dodonaea viscosa purpurea nz

Name: The Plant Company
Address: 284 Meeanee Road, Meeanee, Napier, 4112, New Zealand
Telephone: 0800 843 752
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Discover the captivating Dodonaea viscosa purpurea NZ, also known as Purple Ake Ake—a tough, striking shrub that brings year-round colour and structure to New Zealand gardens. Celebrated for its resilience and rich purple-bronze foliage, this native plant thrives from the coast to the hills, making it a versatile choice for both urban and rural landscapes. Whether you’re looking to create windbreaks, low-maintenance hedges, or architectural accents, Dodonaea viscosa purpurea NZ stands out as an eco-friendly, drought-tolerant solution that supports native biodiversity while requiring minimal fuss.

Dodonaea viscosa purpurea (Purple Hop Bush)

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Purple Hop Bush, Purple AkeAke

Dodonaea viscosa purpurea, commonly known as Purple Ake Ake, features lush, purple leaves which are held densely off upright stems. The foliage is adorned with masses of small, pink flowers in summer as it grows to 4 m tall and 2.5 m wide. Dodonaea purpurea is commonly trimmed into a hedge, grown as an informal hedge, included in mixed or native plantings, used for riparian planting, grown as a screen, or planted as a backdrop for smaller plants. The versatility and excellent aesthetics of this plant make it very popular with landscape designers and gardeners alike.

Dodonaea viscosa purpurea (Purple Hop Bush)

Dodonaea viscosa purpurea shrub with colourful, purple foliage growing an an informal hedge.

Suited to regions:
All regions
Plant type:
Shrubs
Height:
4.00 m
Spread:
2.50 m
Flowering time:
Summer
Tolerances:
Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy, Shade, Wet, Wind
Garden uses:
Hedging, Living areas, Ponds, Pool areas, Screening
Garden styles:
Alpine, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Formal, Frontyard, Japanese, Mediterranean, Modern, Native, Riparian

More species and varieties of Dodonaea

Popular Evergreen Shrubs

Dodonaea viscosa purpurea (Purple Hop Bush)

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Why Choose Dodonaea viscosa purpurea NZ?

Dodonaea viscosa purpurea is famed for its elegant, willow-like leaves that deepen to a gorgeous purple in cool temperatures. As one of New Zealand’s hardiest native shrubs, it tolerates poor soils, salt spray, and wind, making it ideal for coastal regions and exposed sites. Gardeners love it as both an ornamental feature and a practical solution for shelterbelts and screening, thanks to its dense, upright growth habit.

Fast-growing and low-maintenance, Dodonaea viscosa purpurea NZ seldom suffers from pests or diseases. It requires little more than the occasional trim to maintain a neat shape or hedge, and once established, it’s highly drought-tolerant. Its tiny, inconspicuous flowers are followed by decorative papery seed capsules that add extra visual interest.

Planting and Care Tips

For the healthiest growth, Dodonaea viscosa purpurea prefers a sunny spot with well-drained soil. It tolerates light frosts, though for the best foliage colour, a sunny, open position is key. Water young plants regularly until they’re well established, then enjoy their impressive resilience to dry spells. Prune in late winter or early spring to control height or shape, and mulch in spring for healthier root systems and weed suppression.

Dodonaea viscosa purpurea NZ is an outstanding choice for hedging, native revegetation projects, or adding year-round interest to mixed shrub borders. Pair it with natives like Dodonaea viscosa (Green Ake Ake) for multi-toned shelterbelts, or combine with colourful companions such as Azalea 'Chelsea Reach' and Rhododendron Kings Cerise for a dramatic display.

Landscaping Ideas With Purple Ake Ake

Bring bold contrast and structure to your garden with Dodonaea viscosa purpurea NZ. Use this shrub as a stunning single specimen, an eye-catching backdrop for flowering plants, or in repetition for low-maintenance hedging. Its tolerant nature makes it perfect for difficult areas—including coastal gardens and wind-exposed sites—where many other plants struggle.

Mix with other reliable performers like Daphne caucasica for fragrant, textural variety, or with Lavender 'Ruffles Vanillaberry' for pops of perfume and pollinator appeal. For subtropical style, pair with Rhododendron Vireya Red Mountain for a garden that’s both resilient and visually stunning.

Dodonaea viscosa purpurea NZ for Sustainable Gardens

Choosing Dodonaea viscosa purpurea NZ is a sustainable decision for Kiwi gardens. Not only does this native shrub offer beauty and utility, but it supports local wildlife and promotes biodiversity. Whether you’re establishing a native planting scheme, upgrading your shelterbelt, or designing a low-care landscape, Purple Ake Ake is a garden hero you can count on for years of interest and satisfaction.

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Whether you need assistance finding the plant you’re looking for or you simply want to know more about who we are and what we do, we invite you to get in touch with us today. A member of The Plant Company team will get back in touch as soon as possible.