Dodonaea viscosa

How to grow a Dodonaea viscosa hedge

The Dodonaea viscosa hedge spacing is generally 50 cm between the plants. If you want the hedge to fill in faster, you can shorten the spacing to 40 cm. However, going wider than 50 cm will have two effects. The first is that the gap between the plants at the base will be harder to fill in and this can cause frustration. The second is that the plants will tend to grow wider rather than upward. At a closer spacing the plants compete for light, and in doing so, they push each other upwards. Therefore, The Plant Company recommends a 40-50 cm spacing to achieve an amazing hedge. Start trimming the sides of hedge early if you want a ticker and denser hedge.

What are landscaping uses for Dodonaea viscosa green?

The Dodonaea viscosa green variety 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 great aesthetics of this Akeake makes it a popular landscaping option.

What is the Dodonaea viscosa growth rate?

Dodonaea viscosa, commonly known as hop bush, has a moderate to fast growth rate, depending on environmental conditions. Under ideal circumstances, such as with full sun, well-drained soil, and regular watering, it can grow 30 to 60 cm per year. Growth tends to be faster in warmer climates and with occasional pruning to encourage bushier, more compact form. While it’s relatively low-maintenance, providing consistent care will help Dodonaea viscosa reach its full potential, typically maturing at about 2-3 metre tall, though it can grow even taller in optimal conditions.

Dodonaea viscosa for sale

The Plant Company has the best Dodonaea viscosa plants for sale in NZ. Our production nursery specialises in growing amazing plants and our logistics team pack them carefully for our customers. The pricing is competitive and the quality is exceptional. Let us look after your Ake Ake needs and impress you with both our products and service!

Dodonaea viscosa toxicity

Dodonaea viscosa is generally considered non-toxic to humans and animals, making it a safe choice for gardens where children or pets may be present. There are no widely reported cases of poisoning or adverse effects from contact or ingestion, and it is not listed as toxic by major plant toxicity databases. However, as with many ornamental plants, it's still best to discourage pets or children from chewing on the leaves or other parts of the plant, as individual sensitivities can vary and consuming large quantities of any plant material can potentially cause mild gastrointestinal upset. Overall, Dodonaea viscosa is regarded as a low-risk, non-toxic plant for landscaping use.

What are the common names for Dodonaea viscosa?

Dodonaea viscosa is known by several common names, reflecting its widespread use and distribution in various regions. The most common names include hop bush (or hopbush), sticky hop bush, and varnish tree. In Australia, it's often referred to as broadleaf hop bush, while in Hawaii, it's known as ‘a‘ali‘i. The name "hop bush" comes from the resemblance of its seed capsules to hops used in brewing. These common names can vary slightly depending on the local language and regional usage, but they all refer to the same hardy, adaptable shrub.