The one centimetre-long narrow, pointed leaves grow at a wide angle to the stem in neat opposite arrangement. They are smooth textured and have a lemon scent when bruised. In spring the young growing tips are bright green. Flower heads formed of feathery bunches of vivid magenta-rose stamens, closely set surrounding the stems of older wood, may open at any time from the end of October and are at their best in the first half of November. After a cool and showery spring, flowering may continue until the end of November, but in a season of hot dry spells flowering is often poor and short.
Bees crowd the plant when it is in flower.
The species is exceptionally good for cut flowers. Even long sprays last for at least two weeks indoors. Propagation is easy from seed. At planting time an open or semi-shaded position may be selected, after which little care is needed apart from watering during dry periods to avoid bare wood. Pruning is not necessary other than to control a desired shape and the shrub is generally free from diseases and pests.