A compact, evergreen Mediterranean shrub with finely divided, aromatic silver-grey foliage and small, button-like yellow flowers held above the foliage in summer. It is particularly well suited to dry, sunny gardens, gravel gardens, edging and coastal planting, provided drainage is good.
-
Exposure: Good wind tolerance once established, particularly in free-draining sites. Coastal tolerant, including exposure to salt spray, making it suitable for coastal gardens.
-
Size: Approximately 50 cm high × 1 m wide, although it is generally a compact, rounded shrub.
-
Soil: Well-drained, poor to moderately fertile soil; particularly suited to sandy, stony or chalky soils. Avoid heavy or persistently wet soils, especially in winter.
-
Sun: Full sun. It performs best in a warm, open position with excellent drainage.
-
Flowering time: June–August, with yellow button-like flowers appearing above the silvery foliage in summer.
-
Uses: Medicinal and aromatic plant; traditionally used in folk medicine and for its strongly aromatic foliage. It is also used in potpourri and dried arrangements.
-
Wildlife benefits: Flowers provide a useful source of nectar and pollen for bees, hoverflies and other pollinating insects.
