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purple abutilon tree

The purple abutilon tree is a stunning choice for New Zealand gardeners seeking unusual colour and form in their landscape. Admired for its delicate, bell-shaped flowers and graceful, slightly arching branches, this small tree brings months of vibrant purple blooms, attracting bees and native birds to your garden. Combining a lush display with easy care, the purple abutilon tree is perfectly suited to a range of Kiwi garden styles, from cottage borders to modern urban spaces.

Abutilon megapotamicum red and yellow flower.

Abutilon megapotamicum

5 from 1 customers

Abutilon megapotamicum, commonly known as Trailing Abutilon or Chinese Lantern, is a graceful shrub with arching stems and distinctive red and yellow lantern shaped flowers. Blooming from spring to autumn, this variety adds elegance and colour to NZ gardens.

From $22.95

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Shrubs
Height: 1.20 m
Spread: 1.20 m
Flowering time: Spring, Autumn, Winter
Garden uses: Living areas, Parks, Pool areas, Specimen
Garden styles: Alpine, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Rock, Tropical
cercis-ruby-falls-

Cercis 'Ruby Falls'

Cercis 'Ruby Falls' is a spectacular weeping deciduous ornamental tree admired for its masses of rosy pink flowers that appear on bare branches in early spring. The cascading branches are clothed in rich burgundy purple heart shaped foliage that provides outstanding colour throughout the growing season before developing warm autumn tones.

From $270.40

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Trees
Height: 2.50 m
Spread: 2.00 m
Flowering time: Spring
Garden uses: Living areas, Parks, Specimen
Garden styles: Alpine, Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern
acer-violaceum-1
Acer negundo 'Violaceum'

Acer negundo 'Violaceum' is an attractive deciduous maple valued for its distinctive purple tinted young growth and fresh green foliage. The new...

From$399.95
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Fraxinus 'Purple Spire'

Fraxinus 'Purple Spire' is an elegant deciduous tree admired for its upright narrow habit and outstanding autumn foliage that develops rich purple...

From$387.55
Cercis Forest Pansy growing in a courtyard garden with purple leaves.
Cercis canadensis 'Forest Pansy'

Cercis canadensis 'Forest Pansy' is a spectacular deciduous ornamental tree renowned for its vibrant rosy pink spring flowers and stunning deep...

From$270.40
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Acer platanoides Nigrum

Acer platanoides 'Nigrum' is a striking deciduous tree valued for its large deep purple foliage and impressive shade creating canopy. The richly...

From$299.95
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Fagus sylvatica 'Riversii'

Fagus sylvatica 'Riversii' is a magnificent deciduous tree admired for its rich deep purple foliage that creates a dramatic display from spring until...

From$270.40
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Acer palmatum 'Trompenburg'

Acer palmatum 'Trompenburg' is a striking Japanese Maple admired for its deeply cut rich purple red foliage and distinctive curled leaf edges. The...

From$399.95
Fagus sylvatica 'Purple Fountain' specimen tree.
Fagus sylvatica 'Purple Fountain'

The Purple Fountain beech is a variety of European Beech tree that features colourful foliage and weeping branches. The glossy leaves emerge deep...

From$270.40
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Prunus 'Thundercloud'

Prunus 'Thundercloud' is a striking ornamental plum tree admired for its rich purple foliage and masses of soft pink flowers during spring. This...

From$349.95
A large Beilschmiedia tawa (Tawa tree).
Beilschmiedia tawa (Tawa Tree)

Beilschmiedia tawa, commonly known as the Tawa Tree, is a tall and graceful evergreen native to New Zealand. It is admired for its straight trunk...

From$313.00
Melia azedarach tree.
Melia azedarach (Bead Tree)

Melia azedarach (Bead Tree, White Cedar) is a graceful deciduous tree valued for its attractive fern like foliage, fragrant clusters of lilac...

From$387.55
Acaena inermis purpurea with small purple leaves.
Acaena purpurea (Piripiri)

Acaena purpurea, commonly known as Purple Bidibidi, is a hardy New Zealand native groundcover admired for its striking purple foliage and creeping...

From$10.95
Beilschmiedia tarairi (Taraire) trees growing in a modern garden.
Beilschmiedia tarairi (Taraire)

Beilschmiedia tarairi, commonly known as the Taraire tree, is a unique, NZ native tree. Its prominent feature is the masses of olive-like, purple...

From$270.40
Dodonaea viscosa purpurea shrub with colourful, purple foliage growing an an informal hedge.
Dodonaea viscosa purpurea (Purple Hop Bush)

Dodonaea viscosa purpurea, commonly known as Purple Ake Ake, features lush, purple leaves which are held densely off upright stems. The foliage is...

From$18.95
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Fagus sylvatica 'Purpurea'

Fagus sylvatica 'Purpurea', commonly known as the Copper Beech Tree, grows as a stately, deciduous tree with a broad and spreading crown of...

From$387.55
Magnolia 'Cleopatra' purple flowers.
Magnolia 'Cleopatra'

Magnolia 'Cleopatra' is a compact, upright deciduous magnolia bred in New Zealand and admired for its large, goblet-shaped, cerise-purple flowers...

From$270.40
Large Jacaranda mimosifolia tree with blue flowers.
Jacaranda mimosifolia (Blue Jacaranda)

Jacaranda mimosifolia, commonly known as the Blue Jacaranda tree, is a tropical-looking tree that is widely planted because of its beautiful and...

From$323.65
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Prunus blireiana

Prunus 'Blireiana' is an attractive deciduous flowering tree valued for its abundant double pink blossoms and colourful foliage. Masses of fragrant...

From$399.95
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PB28 Planter Bags (Christmas Tree Bag)

PB28 Planter Bags are a durable and economical option for growing large trees, shrubs, fruit plants, natives, and other mature nursery stock. Their...

