Hebe. The flowers are finished and those are the seed heads.

I think the 'larger leaves=tender" rule is sort of a gross generalization with many exceptions. For example some forms of H. salicifolia are very hardy. There are a whole lot of smallish leaved ones that are hardy to around 10-15F and have persisted through most of our recent winters in most places, along with some of the hardier large leafed ones ('Amy' etc.) In my garden 'Alicia Amherst' and H. speciosa have been damaged from temperatures around 20F. Some of the hardiest hebes are H. traversii, H. albicans and the popular form 'Red Edge' which are all good to below 10F. Then there is the whole group of 'whipcord' Hebes which are generally hardier, but considered to be difficult to grow. They are a little bit less popular and therefore rarer, but alot of them are hardy to around 0F. They are mostly alpine plants in the wild. I'm not sure that they are so difficult in our climate, provided well drained soil and the right amount of summer water.

Haven't seen anyone indicate a time frame for the "typical" sizes being given for this cultivar. If it is for propagules merely, say, 5 years old then much taller specimens may be possible - without long periods of time being involved. And the planting site of the specific specimen being asked about sounds like a more favorable situation than usual in temperate climates, where performance (including fast growth and longevity) beyond what is generally seen farther north could occur. And 2 m is only twice 1 m. But you do have to wonder about 2 m in 7 years for a plant expected to be a low and broad "ground-cover". The only way for the discussion to move ahead is for confirming photos of the supposed example in Spain to be shown.

Any updates/comments on Coupe d'Hebe? In the catalogue of Francia Thauvin, they, too, describe it as having "feilliage vert clair",as opposed to "vert noiratre"! Also,Lynette/oldrosarian what exactly do you mean by a "rich diet"? What do you serve YOUR roses? How exactly do you provide a rich diet for a rose? I am very interested in knowing details, since I struggle so much with soil issues in my garden, and am trying to focus a lot on soil improvement.