An upright, evergreen shrub with glossy, dark green leaves and masses of white flowers in summer. A hebe that does not hide. The leaves are oval-shaped, up to 3 centimetres long, with a smooth, shiny surface. They are arranged in opposite pairs along the stems, a characteristic of the genus. The stems are stout and woody, branching frequently to form a bushy, upright shrub. A plant that stands tall. The flowers are the plant's most striking feature. They are white, sometimes with a hint of lilac, and are arranged in dense, cylindrical spikes at the tips of the branches. The spikes can be up to 10 centimetres long, covered in dozens of small, tubular flowers. The flowers are attractive to native bees and butterflies, which feed on the nectar. A plant that feeds the pollinators. The flowers are followed by small capsules containing the seeds. The capsules are dry and brown, splitting open when ripe to release the seeds. The plant is fast-growing and adaptable, thriving in a range of conditions from coastal cliffs to lowland forests. Lewis's Hebe is named after botanist Leonard Lewis, who contributed to the study of New Zealand plants. The species is widespread and common, often used in garden plantings for its attractive flowers and hardy nature. To find Lewis's Hebe is to walk the coastal cliffs and lowland forests of New Zealand. The coastal cliff is windy. The hebe stands upright, glossy leaves shining, white flower spikes bright against the grey sky. The bees buzz. The butterflies land. The plant does not know it is named after a botanist. It just blooms. That is what hebes do.