This is a deciduous shrub or small tree ranging in height from 1- 6 m. It is a medium fast grower and is relatively long lived. The main stem is either single- or multi-stemmed, with finely striated branches of pale brown. (Striated: having narrow lines or grooves running more or less parallel). The bark, which is pale grayish-brown, is smooth.

The leaves, which occur opposite each other on the stem, are variable in shape ranging from oval and egg-shaped to oblong, meaning it is long and narrowly shaped. The margins of the leaves are roughly toothed and the colour is decidedly two-toned with an olive- or dark green above to a paler green below. The leaves are characterized by a soft texture with fine hairs occurring on both surfaces.

The flowers are produced in profusion near the ends of the branches, where they form small clusters from November to April. The flowers, which make this such an attractive shrub a must to have in a summer garden, are made up of two colours. The base of the flower, called the calyx, is a pink to mauve colour and often has a paper-like texture, while the main part of the flower is a deep blue to violet colour. It often happens that the main part of the flower falls off leaving the pink base behind, affording the plant a splash of colour long after the flowers have officially disappeared.

The fruit, produced between March and July, are carried in the persistent flower base (calyx). They are very small and rather inconspicuous, consisting of 4 lobes and a hairy surface.