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purple hosta

If you’re searching for distinctive and eye-catching foliage for your garden, a purple hosta may be just what you need. While traditional hostas are prized for their lush green leaves, certain varieties feature striking purple stems or tinges, adding a splash of colour to shaded beds and borders. Whether you’re a seasoned hosta collector or new to shade gardening, let’s explore how a purple hosta can enhance your landscape and which related varieties thrive in New Zealand gardens.

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Hosta 'Dew Drop'

5 from 1 customers

Hosta 'Dew Drop' is a charming perennial known for its soft green foliage edged with creamy white. It brings a fresh, bright look to shaded areas in New Zealand gardens and is well suited to smaller spaces. This attractive hosta is ideal for borders, containers, or underplanting. Its compact habit and clean variegation make it a popular choice for adding texture and contrast in low light areas.

From $24.77

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Perennials
Height: 15 cm
Spread: 20 cm
Flowering time: Summer
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Patios, Ponds, Pool areas
Garden styles: Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Tropical
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Fraxinus Purple Spire

5 from 1 customers

Fraxinus 'Purple Spire' is an elegant deciduous tree admired for its upright narrow habit and outstanding autumn foliage that develops rich purple and burgundy tones. This attractive shade tree is ideal for New Zealand gardens where space is limited but strong vertical structure is desired. It is perfect for avenues, feature planting, and larger residential landscapes.

From $387.55

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Trees
Height: 8.00 m
Spread: 4.00 m
Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy
Garden uses: Parks, Specimen
Garden styles: Alpine, Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern
Salvia Amistad with purple flowers and lush green foliage.
Salvia Amistad

Salvia Amistad is one of the purple Salvias grown for its rich display of flowers from summer through autumn. It produces long and slender, flower...

From$27.53
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...

A large Phormium 'Dark Delight' plant with elegant, purple foliage.
Phormium 'Dark Delight'

Phormium 'Dark Delight', also known as Dark Purple Flax, is a bold New Zealand native flax prized for its broad, upright leaves in deep purple to...

From$17.95
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$27.53
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$16.95
mesembryanthemum-purple-splendour--2
Mesembryanthemum Purple Splendour

“Purple Splendour” is a variety of the commonly known, Iceplant, and is an herbaceous perennial grown for its spreading nature and pretty flowers. It...

From$22.01
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Fagus sylvatica Dawyck Purple

Fagus sylvatica Dawyck Purple, commonly known as the Purple Beech tree, is grown for its beautiful colours and slender growth habit. The foliage...

From$270.40
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
Bougainvillea 'Purple Patch' purple-pink flowers and variegated foliage.
Bougainvillea 'Purple Patch'

Bougainvillea ‘Purple Patch’ is a dazzling climbing plant that delivers an abundance of rich purple bracts through the warmer months. Perfect for...

From$30.29
Lavender 'Sensation Purple' purple flowers above fresh, green foliage.
Lavender 'Sensation Purple'

Lavender 'Sensation Purple' is a compact and highly fragrant variety prized for its deep purple flower spikes and tidy growth habit. This popular...

From$25.53
hosta-purple-heart-
Hosta Purple Heart

Hosta Purple Heart features lush foliage and pretty flowers. The foliage comprises lime-green leaves held on dark stems. Violet-purple flowers are...

OUT OF STOCK
Hosta 'Queen Josephine' plant with variegated leaves.
Hosta Queen Josephine

Hosta Queen Josephine is a stunning variety due to its lush foliage and pretty flowers. The foliage comprises large and glossy, dark green leaves...

OUT OF STOCK
Hosta 'St Elmo's Fire' plant with yellow-green foliage.
Hosta St Elmo's Fire

Hosta St Elmo’s Fire features lush foliage and pretty flowers. The foliage comprises large and glossy, upright, lime-yellow leaves with a wide, cream...

OUT OF STOCK
Hosta 'Twilight' plant with lush foliage.
Hosta 'Twilight'

Hosta 'Twilight' is a striking variegated hosta with blue green leaves edged in creamy yellow that bring contrast and brightness to shaded NZ...

OUT OF STOCK
Hosta 'Patriot' plant with variegated leaves.
Hosta 'Patriot'

Hosta 'Patriot' is a standout variegated hosta featuring rich green leaves edged with bold white margins that instantly brighten shaded NZ gardens...

OUT OF STOCK
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Hosta 'Minuteman'

Hosta 'Minuteman' is a bold and elegant hosta featuring deep green leaves edged with crisp white margins that bring strong contrast to shaded NZ...

OUT OF STOCK
Hosta 'Brim Cup' plant with variegated foliage.
Hosta 'Brim Cup'

Hosta 'Brim Cup' is a compact perennial known for its blue green leaves edged with creamy yellow that mature to soft cream. It brings gentle contrast...

OUT OF STOCK
hosta-golden-falls-1
Hosta Golden Falls

The Hosta Golden Falls plant features rounded that are yellow with a lime-green undertone. In summer bell-shaped, lilac flowers appear and are held...

