Call us: 0800 843 752Free shipping for orders $150 or over
Gift Vouchers

purple rhododendron nz

Searching for the perfect purple rhododendron in NZ? You’re in excellent company. These striking flowering shrubs are adored by gardeners all over New Zealand for their vivid, jewel-toned blooms, lush evergreen leaves, and reliable performance in our varied climates. Whether you're crafting a tranquil woodland retreat, adding a splash of colour to your shrub borders, or seeking pollinator-friendly garden choices, the purple rhododendron delivers both beauty and ease. Let’s explore the best varieties available and how to help them thrive in your garden.

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: 10.00 m
Flowering time: Summer
Garden uses: Parks, Specimen
Garden styles: Alpine, Japanese
fagus-riversii-7

Fagus sylvatica 'Riversii'

Fagus sylvatica 'Riversii' is a magnificent deciduous tree admired for its rich deep purple foliage that creates a dramatic display from spring until autumn before turning warm bronze tones.

From $270.40

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Trees
Height: 5.00 m
Spread: 10.00 m
Flowering time: Summer
Tolerances: Hardy, Wind
Garden uses: Hedging, Parks, Specimen, Topiary
Garden styles: Alpine, Backyard, Formal, Frontyard, Japanese, Mediterranean
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
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...

From$99.95
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
Beilschmiedia tarairi (Taraire) trees growing in a modern garden.
Beilschmiedia tarairi (Taraire)

Beilschmiedia tarairi, commonly known as the Taraire tree, is a unique, NZ native tree. Its prominent feature is the masses of olive-like, purple...

From$270.40
rhododendron-tropical-glow-
Rhododendron Vireya 'Tropic Glow'

Rhododendron Vireya 'Tropic Glow' is a spectacular tropical rhododendron admired for its vibrant flowers and glossy evergreen foliage. The colourful...

From$28.91
rhododendron-mount-everest-
Rhododendron 'Mt Everest'

Rhododendron 'Mt Everest' is a magnificent evergreen shrub admired for its impressive flowering display and lush dark green foliage. During spring...

From$64.79
Libertia grandiflora plant with elegant white flowers and lush, dark green foliage.
Libertia grandiflora (NZ Iris)

Libertia grandiflora, commonly known as NZ Iris, is a hardy New Zealand native perennial admired for its elegant white flowers and sword like green...

From$16.50
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
rhododendron-anah-kruschke--1
Rhododendron 'Anah Kruschke'

Rhododendron 'Anah Kruschke' is a magnificent evergreen shrub renowned for its large trusses of rich purple flowers and dense dark green foliage...

OUT OF STOCK
rhododendron-purple-splendour-
Rhododendron 'Purple Splendour'

Rhododendron 'Purple Splendour' is a spectacular evergreen shrub renowned for its rich purple flowers and glossy green foliage. During spring, the...

OUT OF STOCK
Rhododendron fastuosum flore pleno shrub with purple flowers.
Rhododendron Fastuosum 'Flore Pleno'

Rhododendron fastuosum 'Flore Pleno' is an exquisite evergreen shrub admired for its dense trusses of double lavender-purple blooms. Flowering in...

OUT OF STOCK
Rhododendron 'Ramapo' purple flowers.
Rhododendron 'Ramapo'

Rhododendron 'Ramapo' is a compact evergreen rhododendron valued for its masses of lavender purple flowers and attractive small foliage. Flowering...

OUT OF STOCK
Purple foliage on a Cotinus coggygria 'Royal Purple' (Smoke Tree).
Cotinus coggygria 'Royal Purple'

Cotinus coggygria 'Royal Purple' is a bold ornamental shrub or small tree admired for its rich, dark purple foliage and airy, smoke-like flower...

OUT OF STOCK
Rhododendron Colonel Coen purple flowers.
Rhododendron 'Colonel Coen'

Rhododendron 'Colonel Coen' is a striking evergreen shrub admired for its impressive flowering display and attractive dark green foliage. During...

OUT OF STOCK
Buddleia 'Royal Purple' purple flower spike.
Buddleia 'Royal Purple'

Buddleia ‘Royal Purple’ is a popular deciduous shrub renowned for its deep purple flower spikes and strong summer fragrance. Flowering over a long...

OUT OF STOCK
mesembryanthemum-purple-splendour--2
Mesembryanthemum 'Purple Splendour'

Mesembryanthemum 'Purple Splendour' is a variety of the commonly known, Iceplant, and is an herbaceous perennial grown for its spreading nature and...

OUT OF STOCK
Hoheria 'Purple Wave' foliage with green leaves and purple undersides.
Hoheria populnea 'Purple Wave'

Hoheria populnea 'Purple Wave', commonly known as Purple Lacebark, is a quick-growing, small, NZ native tree that features colourful foliage. The...

OUT OF STOCK
azalea-blue-danube--1
Azalea 'Blue Danube'

Azalea 'Blue Danube' is a striking evergreen azalea admired for its masses of rich purple blue flowers and lush green foliage. This compact shrub...

OUT OF STOCK
Crassula multicava 'Purple Dragon' plant.
Crassula multicava 'Purple Dragon' (Crassula multicava Purple Dragon)

Crassula multicava 'Purple Dragon' is a succulent that grows as an attractive ground cover. It carries fleshy, green yellow leaves, with a purple...

OUT OF STOCK
lavandula-lavance-deep-purple-
Lavandula 'Lavance Purple' (Lavandula Lavance Purple)

Lavandula 'Lavance Purple' is an English variety that grows as a compact shrub and carries masses of small, dark purple blue flower spikes from...

