Santolina Species, Green Lavender Cotton, Holy Flax

How has your experience been with planting 'Santolina' in Santa Clara County, California? I've had success in the Inland Empire (Souther...Read Moren California) where it grew with an eastern exposure and got water only from overspray from the nearby outdoor water tap. I've also had success on Vancouver Island with a southwestern exposure; it was planted in gravel and received the occasional water during the warmer summer months. You rarely see 'Santolina' in San Jose (Santa Clara County) gardens so one is left to wonder if perhaps it is an overlooked choice for drought tolerant gardens in the area or just does not over-winter well with the rains... then again, Vancouver Island has its fair share of rain! Of course, 'Santolina' can flop over but I'm thinking of keeping it compact and continually trimming it to form coalescing mounds as seen in Japanese gardens. It is so easy to propagate and grows fast so it could easily be changed out every 7 years or so, as needed. Any thoughts of using 'Santolina' in Santa Clara county?