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purple ornamental grass

Looking for purple ornamental grass to add a splash of colour and drama to your garden? Purple ornamental grasses are the perfect choice for New Zealand gardeners seeking vivid foliage, architectural form, and year-round interest. With their striking hues ranging from deep plum to subtle lavender, these grasses can transform any landscape – from modern urban gardens to cottage-style borders. Whether you want to create a bold feature, a soft edging, or a low-maintenance textural accent, purple ornamental grass delivers beauty and versatility with minimal fuss.

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

Dodonaea viscosa purpurea (Purple Hop Bush)

5 from 1 customers

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.

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
acer-nigrum-

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 coloured leaves emerge dark and maintain their dramatic appearance through the growing season before developing warm autumn tones.

From $299.95

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Trees
Height: 15.00 m
Spread: 8.00 m
Flowering time: Summer
Garden uses: Parks, Specimen
Garden styles: Alpine, Japanese
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...

From$192.51
Acer palmatum dissectum 'Stella Rossa' tree with fine, dark purple foliage.
Acer 'Stella Rossa'

Acer 'Stella Rossa' is a striking Japanese Maple valued for its finely dissected deep red foliage and elegant cascading growth habit. The rich...

From$399.95
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
fraxinus-purple-spire-2
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
prunus-thundercloud-4
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
Chrysopogon zizanioides grass plants growing alongside a stream.
Chrysopogon zizanioides

Chrysopogon zizanioides (Vetiver Grass) is a hardy, evergreen clump forming grass renowned for its deep root system, attractive upright foliage, and...

From$20.63
Austroderia fulvida (Toetoe) plants in a garden with cascading green foliage and white flower plumes.
Austroderia fulvida (Toetoe)

Austroderia fulvida, commonly known as Toetoe or Toi Toi, is a large and vigorous NZ native grass. It bears long, narrow, mid-green leaves that are...

From$13.73
Carex 'Frosted Curls' plants with elegant green foliage growing in a pot with other plants.
Carex Frosted Curls

Carex Frosted Curls is an ornamental grass with slender, hair-like, iridescent foliage that shimmers in light breezes. It typically grows to 30 cm...

From$11.50
Dactylis glomerata plant with a cat.
Dactylis glomerata (Cat Grass)

Dactylis glomerata, commonly known as Cat Grass or Catnip Grass, is a popular grass that is loved by cats. It features flowing, green foliage held as...

From$22.01
Sisyrinchium californicum plants with yellow flowers and fine, green foliage.
Sisyrinchium californicum

Sisyrinchium californicum, commonly known as the Golden Eyed Grass, is an herbaceous perennial grown for both its foliage and flowers. It bears...

From$17.25
Lomandra Tankia with lush green foliage bordering a path.
Lomandra 'Tanika'

Lomandra Tanika is a hardy, Australian Native grass that is commonly known as Mat Rush. This grass features fine, deep-green foliage and a graceful...

From$24.77
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
Lavender 'Major' plants with purple flowers above olive-green foliage.
Lavender 'Major'

Lavender 'Major' is an impressive lavender variety known for its tall flower spikes and rich purple blooms held above aromatic grey green foliage...

From$18.95
Lomandra longifolia plant beside a path with lush, green foliage.
Lomandra longifolia (Basket Grass)

Lomandra longifolia (Basket Grass) is a resilient, evergreen ornamental grass native to Australia. Growing to approximately 60 cm in height and 65 cm...

From$19.25
heuchera-glitter-
Heuchera 'Glitter'

Heuchera 'Glitter' is a stunning perennial admired for its shimmering silver foliage highlighted with dark veining and rich purple undersides. The...

From$22.01
Lomandra 'Katrinus Deluxe' plant with lush, dark green foliage.
Lomandra Katrinus Deluxe

Lomandra Katrinus Deluxe is an evergreen, ornamental grass known for its mid-green, arching foliage and tidy clumping habit. Growing to approximately...

From$17.87
Lomandra 'Echidna' grass growing as a mass planting beside a path.
Lomandra Echidna

The Lomandra Echidna grass is a tough and reliable plant with outstanding aesthetics. It features lush, mid-green foliage held upright with a gentle...

From$17.87
Acorus gramineus variegata plants growing in pots with green and cream foliage.
Acorus gramineus variegatus

Acorus gramineus variegatus, commonly known as Variegated Sweet Flag, is an attractive ornamental grass-like plant prized for its elegant green and...

From$12.95
isolepsis-cernua-1
Isolepis cernua (Scirpus cernua)

Isolepis cernua (Fiber Optic Grass) is a distinctive ornamental grass prized for its fine green stems tipped with tiny white flowers that resemble...

From$16.49
Ophiopogon planiscapus (Mondo Grass) with lush green foliage growing as a ground cover.
Ophiopogon planiscapus

Ophiopogon planiscapus, commonly known as Dwarf Lilyturf, is a Mondo grass grown for its fine, dark green foliage and short stature. The foliage is...