OUT OF STOCK
Hosta 'Pandoras Box' plant with cream and green leaves.
Hosta 'Pandoras Box'

Hosta 'Pandoras Box' is a charming miniature hosta with striking variegated foliage featuring creamy white centres edged with deep green margins...

OUT OF STOCK
Hosta 'Loyalist' plant with cream and green leaves.
Hosta 'Loyalist'

Hosta 'Loyalist' is a striking variegated hosta with bold green margins and a crisp white centre that brings brightness to shaded NZ gardens. This...

OUT OF STOCK
Hosta 'Blazing Saddles' plant with cream and green variegated leaves.
Hosta Blazing Saddles

Hosta Blazing Saddles is a stunning variety grown for its lush foliage and lovely flowers. The foliage comprises dark green leaves with a wide...

OUT OF STOCK
Hosta 'Sagae' plant with green and cream variegated leaves.
Hosta 'Sagae'

Hosta 'Sagae' is a large and impressive hosta with striking blue green leaves edged with golden margins, making it a standout in shaded NZ gardens...

OUT OF STOCK
Hosta 'Fire Island' plant.
Hosta 'Fire Island'

Hosta 'Fire Island' is a striking perennial known for its bright yellow leaves contrasted by red stems. It brings vibrant colour to shaded areas in...

OUT OF STOCK
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Hosta Stained Glass

Hosta Stained Glass features lush foliage and pretty flowers. The foliage comprises large and glossy, bright yellow leaves with a dark green margin...

OUT OF STOCK
Hosta 'Sum and Substance' plant with yellow foliage.
Hosta 'Sum and Substance'

Hosta 'Sum and Substance' is a bold and dramatic hosta prized for its large chartreuse to golden leaves that bring vibrant colour and scale to shaded...

OUT OF STOCK
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Hosta Wide Brim

Hosta Wide Brim is grown for its lush and variegated foliage. The bold and glossy leaves are dark green-blue with a large cream-yellow margin...

OUT OF STOCK
Hosta 'Praying Hands' with dark green foliage.
Hosta 'Praying Hands'

Hosta 'Praying Hands' is a unique and highly sought after variety with narrow upright leaves that fold together, creating a distinctive architectural...

OUT OF STOCK
Hosta 'Kiwi Skyscraper' plant with blue foliage.
Hosta 'Kiwi Skyscraper'

Hosta 'Kiwi Skyscraper' is a bold upright variety that stands out with its tall habit and lush green foliage, adding height and structure to shaded...

OUT OF STOCK
Hosta 'Earth Angel' plant with blue and yellow leaves.
Hosta Earth Angel

Hosta Earth Angel features foliage that is blue-green with a wide, yellow margin. In summer, lavender flowers are borne atop tall stems which are...

OUT OF STOCK
hosta-elegans-5
Hosta Elegans'

Hosta 'Elegans', commonly known as Plantain Lily, is a classic shade perennial prized for its large blue green leaves and bold, textured form. It...

OUT OF STOCK
Hosta 'Dew Drop'

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Acaena, Dodonaea, and Fagus, or related Categories - Flaxes, Groundcover Plants, and Indoor Plants.

Search purple hosta

What Is a Purple Hosta?

The term “purple hosta” typically refers to varieties with purple features on the leaf stems (petioles) or blushes on new foliage, rather than solid purple leaves. One of the most popular varieties is Hosta Purple Heart, named for its vivid purple petioles that stand out against bold green foliage. These plants grow well in shaded or partially shaded spots, where their unique colouring creates dynamic contrast among traditional green hostas.

Why Add a Purple Hosta to Your Garden?

Adding a purple hosta to your garden brings an unexpected pop of colour and elegance to your shade plantings. The purple hues are ideal for complementing darker foliage, silvery groundcover, or variegated plants. Hostas with purple tints or stems are reliable perennials, loved for their ease of care and ability to thrive in New Zealand’s milder regions. They’re also perfect for woodland gardens, borders, container gardening, and even as focal points near pathways or patios.

Top Purple-Featured Hostas to Grow

Growing Tips for Purple Hostas in New Zealand

To keep your purple hosta healthy and vibrant, choose a shaded or partially shaded position with fertile, well-draining soil. Mulch in spring to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Hostas love consistent moisture, so water during dry spells. Watch out for slugs and snails, which are attracted to hostas, particularly in lush, sheltered nooks. Feed established hostas yearly with a balanced, slow-release fertiliser for best foliage colour.

Bring Character To Your Shade Garden

With their unique colouring and reliable habit, purple hostas are an excellent choice for gardeners looking to add texture and interest to shady areas. Whether you fall for the standout stems of Hosta Purple Heart or want to mix and match with Hosta Queen Josephine, Hosta Elegans, Hosta Loyalist, or Hosta St Elmo's Fire, there’s a perfect hosta combination just waiting to brighten your garden.

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.

Illustration of plant leaves.
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