Here is a picture of the full shrub. Hopefully this one works - I may finally be getting the hang of uploading pics. :) Here is a link that might be useful:

Jennifer, The leaves look similar to mature Loropetalum leaves. I see some burgundy on the edges and most Loropetalum leaves start out burgundy and age to green. Rhonda

If you could KEEP it in your garden, it would be fine to keep it... but the reason it's all along the roads throughout Connecticut (smelling lovely, I agree!) is that it is a horrific invasive that is driving all the native flora out. Russian olive and Autumn Olive are slightly different (my guess is you're seeing autumn olive), but both are invasive and should be removed. In Connecticut, for instance, the law states ' Notwithstanding the provisions of any ordinance adopted by a municipality, no person shall [import,] move, except for eradication purposes, import, sell, purchase, transplant, cultivate or distribute any of the following invasive plants: '... and both are on the list that follows. There are many native plants with lovely fragrances that you can substitute for it, including a native honeysuckle. Check with your extension service for recommendations... but please, for the sake of the native flora, TAKE IT OUT! Here is a link that might be useful: Alternatives for invasives

Not all varieties of kangaroo paws are equally drought tolerant. I love the plant myself, especially the red and orange varieties but as they are not fully winter hardy in my climate (likely due to wetter winters than they prefer rather than cold), I grow them as container plants or annuals and find they need pretty routine watering during our dry but quite cool summers. Some cultivars will have a growing notation for "water occasionally" but a preponderance do note 'regular irrigation". I would not consider anigozanthos to be a prime subject for a very drought tolerant or xeric landscape. And if that indeed is 'Big Red' in the photo, that is a cultivar that does require regular irrigation. btw, San Marcos Growers website has a decent listing of popular cultivars and their growing specs that is helpful : Anigozanthos