This perennial shrub forms a rounded habit with radiating stiff stems that are covered in stalk-less grey-green heart-shaped leaves. The purplish-blue cup-shaped flowers appear in a racenme from late spring to summer in the upper part of the plant.

Hardiness zones 9 to 11 

Derwentia perfoliata is naturally found in Australia from New South Wales in the Australian Capital Territory to Victoria growing in forested slopes and woodlands in stony well drained moderately fertile soils. It prefers a  full sun to semi shaded open position and is drought and frost tolerant.

Digger's Speedweell is a perennial shrub that is grown for its mauve flowers and is planted in garden beds as a specimen or filler shrub. It is also planted in rows to form an informal low hedge. It establishes from division in 1 to 2 years and tolerates drier conditions. It may be difficult to obtain from nurseries. ID 1458

Derwentia (der-WENT-ee-uh) perfoliata (per-foh-lee-AY-tuh)

Scrophulariaceae (skrof-yoo-larr-ee-AY-see-ee)
Figwort and Foxglove Family