Rosemary-leafed santolina is a tough perennial with a rounded, tidy habit and nearly shrubby constitution. Mostly grown for its foliage, which is clear, bright green, finely textured, and needle-like. It has a musky, resinous scent when crushed. Little lemon-yellow, button-like flowers appear mid to late spring. Though listed as evergreen, it is not always dependably so in our climate. Grows about 12 to 18 inches tall and 20 to 28 inches wide.
Grow in full sun and in well drained soils. Grows in poor soils and becomes floppy if provided with too much water. Trim as needed in mid-spring to shape and tighten foliage, and shear off faded flowers in late summer for a tidy appearance. It will tolerate sun being piled on in the winter, though you will probably have to prune it back come early spring. Parkstrip Value of 3 to 7 sf.