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red akeake

Red akeake is one of New Zealand’s most striking native shrubs, admired for its stunning bronze, burgundy, and deep red foliage. This eye-catching plant, also known as Dodonaea viscosa ‘Purpurea’, brings vivid color and texture to gardens year-round. Whether as a statement specimen, an attractive hedge, or a windbreak, red akeake is a versatile and hardy choice for home and commercial landscapes. Discover the advantages of growing red akeake, how to care for it, and creative ways to incorporate this native beauty into your outdoor space.

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Leptospermum 'Red Falls'

5 from 2 customers

Leptospermum 'Red Falls' is a striking evergreen shrub admired for its cascading growth habit and masses of vibrant red flowers through spring and summer. This attractive manuka variety adds bold colour, texture, and movement to NZ gardens while providing year round evergreen structure. Its spreading form makes it ideal for banks, retaining walls, containers, and mixed shrub plantings where a softer natural appearance is desired. Leptospermum 'Red Falls' is hardy, low maintenance, and highly effective for adding native character and dramatic seasonal colour to outdoor spaces.

From $26.93

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Shrubs
Height: 1.00 m
Spread: 1.50 m
Flowering time: Spring, Summer
Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy, Wind
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Hedging, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Ponds, Pool areas
Garden styles: Alpine, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Formal, Frontyard, Japanese, Mediterranean, Modern, Native, Rock
callistemon-red-alert-4

Callistemon 'Red Alert'

Callistemon 'Red Alert' is a compact evergreen shrub admired for its brilliant red bottlebrush flowers that appear from spring into summer. The vivid blooms create a bold splash of colour against fine green foliage and attract birds to the garden. Well suited to New Zealand conditions, this hardy and reliable variety adds strong visual impact, making it ideal for borders, low hedging, and sunny feature plantings.

From $26.93

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Shrubs
Height: 2.00 m
Spread: 2.00 m
Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy, Wind
Garden uses: Hedging, Living areas, Pool areas
Garden styles: Alpine, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Formal, Frontyard, Japanese, Mediterranean, Modern
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Leptospermum 'Red Falls'

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You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Acer, Azalea, Buddleia, Callistemon, Carex, Clivia, Coprosma, Dodonaea, Escallonia, Grapefruit, Grevillea, Hebe, Hydrangea, Hypoestes, Imperata, Lagerstroemia, Leptospermum, Leucothoe, Loropetalum, Magnolia, Pelargonium, Phormium, Photinia, Pseudowintera Rhododendron and Salvia, or related Categories - Grapefruit Trees, Flaxes, Grasses, Indoor Plants, Perennials, Deciduous Shrubs, Evergreen Azaleas, Evergreen Shrubs, Vireya Rhododendon, Deciduous Trees Magnolia Trees and Maple Tree.

Search red akeake

What Makes Red Akeake Special?

Red akeake stands out for its narrow, wavy-edged leaves that emerge bright green and mature to rich shades of red, bronze, and purple. This color intensifies in winter, offering a dramatic pop even when many other plants are dormant. As a fast-growing evergreen, red akeake is wind, drought, and coastal tolerant, making it suitable for exposed New Zealand gardens. It thrives in a range of soils and copes well with regular trimming, making it ideal for topiary and formal hedging.

How to Grow and Care for Red Akeake

Red akeake prefers full sun to part shade, where its foliage develops the richest hue. Plant in well-drained soil and water regularly while young to establish strong roots. Once established, red akeake is exceptionally low maintenance. Prune lightly in late summer or autumn to shape the plant or encourage bushiness. It will tolerate dry spells and salt-laden air, perfect for coastal gardens. Adding mulch around the base will preserve moisture and suppress weeds, helping your red akeake thrive.

Landscaping With Red Akeake

This native shrub is wonderfully adaptable. Use red akeake to create a formal hedge, as a shelterbelt, or as a bold specimen to anchor a garden bed. Its unique coloring pairs well with silvers, greens, and golds, so consider planting alongside natives or contrasting shrubs for a dynamic look. If you love colorful foliage, you may also enjoy Peperomia clusiifolia, a vibrant indoor plant, or leafy garden companions like Leucothoe axillaris Curly Red.

Companion Planting for Year-Round Interest

To create a garden brimming with color, texture, and birdlife, red akeake combines beautifully with both native and exotic species. For extra bursts of red, consider planting with Callistemon 'Red Alert' and Callistemon 'Rocky Rambler' (Red Bottlebrush), which add stunning red flowers and attract nectar-feeding birds. For continual blooms, underplant with Potentilla Double Red (Red Potentilla), creating a lively and layered landscape.

Why Choose Red Akeake for Your Garden?

Bringing structure, color, and resilience, red akeake is a true asset to New Zealand gardens. Its year-round foliage, adaptability, and minimal care need make it a favorite for both novice and experienced gardeners. Add red akeake to your planting palette and enjoy a beautiful, low-maintenance feature that enhances your landscape every season.

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.
The spotlight often lands on Parthenocissus tricuspidata Veitchii and Ficus benjamina variegata, but Rosa banksiae 'Lutea' (Banksia Rose), Olive Manzanillo, and Nashi Reddy Robin deserve a standing ovation too.
–The Plant Company

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