purple clematis nz

Name: The Plant Company
Address: 284 Meeanee Road, Meeanee, Napier, 4112, New Zealand
Telephone: 0800 843 752
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Searching for the perfect purple clematis in NZ? These spectacular climbing plants are beloved in New Zealand gardens for their vibrant blooms and reliable performance. Whether you want to create a living wall, brighten up a pergola, or add vertical interest to a fence, purple clematis varieties provide powerful colour and an abundance of flowers from spring through autumn. Discover some of the most sought-after purple clematis options and get expert tips for planting, growing, and caring for clematis in New Zealand conditions.

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

Dodonaea viscosa purpurea (Purple Hop Bush)

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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.

Buy Dodonaea viscosa purpurea (Purple Hop Bush)

From $18.83

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

Leptinella pusilla (Purple Brass Buttons)

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Leptinella pusilla, commonly known as the Purple Brass Buttons plant, is an herbaceous perennial native to New Zealand. It is a creeping and somewhat fleshy plant bearing small, purple-green, fern-like leaves. Small, yellow flowers are borne through spring and summer amidst the foliage. It typically grows to 10 cm tall and 70 cm wide. Leptinella pusilla is a great plant to use as a low groundcover, for planting between rocks and pavers, using in tropical gardens, or planting around pool areas.

Buy Leptinella pusilla (Purple Brass Buttons)

From $18.23

Suited to regions: All regions

Plant type: Groundcover Plants

Height: 10 cm

Spread: 70 cm

Flowering time: Spring, Summer

Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy

Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Ground covering, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Ponds, Pool areas

Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Native, Rock, Tropical

Dodonaea viscosa purpurea (Purple Hop Bush)

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You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Acaena, Bougainvillea, Clematis, Corylus, Dodonaea, Fagus, Fraxinus, Hoya, Lavender, Leptinella, Libertia, Mesembryanthemum, Phormium Salvia and Sorbus, or related Categories - Deciduous Climbers, Evergreen Climbers, Flaxes, Groundcover Plants, Indoor Plants, Perennials, Evergreen Shrubs Succulents and Deciduous Trees.

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Best Purple Clematis Varieties for NZ Gardens

With such a rich palette of purples available, choosing the right clematis for your garden can be a delightful challenge. Here are some standout varieties admired for their brilliant hues and resilience in New Zealand gardens:

Clematis jackmanii Superba dazzles with its deep, velvety purple flowers, blooming prolifically in mid to late summer. This classic favourite climbs quickly and flowers generously, making it ideal for trellises or fences.
Clematis 'Honora' features clusters of rich, dark purple blooms over a long season. It’s a compact grower, perfect for smaller spaces or growing in containers.
Clematis 'Vagabond' offers mesmerising violet-purple flowers with contrasting cream centres. This prolific bloomer puts on a show from late spring to early autumn.
Clematis 'Arabella' brings a softer, mauve-purple tone and is known for its long blooming period and versatility as both a climber and a ground cover.
Clematis 'Sweet Heart' adds variety with its semi-double flowers, blending shades of purple and pink for a cottage garden look.

How to Grow Purple Clematis in New Zealand

Clematis thrive in NZ’s temperate climate, provided they have the right spot and care. For best results, plant your purple clematis in well-drained, fertile soil with plenty of organic matter. Choose a position with at least six hours of sun per day, and remember the clematis motto: “head in the sun, feet in the shade.” This means shading the roots with mulch, low-growing perennials, or by planting amongst shrubs.

When planting, position the root ball 5 to 10cm deeper than it grew in the pot to encourage strong shoots and help prevent wilt. Water regularly through dry spells and feed with a balanced fertiliser in spring and again after the first flush of blooms.

Purple Clematis NZ: Design Tips

Incorporating purple clematis into your NZ garden adds vertical dimension and romance. These climbers are perfect for archways, pergolas, fences, or even scrambling through established shrubs and small trees. Try mixing varieties like Clematis jackmanii Superba and Clematis 'Vagabond' for a gradient of purple tones, or combine with white and pale pink varieties for contrast.

If you have a smaller space or a courtyard garden, consider compact growers such as Clematis 'Honora' or container-suitable options like Clematis 'Arabella'.

Shop Purple Clematis NZ

Ready to add show-stopping colour to your garden? Browse our stunning selection of purple clematis and choose the perfect variety for your outdoor space. Whether you’re looking for classic tones, double-flowered beauty, or versatile growers, you’ll find exceptional options grown especially for New Zealand gardeners.

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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.