dodonea purpurea

Stunning Foliage and Garden Appeal

One of dodonea purpurea’s standout features is its dramatic foliage. The slender, elongated leaves emerge with a fresh green blush before deepening into rich shades of burgundy and purple. Throughout the year, this foliage transforms with the seasons, offering ever-changing tones that look stunning in mixed borders or as a contrast to greenery. Purple Ake Ake also produces dainty, windblown seed capsules in late spring and summer, adding subtle decorative interest.

Uses for Dodonea Purpurea

Dodonea purpurea is extremely versatile in New Zealand gardens. It’s frequently used for:

• Hedging and screening: Its fast-growing nature and dense habit make it perfect for windbreaks and privacy screens.
• Specimen planting: Use as a feature shrub to add dramatic colour.
• Coastal gardens: Thrives in exposed, windy sites where other hedging plants struggle.
• Low-maintenance gardens: Once established, requires minimal care and is drought-tolerant.

For a striking hedge with purple tones, plant dodonea purpurea en masse. If you prefer a lush green option, see its relative Dodonaea viscosa (Green Ake Ake) for a classic look. Both thrive in similar tough conditions.

Growing and Care Tips

Dodonea purpurea likes full sun but copes well with partial shade. It prefers well-drained soil and is highly tolerant of sandy and poor soils, as well as salt-laden winds. Regular light trimming encourages lush, dense growth—prune in late summer or autumn to maintain your desired shape and size. While it’s generally pest and disease free, mulching around the base helps retain moisture and suppress weeds, especially during establishment.

This resilient shrub pairs beautifully with other hardy performers like Grevillea Coconut Ice (Grevillea Coconut Ice Hedge) or to add contrast with the floral tones of Azalea japonica 'Vuyk's Scarlet' and the blooms of Fuchsia 'Winston Churchill', Fuchsia 'Baby van Eijk', or Weigela Apple Blossom.

Why Choose Dodonea Purpurea

Selecting dodonea purpurea means adding a tough, beautiful, and uniquely New Zealand plant to your garden, perfect for modern landscapes and traditional settings alike. Its consistent performance and decorative value make Purple Ake Ake an inspiring choice for gardeners who crave colour, structure, and resilience.