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

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

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 growth habit. This evergreen perennial forms dense mats that provide year round colour and weed suppression. It is perfect for adding texture and contrast to pathways, borders, and eco-friendly landscapes.

Buy Acaena purpurea (Piripiri)

From $24.23

Suited to regions: All regions

Plant type: Groundcover Plants

Height: 10 cm

Spread: 1.00 m

Tolerances: Hardy

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

Garden styles: Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Modern, Native

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:

Serve as a focal point in borders and gardens
Provide colour through summer and autumn seasons
Complement silver, gold, or green foliage
Enhance garden design with texture and movement

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:

Acaena purpurea (Piripiri): This NZ native ground cover displays soft reddish-purple hues and interesting texture, making it ideal beneath purple grasses or in mixed beds.
Dodonaea viscosa purpurea (Purple Hop Bush): With glossy, vibrant foliage, this shrub brings rich purple tones that complement ornamental grass selections.
Calamagrostis 'Overdam': While predominantly variegated, its foliage offers a cool, creamy backdrop to show off purple hues nearby.

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.