Name: The Plant Company
Address: 284 Meeanee Road, Meeanee, Napier, 4112, New Zealand
Telephone: 0800 843 752
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purple leaf viburnum

Purple leaf viburnum is a striking and uncommon addition to New Zealand gardens, prized for its uniquely coloured foliage, showy flowers, and versatile landscaping uses. Whether you’re looking to create a bold focal point, add contrast to your shrub borders, or attract wildlife, this viburnum variety offers year-round interest and outstanding garden performance. If you’re searching for a plant that combines elegant form with hardiness and easy care, purple leaf viburnum is an exceptional choice.

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 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

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

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 bronze shades. This striking ornamental variety brings drama, colour, and structure to gardens year round.

Buy Phormium 'Dark Delight'

From $17.95

Suited to regions: All regions

Plant type: Flaxes

Height: 1.20 m

Spread: 1.20 m

Flowering time: Summer

Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy, Wet, Wind

Garden uses: Living areas, Parks, Ponds, Pool areas, Specimen

Garden styles: Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Japanese, Mediterranean, Modern, Native, Riparian

What Is Purple Leaf Viburnum?

Purple leaf viburnum is renowned for its deeply coloured leaves, which emerge in rich shades of purple or burgundy in spring and retain their vibrant hues through the growing season. As the year progresses, the foliage may deepen or take on fiery tones before dropping in autumn, creating dynamic visual interest. In spring, clusters of creamy white to pinkish flowers appear, attracting bees and other pollinators. These blooms are often followed by bright red or black berries in late summer, serving as a valuable food source for native birds.

Garden Uses and Design Ideas

Thanks to its colourful foliage, purple leaf viburnum is ideal for adding contrast to mixed shrub borders or as a backdrop for lighter-flowering perennials. It also works beautifully in cottage garden schemes or as a specimen plant where its foliage will make a real impact. Since it typically forms a dense, upright shrub, it can be used for screening or as an informal hedge. For layered planting combinations, consider pairing purple leaf viburnum with other notable Viburnum species, such as Viburnum plicatum Mariesii (Doublefile Viburnum) with its elegant horizontal branches, or Viburnum setigerum for striking berries in autumn.

Care and Growing Conditions

Purple leaf viburnum is well suited to a range of New Zealand garden environments. It prefers fertile, well-drained soil and will thrive in full sun to part shade. In open, sunny positions, the purple hues are most pronounced. Shelter from strong winds helps maintain the plant’s best shape and leaf colour. Mulching and regular watering during dry spells encourage lush growth, while annual pruning after flowering can help maintain the desired size and shape. This viburnum is generally hardy, tolerates light frost, and is seldom troubled by pests or diseases.

Related Viburnums to Explore

If you’re captivated by the charm of purple leaf viburnum, you may also enjoy exploring other attractive viburnum varieties for your landscape. Viburnum plicatum Tomentosum (Doublefile Viburnum) offers delicate tiered white flowers and lush foliage, while Viburnum plicatum Roseum is celebrated for its dramatic snowball blooms in spring. For a splash of colour and unique form, Viburnum Anvi is another excellent addition to the garden.

Add Purple Leaf Viburnum to Your Garden

A well-chosen purple leaf viburnum transforms ordinary garden spaces into spectacular displays of colour and texture. Whether incorporated into a mixed border or used as a feature shrub, its vibrant foliage, spring flowers, and autumn berries guarantee year-round interest. For more inspiration or to view our full range of viburnums, browse options like Viburnum plicatum Mariesii (Doublefile Viburnum) and experience the lasting beauty these stunning shrubs can bring to your landscape.

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.

purple leaf viburnum

Dodonaea viscosa purpurea (Purple Hop Bush)

Phormium 'Dark Delight'

Did you find what you are looking for?

What Is Purple Leaf Viburnum?

Garden Uses and Design Ideas

Care and Growing Conditions

Related Viburnums to Explore

Add Purple Leaf Viburnum to Your Garden

Contact us

Explore Garden Inspiration

purple leaf viburnum

Dodonaea viscosa purpurea (Purple Hop Bush)

Phormium 'Dark Delight'

Did you find what you are looking for?

What Is Purple Leaf Viburnum?

Garden Uses and Design Ideas

Care and Growing Conditions

Related Viburnums to Explore

Add Purple Leaf Viburnum to Your Garden

Contact us

Explore Garden Inspiration

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