A creeping shrub?

It is indeed described as a 2 metres shrub or sometimes a small tree. Not sure but the repens may refer to a habit of spreading via roots rather than the style of top growth.
It is also described as being somewhat tender in most parts of Britain.

It certainly is tender! I lost all but one last winter, even with some protection - and I live in a mild-ish area. Mine do not 'creep' in the sense of a ground cover plant.