akeake dodonaea viscosa

What is Dodonaea viscosa?

Dodonaea viscosa is a widespread shrub native to New Zealand, Australia, and other warm regions around the world. In New Zealand gardens, akeake Dodonaea viscosa is cherished for its slender, glossy leaves and attractive upright form, often growing between two and five metres tall. It produces inconspicuous greenish flowers in spring and striking papery seed capsules that add further visual interest. Extremely tolerant of drought, wind, and poor soils, Dodonaea viscosa is prized for its ability to stabilise slopes, control erosion, and thrive where little else will.

For the classic green form, see: Dodonaea viscosa (Green Ake Ake).

Uses of akeake Dodonaea viscosa in New Zealand Gardens

Thanks to its toughness and ease of care, akeake Dodonaea viscosa is widely used in landscaping and ecosystem restoration. Common uses of this hardy shrub include:

• Shelterbelts and windbreaks: Dodonaea viscosa provides effective shelter from strong winds, especially in coastal and exposed rural sites.
• Hedging: With regular trimming, it forms attractive, dense hedges that maintain shape and privacy.
• Coastal and dry gardens: Its drought-resistance makes it ideal for dry gardens, rocky banks, and seaside plantings.
• Native restoration: Akeake Dodonaea viscosa is frequently used in riparian and ecological plantings for its rapid growth and habitat value for native insects and birds.

If you’re looking for a colourful twist, consider Dodonaea viscosa purpurea (Purple Hop Bush). This variety features stunning burgundy-purple foliage, making it a beautiful accent or contrast in native and mixed borders.

How to Grow Dodonaea in Your Garden

Akeake Dodonaea viscosa is as low-maintenance as it is resilient. It grows best in well-drained soils but tolerates a range of site conditions including clay, sand, and heavy wind. Dodonaea loves full sun but handles part shade, and once established, it generally does not need extra watering except in extreme summer droughts.

For a lush hedge, space plants about 1 to 1.5 metres apart and prune yearly to maintain a dense, bushy habit. Mulching at planting helps retain moisture until roots are well established. Because it’s naturally disease and pest-resistant, Dodonaea is well-suited for organic gardens.

Why Choose akeake Dodonaea viscosa?

Whether you’re creating a shelterbelt, restoring a natural landscape, or adding tough structure to your backyard, akeake Dodonaea viscosa offers proven resilience and unique aesthetic appeal. Explore our selection of native shrubs, including Dodonaea viscosa (Green Ake Ake) and Dodonaea viscosa purpurea (Purple Hop Bush), to find the perfect fit for your project. Grow with confidence knowing you’ve chosen one of New Zealand’s most adaptable native plants.