Prune to prevent straggliness (optional)

When santolina grows too tall, the natural bushy shape of this shrub is liable to split open to show unsightly older wood inside the clump.  This is especially the case in areas prone to heavy snowfall.

Trim faded flowers and long shoots after flowering in the autumn and prune hard into the old wood in spring to prevent the plant becoming straggly.

If they have been left neglected for some time, you can try to renovate by cutting back hard into the old wood in spring. Young plants respond well to this, but older specimens are better replaced altogether.

When replacing with new plants, shorten stems when first planting to encourage bushy, vigorous growth.

Why prune

How to prune