A fast-growing shrub, Helichrysum splendidum can grow to 1.5 m x 1 m within 2 years, forming a dense grey mound. The new growth on the outside is stiff, but not woody. The older branches at the base and in the middle of the bush turn hard and brown with age. The stems are covered with a thick felt of woolly white hairs. The soft young leaves are also covered with grey woolly hairs. The leaves are aromatic with a slight camphor scent when rubbed. Pointing upwards, the leaves overlap each other, almost completely covering the stem. Typical for this species, the leaves are narrow (10-30 mm x 1-2 mm) and tipped with a short hard point. The leaf margins are rolled to the underside making the leaves even narrower. In mid-summer, from November to February, the shrub is covered with bright yellow flowers. The compact flower heads at the tip of the stems are densely packed with small everlasting flowers. The tight buds of bright yellow papery bracts open slowly over several weeks to reveal the darker yellow flowers in the centres. The flowers have a slightly sweet perfume.