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

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.

A fantastic Titoki tree (Alectryon excelsus) growing as a speciment tree in an urban park.

Alectryon excelsus

Alectryon excelsus, commonly known as the Titoki tree, is a handsome New Zealand native tree valued for its lush, glossy foliage and tidy, rounded form. Growing 6–10 metres tall, it makes an excellent shade or specimen tree in both urban and rural settings. Titoki is wind-tolerant, frost-hardy in most areas, and well-suited to coastal conditions.

From $14.95

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Trees
Height: 8.00 m
Spread: 3.00 m
Flowering time: Summer
Tolerances: Shade, Wind
Garden uses: Hedging, Parks, Ponds, Screening, Specimen
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Formal, Frontyard, Modern, Native
A cluster of Quercus rubra specimen trees with red foliage.

Quercus rubra

5 from 1 customers

Quercus rubra, commonly known as the Northern Red Oak tree, is a deciduous tree that features very colourful and lush foliage. The foliage emerges light green in spring, ages to dark green, then changes to impressive shades of red-brown in autumn before falling. Small, yellow-green flowers in spring produce brown acorns in autumn.

From $279.95

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Trees
Height: 22.50 m
Spread: 16.50 m
Flowering time: Spring
Tolerances: Hardy
Garden uses: Parks, Ponds, Specimen
Garden styles: Alpine, Japanese
Ribes 'Gloria de Versailles' (red currant) fruit hanging on a shrub.
Ribes 'Gloria de Versailles'

Ribes 'Gloria de Versailles' (Red Currant) is a productive fruiting shrub that suits NZ gardens beautifully. It produces generous clusters of bright...

From$34.43
Nandina Obsession growing in a garden with red foliage.
Nandina 'Obsession'

Nandina 'Obsession' is a compact, evergreen shrub grown for its colourful foliage. New growth from spring through autumn is bright red and...

From$25.95
Knightia excelsa (Rewarewa) specimen tree in a park.
Knightia excelsa

Knightia excelsa, commonly known as Rewarewa, is an impressive NZ native tree featuring showy flowers and lush foliage. Unusual yet attractive, dark...

From$270.40
Callistemon citrinus (Red Bottlebrush) shrub covered in elegant, red flowers.
Callistemon citrinus (Lemon Scented Bottlebrush)

Callistemon citrinus (Crimson Bottlebrush) is a classic Australian shrub widely loved in New Zealand for its brilliant crimson red flower spikes and...

From$27.53
Cornus 'Southern Cross' white flowers with lush, green foliage.
Cornus kousa 'Southern Cross'

Cornus kousa 'Southern Cross' features large and showy, white flowers which adorn the tree in spring and are followed by red berries in autumn. It...

From$349.95
A dense Escallonia 'Red Dream' shrub with lush green foliage.
Escallonia 'Red Dream'

Escallonia 'Red Dream' is a compact evergreen shrub admired for its masses of rich red flowers and dense glossy foliage. This attractive variety...

From$16.95
Callistemon 'Red Alert' shrub in a garden.
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...

From$27.53
Leptospermum 'Red Falls' plant with red flowers and dark green-purple coloured leaves.
Leptospermum 'Red Falls'

Leptospermum 'Red Falls' is a striking evergreen shrub admired for its cascading growth habit and masses of vibrant red flowers through spring and...

From$27.53
Phormium 'Rainbow Red' red and purple striped foliage.
Phormium 'Rainbow Red'

Phormium 'Rainbow Red' is a vibrant New Zealand native flax admired for its bold, arching leaves in shades of bronze, red, and pink. This striking...

From$249.95
Callistemon 'Rocky Rambler' ground cover plant with creeping stems with green foliage and red flowers.
Callistemon 'Rocky Rambler' (Red Bottlebrush)

Callistemon 'Rocky Rambler' is a compact, spreading bottlebrush known for its vibrant red flower spikes and fine evergreen foliage. This variety...

From$27.53
Cornus 'Cherokee Chief' specimen tree with masses of pink flowers in late winter.
Cornus 'Cherokee Chief'

Cornus 'Cherokee Chief' is a small, deciduous tree grown for its impressive flowering and attractive form. Masses of rose-red flowers are borne in...

From$279.95
leptospermum-red-damask--1
Leptospermum 'Red Damask'

Leptospermum 'Red Damask' is a striking evergreen shrub admired for its masses of rich red flowers and fine dense foliage. Flowering through spring...

From$27.53
Azalea 'Red Wings' stunning red flowers amidst dark green foliage.
Azalea 'Red Wings'

Azalea 'Red Wings' is a striking evergreen azalea admired for its vivid red flowers that appear in abundance during spring. The vibrant blooms sit...