From$6.95
Libertia paniculata plant with white flowers.
Libertia paniculata (Grass Flag)

Libertia paniculata is an elegant evergreen perennial admired for its fine, upright foliage and delicate white flowers that appear in airy clusters...

From$16.50
Carex solandri grass in a NZ native planting.
Carex solandri

Carex solandri is a NZ native, ornamental grass that features attractive, dark green foliage. The foliage emerges upright and develops a gentle and...

From$11.50
Ophiopogon japonicus nana (dwarf Mondo grass) growing between paving stones.
Ophiopogon japonicus Nana

Ophiopogon japonicus 'Nana' is a dwarf or mini Mondo Grass grown for its delicate, dark green foliage. Flower spikes are borne in summer and bear...

From$9.95
Lomandra Frosty Tops with lush blue foliage in a garden.
Lomandra Frosty Tops

Lomandra Frosty Tops is a hardy, evergreen grass featuring elegant, blue-grey foliage and a soft, weeping form. Growing to around 50 cm tall and...

From$19.25
Lomandra Lime Tuff in a garden showing elegant foliage.
Lomandra Lime Tuff

Lomandra 'Lime Tuff' is a hardy evergreen ornamental grass valued for its vibrant lime green foliage and compact tidy growth habit. This versatile...

From$17.87
Lomandra Nyalla grass with blue-green foliage in a border planting.
Lomandra Nyalla

Lomandra Nyalla is a hardy ornamental grass featuring delicate, lush green foliage and a graceful, arching form. Reaching approximately 80 cm in...

From$19.25
Ripe Passion Fruit with yellow pulp and a purple skin.
Passiflora edulis

Passiflora edulis, commonly known as Passion Fruit, is a vigorous climbing vine admired for its exotic flowers and delicious fruit. In NZ gardens, it...

From$21.95
Carex flagellifera Red plants.
Carex flagellifera Red

Carex flagellifera Red is a NZ native, ornamental grass grown for its colourful and attractive foliage. It produces slender and lush, copper-red...

From$11.50
Ophiopogon japonicus Silver Mist grass in a garden.
Ophiopogon 'Silver Mist' (Silver Mondo Grass)

Ophiopogon 'Silver Mist' is a dwarf silver Mondo Grass, and features fine, grass-like foliage that is variegated dark green and white. It typically...

From$6.95
Lomandra Green Allure plant with lush, green foliage.
Lomandra Green Allure

Lomandra Green Allure is widely used in landscaping projects across NZ. It is commonly mass planted as a ground cover or on a bank, included in...

From$19.25
Dodonaea viscosa purpurea (Purple Hop Bush)

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Acer, Austroderia, and Carex, or related Categories - Grasses, Evergreen Shrubs, and Deciduous Trees.

Search purple ornamental grass

Why Choose Purple Ornamental Grass?

Purple ornamental grass stands out for its alluring colour and adaptability. Unlike traditional green grasses, purple varieties introduce extraordinary contrast that enhances surrounding plants and hardscapes. These grasses are also known for their resilience – most thrive in a range of conditions, from full sun to partial shade, and tolerate dry spells once established.

With its unique colouring, purple ornamental grass can:

Top Purple Ornamental Grasses for New Zealand Gardens

Several beautiful species suit local conditions. One standout is the Liriope 'Royal Purple', an evergreen ground cover with lush, purple-tinted leaves and vibrant violet flower spikes. Its low-growing form is perfect for edging paths or planting beneath trees, making it a favourite for both shade and sun gardens.

Another option to consider is the Miscanthus Gracillimus, renowned for its elegant, arching foliage and striking plumes. While not fully purple, Miscanthus brings a subtle reddish-purple tint as the seasons change, adding depth and beauty to mixed plantings.

Complementary Plants to Enhance Purple Grasses

Purple ornamental grass pairs well with a variety of plants. For vivid contrasts and layered colour, try integrating these:

Tips for Growing Purple Ornamental Grass

Most purple ornamental grasses are easy-care once established. They prefer well-drained soil and regular watering until settled. Mulching helps retain moisture and suppress weeds. Fertilise lightly in spring to encourage healthy growth and vivid colour. Prune back older foliage as needed to keep the plant neat and vibrant.

Transform Your Garden with Purple Ornamental Grass

Add instant impact with purple ornamental grass. Its unique colour, texture, and adaptability make it an exceptional choice for New Zealand gardens, from contemporary to classic landscapes. Browse our selection, including Liriope 'Royal Purple', and discover how easy it is to create stunning, low-maintenance borders, paths, or container displays. With the right plants, your garden will enjoy a fresh burst of colour and lasting appeal.

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.
From trusted favourites like Austrocylindropuntia vestita (Furry Cactus) and Ficus benjamina variegata to fresh faces like Acer palmatum 'Shaina', Saxifraga 'Starblush', and Hemerocallis 'Apricot Dream' — we’ve got you covered.
–The Plant Company

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