Stretches of it are seen hugging the cliffs and down to beach level, either prostrate or several feet high depending on situation. White flowers dot the shapely plants.
Growth is naturally stiff and bushy but responds to garden treatment by growing much taller.
Sometimes it throws out one or two main branches to develop an irregular habit, but generally the plant is shapely. After reaching a mature size it does not deteriorate quickly with age as some species do, but maintains a good condition for years. During the coldest weather it keeps a fresh appearance and is also drought hardy, though adequate water should be given to avoid tendency to yellowing leaves and bare wood. Foliage is a dark, even green, and a covering of short hairs on the young tip growth and leaf undersides gives a silvery tint which adds to its attractiveness. Leaves are up to 2 centimetres long, narrow and pointed and set closely in whorls around the stem.