From$26.95
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
Buddleia 'Royal Red' dark pink flowers and grey-green foliage.
Buddleia 'Royal Red'

Buddleia 'Royal Red' is a bold deciduous shrub celebrated for its rich red crimson flower spikes and sweet summer fragrance. Flowering over an...

From$27.53
Callistemon citrinus 'Red Cluster' small tree with masses of red, pendulous flowers.
Callistemon 'Red Cluster' (Red Bottlebrush)

Callistemon 'Red Cluster' is a striking bottlebrush variety valued for its clusters of vivid red flower spikes and dense evergreen foliage. Flowering...

From$37.19
A Loropetalum 'Red Temple' plant with dark purple-red foliage and elegant, pink flowers.
Loropetalum 'Red Temple'

Loropetalum 'Red Temple' produces mildly fragrant, pink-red flowers through winter, which are both unusual and appealing. The foliage on this bushy...

From$28.91
Pseudowintera 'Red Glow' rose-coloured foliage.
Pseudowintera 'Red Glow'

Pseudowintera 'Red Glow' is a bright and vibrant NZ native shrub. New foliage emerges rose-pink and ages to become a fresh green colour. The leaf...

From$27.53
Acer palmatum 'Red Emperor' specimen tree in a mixed planting.
Acer 'Red Emperor'

Acer 'Red Emperor' is a striking Japanese maple valued for its rich deep red foliage and strong upright form. This deciduous tree performs...

From$349.95
Escallonia 'Red Knight' growing as a border around the base of a tree.
Escallonia 'Red Knight'

Escallonia 'Red Knight' is a vibrant evergreen shrub prized for its masses of rich red flowers and dense glossy foliage. This hardy variety produces...

From$16.95
acer-red-sunset-2
Acer 'Red Sunset'

Acer 'Red Sunset' is one of the finest deciduous maples for autumn colour, producing a spectacular display of brilliant scarlet and crimson foliage...

From$399.95
Photinia 'Red Robin' hedge with colourful foliage.
Photinia 'Red Robin'

Photinia 'Red Robin' is a popular evergreen shrub renowned for its vibrant red new growth, which contrasts beautifully with the mature glossy green...

From$18.95
Grapefruit 'Cutler's Red' orange fruit.
Grapefruit 'Cutlers Red'

Grapefruit 'Cutlers Red' produces good yields of large, deep orange, juicy fruit from winter through spring. The rind is thick but easily peeled. It...

From$369.95
grevillea-red-clusters-4
Grevillea 'Red Clusters'

Grevillea 'Red Clusters' is a vibrant evergreen shrub that produces masses of rich red flower clusters throughout the year. Its fine foliage and...

From$24.95
Lagerstroemia 'Crimson Red' showy red flowers.
Lagerstroemia 'Crimson Red'

Lagerstroemia 'Crimson Red' is a striking crepe myrtle renowned for its deep crimson summer flowers and attractive upright tree form. Flowering...

From$30.29
Alnus rubra (Red Alder) specimen tree.
Alnus rubra

Alnus rubra (Red Alder) is a strong growing deciduous tree valued for its upright form and ability to thrive in a wide range of New Zealand...

From$259.75
Dacrydium cupressinum (Rimu) tree juvenile foliage.
Dacrydium cupressinum (Rimu Tree)

Dacrydium cupressinum, commonly known as Rimu or Red Pine, is an iconic and slow-growing tree. The juvenile form features drooping branches densely...

From$99.29
Salvia 'Riverton Red' plant with elegant red flowers and lush, green leaves.
Salvia 'Riverton Red'

Salvia 'Riverton Red' is a striking perennial prized for its vivid red flower spikes that bloom reliably from spring through autumn. This hardy, sun...

From$27.53
camellia-japonica-black-tie-
Camellia 'Black Tie'

Camellia 'Black Tie' is a sophisticated evergreen shrub admired for its large formal deep red blooms and glossy dark green foliage. Flowering from...

From$28.95
acer-rubrum-1
Acer rubrum

Acer rubrum (Red Maple) is a magnificent deciduous tree renowned for its outstanding autumn colour and graceful growth habit. The fresh green foliage...

From$349.95
Alectryon excelsus

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Alectryon, Callistemon, and Cornus, or related Categories - Currants, Evergreen Shrubs, and Deciduous Trees.

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 Corokia 'Bronze King' and Stromanthe 'Triostar', but Dianella 'Blaze', Melia azedarach (Bead Tree), and Ophiopogon 'Kyoto' deserve a standing ovation too.
–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