From$130.50
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Tree Fertiliser (Tree Fertiliser)

Using tree fertiliser results in plants having better quality foliage, more profuse flowering, stronger stems, and a much healthier and brighter...

From$16.95
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PB60 Planter Bags (Bag For Xmas Tree)

PB60 Planter Bags are a strong and practical option for growing large trees, shrubs, fruit plants, natives, and advanced nursery stock. Their...

From$169.50
Black Doris' plums.
Plum Black Doris

The 'Black Doris' Plum is a popular variety that produces large and firm, purple-black fruit. The flesh is dark red, sweet, and juicy. White blossoms...

From$340.69
Hoya 'Royal Hawaiian Purple' flower cluster.
Hoya pubicalyx 'Royal Hawaiian Purple'

Hoya 'Royal Hawaiian Purple' is a stunning evergreen climber prized for its thick glossy foliage and clusters of richly coloured star shaped flowers...

From$20.63
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Ulmus 'Lobel' (Dutch Elm Tree)

Ulmus 'Lobel' is a refined deciduous elm valued for its narrow upright form, dense green foliage, and excellent suitability as an avenue or specimen...

From$557.95
Liriodendron tulipifera 'Fastigiata' trees with yellow foliage in autumn.
Liriodendron tulipifera 'Fastigiata' (Tulip Tree)

Liriodendron tulipifera fastigiata, also known as the Upright Tulip Tree, is a stunning deciduous tree admired for its narrow, columnar form. It...

From$515.35
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Palm Tree Fertiliser (Palm Tree Fertiliser)

Choosing the correct Palm tree fertiliser is essential for producing better quality foliage, stronger fronds, and a much healthier and brighter...

From$16.95
Dacrydium cupressinum (Rimu) tree juvenile foliage.
Dacrydium cupressinum (Rimu Tree)

Dacrydium cupressinum, commonly known as Rimu or Red Pine, is an iconic and slow-growing tree. The juvenile form features drooping branches densely...

From$99.29
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Fruit Tree Fertiliser (Fruit Tree Fertiliser)

Fruiting plants respond well to fruit tree fertiliser with better quality produce, higher yields, and a much healthier and brighter looking plant...

From$16.95
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Tree Guards

Tree Guards provide a simple and effective way to protect young trees from animals, wind, accidental damage, and herbicide spray. They create a...

From$5.00
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Jute Tree Tie

Jute Tree Tie is a natural and flexible option for securing young trees to stakes while they establish. The soft material helps reduce rubbing and...

From$64.67
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Cloth Tree Tie

Cloth Tree Ties are a soft, flexible solution for securely supporting young trees and plants while they establish. Made from durable cloth material...

From$9.28
Abutilon megapotamicum

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Abutilon, Acer, and Cercis, or related Categories - Deciduous Shrubs, Deciduous Trees, and Flowering Plums.

Search purple abutilon tree

Why Choose a Purple Abutilon Tree?

Choosing a purple abutilon tree instantly adds a touch of the exotic while maintaining a relaxed, friendly vibe in your outdoor space. This tree typically grows between 2 and 4 metres, making it ideal for small gardens, large containers, or as a striking specimen in mixed shrub beds. Its papery purple blossoms appear from spring through to autumn, providing consistent colour long after many other plants have finished flowering.

The large, soft leaves create gentle shade, making the purple abutilon tree a popular choice for sitting areas, courtyards, or understory plantings. As an added bonus, the flowers are loved by pollinators, making this tree a perfect partner for eco-friendly and sustainable gardens.

Planting and Caring for Purple Abutilon Trees

The purple abutilon tree is relatively undemanding. It thrives best in full sun to part shade and prefers well-drained, fertile soil. When planting, position your tree where it can make the most of morning sunlight and enjoy shelter from harsh winds. Regular mulching and a slow-release fertiliser application in early spring will keep your abutilon in top form.

Pruning is rarely required but can help maintain shape and size. Simply remove any damaged or wayward growth after flowering. As the purple abutilon tree is semi-deciduous in cooler regions, it may drop some leaves in winter and bounce back vigorously come spring.

Landscaping with Abutilon and Other Purple Foliage

If you’re building a purple-themed garden or looking to create dynamic colour contrasts, pair the purple abutilon tree with other ornamental plants in luscious shades. Consider planting alongside Corylus maxima Purpurea for striking dark foliage, or Fagus sylvatica Dawyck Purple for dramatic vertical interest and rich, purple-toned leaves.

Mix your purple abutilon with shrubs such as Abutilon vitifolium, which offers a profusion of mauve blooms, or the trail-forming Abutilon megapotamicum, beloved for its unique “Chinese lantern” flowers. For a truly bold statement, try combining with the upright Fraxinus Purple Spire.

Purple Abutilon Tree FAQ

Is the purple abutilon tree evergreen?
It is semi-evergreen in New Zealand, often holding leaves year-round in mild climates, though it may shed briefly in colder areas.

Can I grow purple abutilon in a container?
Yes, the tree performs well in large pots with good drainage and regular feeding, perfect for patios and decks.

Does the purple abutilon tree attract birds and bees?
The nectar-rich flowers are a magnet for both, supporting local biodiversity.

Discover More Purple Beauties

Ready to transform your garden with a purple abutilon tree? Browse our full range of purple-themed specimens like Corylus maxima Purpurea, Fagus sylvatica Dawyck Purple, and Fraxinus Purple Spire to add lasting colour and interest to your outdoor oasis.

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.

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From trusted favourites like Corokia 'Geenty's Green' and Ficus Tuffi to fresh faces like Hebe 'Snowcap', Carpinus betulus, and Plum Billington — we’ve got you covered.
–The Plant Company

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