OUT OF STOCK
callistemon-purple-splendens-
Callistemon 'Purple Splendens'

Callistemon 'Purple Splendens' is a striking evergreen shrub admired for its rich deep purple red bottlebrush flowers that appear from spring into...

OUT OF STOCK
Delosperma 'Earlybird Purple' stunning purple flowers.
Delosperma 'Earlybird Purple'

Delosperma 'Earlybird Purple' is a vibrant, low growing succulent valued for its purple daisy like flowers and drought tolerant habit. The bright...

OUT OF STOCK
Hoheria 'Purple Lace' trees for sale at The Plant Company nursery.
Hoheria sextylosa 'Purple Lace' (Purple Lacebark)

Hoheria sextylosa 'Purple Lace' features young leaves that emerge purple and become dark green with age. The foliage is held densely on slender...

OUT OF STOCK
callistemon-purple-splendour-
Callistemon 'Purple Splendour' (Purple Bottlebrush)

Callistemon 'Purple Splendour' is a striking evergreen shrub admired for its rich purple red bottlebrush flowers that appear from spring into summer...

OUT OF STOCK
Loropetalum 'Purple Pixie' rich purple foliage.
Loropetalum 'Purple Pixie'

Loropetalum 'Purple Pixie' produces rich purple foliage, which is held densely off near prostrate stems. It typically grows to 40 cm tall and 1.2 m...

OUT OF STOCK
boronia-purple-jared-4
Boronia Purple Jared

Boronia 'Purple Jared' is a beautiful evergreen shrub admired for its masses of richly coloured purple flowers and fine aromatic foliage. The highly...

OUT OF STOCK
Bougainvillea 'Pretty Purple' flowers.
Bougainvillea 'Pretty Purple'

Bougainvillea ‘Pretty Purple’ is a dazzling climber that produces masses of vibrant purple bracts over many months, bringing tropical colour and...

OUT OF STOCK
Aubrieta 'Purple Cascade' plant covered in purple flowers.
Aubrieta 'Purple Cascade' (Purple Rock Cress)

Aubrieta 'Purple Cascade' is a beautiful low growing perennial that produces masses of vivid purple flowers in early spring. The colourful blooms...

OUT OF STOCK
Mangave 'Purple People Eater' plant with purple leaves.
Mangave 'Purple People Eater'

Mangave 'Purple People Eater' is a dramatic succulent with broad architectural leaves and rich purple colouring that intensifies in bright light. It...

OUT OF STOCK
hebe-pretty-in-pink-1
Hebe 'Pretty In Pink'

Hebe 'Pretty In Pink' is an attractive evergreen shrub prized for its colourful foliage, compact habit, and year round garden appeal. The small...

OUT OF STOCK
Acer platanoides Nigrum

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Acer, Beilschmiedia, and Dodonaea, or related Categories - Flaxes, Indoor Plants, and Evergreen Shrubs.

Search purple rhododendron nz

Best Purple Rhododendron Varieties for New Zealand

Choosing the right purple rhododendron for your New Zealand garden depends on flower form, shrub size, and desired effect. The ever-popular Rhododendron Purple Splendour is a standout, celebrated for its deep purple, velvet-textured flowers and compact habit—perfect for both small gardens and larger landscapes.

For those who prefer a classic rhododendron look, Rhododendron ponticum is an excellent choice, offering masses of lilac-purple blooms every spring and a robust, undemanding nature. If you like ruffled double flowers, consider Rhododendron Fastuosum 'Flore Pleno', which features opulent deep mauve blossoms with a touch of magenta. For a more compact purple flush, Rhododendron Colonel Coen brings an elegant presence and is a fine fit for container gardens or smaller borders.

How to Grow Purple Rhododendrons in NZ

Purple rhododendrons are surprisingly easy to please. They thrive best in dappled shade, with rich, acidic soil and consistent moisture. If your soil is heavy, working in peat or organic matter is key to boosting drainage and root health. These shrubs pair beautifully with woodland companions and perennials like Polemonium Bressingham Purple, whose smoky purple foliage echoes the romantic rhododendron tones.

Mulching is essential for rhododendrons in New Zealand’s warmer regions, as it keeps roots cool and conserves moisture. Water deeply during dry periods, and feed with a slow-release acid-loving plant fertiliser in late winter before new growth appears.

Design Ideas With Purple Rhododendrons

For year-round impact, set your purple rhododendron against a backdrop of bright green foliage or feathery ferns. They make a stunning centrepiece in a dappled shade border and combine well with other flowering shrubs and perennials for a textured, layered effect.

For seasonal harmony, pair Rhododendron Purple Splendour or Rhododendron Fastuosum 'Flore Pleno' with spring-flowering bulbs or underplant with Polemonium Bressingham Purple to create a tapestry of purple hues.

Find Your Ideal Purple Rhododendron in NZ

Ready to enhance your garden with a purple rhododendron nz? Browse our expertly curated selection, including favourites like Rhododendron Purple Splendour, Rhododendron ponticum, Rhododendron Colonel Coen, and Rhododendron Fastuosum 'Flore Pleno'. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, discover how easy it is to bring the rich beauty of purple rhododendrons into your New Zealand 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.
We all know Lomandra 'Tanika' and Lomandra Frosty Tops, but the real surprises come from plants like Coprosma kirkii 'variegata', Camellia 'Black Lace', and Hoheria angustifolia.
–The Plant Company

Explore Garden Inspiration

Sign up to receive a free $10 Voucher You won’t be bombarded with emails, just titbits of quality information from time to time Sign up
Free shipping on orders over $150!

Join our community of happy customers.

4.8

466 Google reviews