Olive Herb 140mm

Olive Herb (Santolina rosmarinifolia) 140mm Pot

Olive Herb is a hardy, aromatic evergreen herb with fine, olive-green foliage and a distinctive olive-like flavour, making it an unusual and attractive addition to culinary herb gardens, Mediterranean landscapes and decorative containers.

Santolina rosmarinifolia, commonly known as Olive Herb or Green Santolina, is a compact, bushy perennial prized for its slender, fragrant foliage and versatile garden uses. The narrow, bright green leaves release a distinctive aroma when crushed and can be used sparingly to add an olive-like flavour to salads, marinades, dressings and Mediterranean-inspired dishes. During summer, small, button-shaped yellow flowers appear above the foliage, adding cheerful colour and attracting beneficial pollinators.

Thriving in sunny, well-drained positions, Olive Herb is an excellent choice for kitchen gardens, low hedging, rockeries and waterwise landscapes. Its naturally compact growth habit, aromatic foliage and drought tolerance make it a valuable addition to Australian gardens.

Botanical Name: Santolina rosmarinifolia (syn. Santolina virens) Common Name: Olive Herb, Green Santolina Pot Size: 140mm Flower Colour: Yellow Foliage Colour: Olive Green to Bright Green Fragrance: Aromatic Foliage with Olive-Like Scent Position: Full Sun Height: Approx. 30–50cm Width: Approx. 40–60cm Flowering Season: Summer Growth Habit: Compact, Bushy Evergreen Perennial Shrub Water Requirements: Low Once Established Evergreen: Yes Edible: Yes – Leaves Used Sparingly as a Culinary Herb

Features

Distinctive olive-like flavour and aroma Fine, slender aromatic green foliage Attractive yellow button-shaped summer flowers Compact, bushy evergreen growth habit Unusual culinary herb Drought tolerant once established Thrives in hot, sunny positions Excellent for low hedging and edging Attracts beneficial pollinators Easy to grow and low maintenance Suitable for pots and containers

Ideal Uses

Kitchen gardens Culinary herb gardens Mediterranean-style gardens Low hedging and garden borders Decorative pots and containers Courtyard gardens Rockeries Waterwise gardens Edible landscapes Fragrant gardens Planting near outdoor cooking areas

Plant Care

Plant in a full sun position in well-drained soil. Olive Herb thrives in sandy, gravelly or moderately fertile soils and prefers good drainage, particularly during wet winter conditions. Water regularly during establishment, then reduce watering once plants are established, allowing the soil to dry between applications. Avoid overwatering and waterlogged conditions. Lightly trim after flowering to maintain a compact, bushy shape and encourage fresh foliage, avoiding cutting back heavily into old, woody stems. Apply a light application of slow-release fertiliser in spring if required. Harvest young leaves as needed, using sparingly in cooking due to their distinctive flavour.

Olive Herb is an unusual and rewarding evergreen herb, combining aromatic olive-flavoured foliage, attractive yellow flowers and exceptional drought tolerance to provide year-round culinary interest and beauty in Australian herb gardens and containers.