright basement room. It is now also possible to buy seeds from specialist retailers. Propagation can therefore also be done by sowing. This should also take place in late spring or early summer.
Tip:
When sowing, you should definitely follow the manufacturer's recommendations. These can usually be found on the seed packaging.
Usage
Santolina chamaecyparissus is a typical ornamental plant whose greatest benefit in the garden is its appearance. The fresh leaves are generally also suitable for seasoning. Home cooks can use it to add a certain kick to meat, fish and pasta dishes. Another positive property of saint herb is that the essential oils it releases keep mosquitoes away. It is therefore advisable to always plant the plant where people are - for example, in the immediate vicinity of a terrace. In general, Santolina particularly enhances rock gardens, Mediterranean gardens and, last but not least, roof gardens. It can also be easily cultivated as a pot plant.
