2 seasons since i acquired this beauty, recently pruned to halt worm infestation normally much larger. early spring long stems appear covered in small pale purple flowers. reminds me of a lavender of some sort. furry dark green leaves dark purple underneath with woody stems. Its fond of morning light and seems to hold up well to my hot dry California weather.
Bingo. that is it, thanks alot for the help. Now i can see how to care for it with much less guess work.