There are five varieties which differ in characteristics such as hairiness of stems and leaves. Typically, leaves are simple, lance-shaped and up to 25 mm long. They have a short, sharp point. Flowers are tubular and open into 2 lips. The upper lip is two-lobbed while the lower lip is three lobbed giving an asymmetrical appearance.
Flowers are pink, mauve, lilac or white with darker spots in the throat.
Flowering time is spring. The most commonly cultivated form of H.pungens is a prostrate form of variety glabra . This has stems and leaves without hairs and pink flowers. It spreads to about 1 metre diameter. H.pungens performs best in dry climates and is unreliable in areas with humid summer conditions.