purple akeake

What Makes Purple Akeake Special?

Purple akeake stands out for its striking foliage, which emerges rich burgundy and softens to deep purple as the leaves mature. This coloration gives gardens an everchanging tapestry of hues throughout the year. During spring and summer, clusters of delicate greenish flowers add subtle seasonal interest, followed by attractive papery seed capsules. As a native, purple akeake blends seamlessly with both traditional New Zealand gardens and modern landscapes.

If you love the look but prefer a lush green variety, consider Dodonaea viscosa (Green Ake Ake), which shares the same hardy characteristics in a different palette.

Growing and Caring for Purple Akeake

One of the purple akeake’s most appealing traits is its adaptability. It thrives in full sun or partial shade and is perfectly suited to the variable conditions often found in New Zealand gardens. Once established, it tolerates drought, wind, coastal exposure, and most soil types—even poor or sandy soils.

Plant purple akeake in well-draining soil for the best results. For hedge planting, space shrubs around one metre apart. Water well while establishing, then enjoy its low maintenance nature. Occasional pruning helps maintain your desired shape and encourages dense foliage. Purple akeake is generally pest and disease resistant, making it an ideal choice for sustainable, easy-care gardens.

Garden Design with Purple Akeake

Purple akeake’s bold foliage makes it a favourite for contrast planting. It pairs beautifully with silver, green, or golden-leaved shrubs and grasses. For a layered, coastal-inspired look, try grouping purple akeake with sun-lovers such as Lavender 'Arabian Nights' or the heat-tolerant Streptosolen jamesonii (Marmalade Bush).

Looking for year-round interest? Incorporate purple akeake alongside evergreens like Skimmia japonica Rubella or add a touch of the tropics with Hibiscus 'Fiji Sunshine' and Hymenosporum Gold Nugget (Dwarf Frangipani).

Ideal Uses for Purple Akeake

• Windbreaks & Shelterbelts: Naturally tall and dense, purple akeake is excellent for coastal and exposed properties.
• Hedges & Screens: Its upright growth responds well to trimming for a neat, formal effect.
• Feature Planting: The intense foliage colour provides striking structure and contrast in mixed beds or native plantings.
• Erosion Control: Robust roots help stabilise soil on banks or slopes.

Add Purple Akeake to Your Garden

If you’re searching for a purple akeake to enhance your landscape with dramatic, low-maintenance beauty, Dodonaea viscosa purpurea is a tried-and-true favourite. Its timeless form, resilience, and rich foliage colour make it an outstanding choice for New Zealand gardens. Pair it with companion shrubs for a dynamic and harmonious planting scheme that flourishes year-round.