dodonea purpurea

Name: The Plant Company
Address: 284 Meeanee Road, Meeanee, Napier, 4112, New Zealand
Telephone: 0800 843 752
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Dodonea purpurea, also known as Dodonaea viscosa purpurea or Purple Ake Ake, is a striking New Zealand native shrub prized for its deep purple foliage, resilience, and versatility in the landscape. This hardy evergreen is naturally adapted to New Zealand’s climate, providing a vibrant splash of colour in gardens year-round. Dodonea purpurea is popular with homeowners and landscapers alike, valued for its low maintenance, tolerance to wind and coastal conditions, and rapid growth. Whether you’re searching for a bold specimen shrub, an attractive hedge, or a naturally beautiful alternative to exotic plantings, Purple Ake Ake is a fantastic choice.

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.

Buy Dodonaea viscosa purpurea (Purple Hop Bush)

From $99.95

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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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.

Contact us

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.