Hebe townsonii is endemic to the North and South Islands. It is found in the North Island, in North Taranaki on Mount Messenger, and in the South Island in northern and western Nelson from Mount Burnett near Collingwood, to north Westland, in the rocky hills between little Whanganui and Mokohinui Rivers north of Westport, and southwards from there to the Fox River near Tiromoana. This very attractive and distinct species, usually found growing in limestone rock has a rather erect habit, but is mainly distinguished by the two lines of slit-shaped or oblique domatia that are clearly visible with the naked eye, occur on the leaves close to their edges. In the garden this open branched bushy shrub will grow 1-1.2m tall but can reach up to 2.5m tall, will grow in full sun or partial shade. Its white to pale mauve flowers that soon fade to white generally appear from mid September to early November, and are rather loosely arranged on the inflorescence which can give this species a more graceful appearance than others.