Hello everyone,

I have recently moved to a new house in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire (UK) and would like help identifying a plant/shrub placed by the previous owners in my front garden. As seen in the photo, it has leather - like leaves and a really pungent peppery smell. Its budding flowers, but an absolute nightmare as it grows very quickly. I've had to prune it frequently since I moved here in December. I would very much like to find out the name of this so I can do some research. I'm a beginner gardener having moved here from a flat in London!

The leaves are sprinkled with what looks like 'black dirt' which, I'm assuming are aphids or similar. I thought it was earth at first. But, there is no obvious holes or damage to the leaves so I' m assuming the snails are repelled by it.

If you have any idea on the name, please do enlighten me!

Many thanks,
Sam.