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

Pseudopanax lessonii 'Purpurea'

Pseudopanax lessonii 'Purpurea' is a striking New Zealand native shrub known for its glossy, deep purple foliage and bold, tropical appearance. Growing 2-3 metres tall, it adds colour and structure to coastal and lowland gardens. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil and is tolerant of wind, salt spray, and dry conditions once established. Ideal for hedging, mixed native plantings, or feature use, this low-maintenance shrub brings year-round interest.

Pseudopanax lessonii purpurea shrub in a garden with purple and green foliage.
The brilliant purple foliage of Pseudpanax lessonii purpurea.
Lush Pseudopanax lessonii purpurea shrub in a garden with purple and green foliage.
The average plant height is 40 cm
$25.94
The average plant height is 140 cm
$331.15

Buy more Pseudopanax lessonii purpurea plants and save - Free Shipping over $150.

Suited to regions:All regions
Plant type:Shrubs
Height:3.00 m
Spread:2.00 m
Flowering time:
Tolerances:Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy
Garden uses:Hedging, Living areas, Ponds, Pool areas, Screening
Garden styles:Alpine, Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Formal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Native
Easy to grow?Yes
Maintenance requirementsLow
Growth rateMedium
Also known as
Sku12254

How to grow Pseudopanax lessonii 'Purpurea' in NZ

Pseudopanax lessonii 'Purpurea' grows best in full sun to partial shade and free-draining soil and thrives in warm, sheltered sites. It tolerates wind, salt spray, and dry conditions once established. Plant in a well-drained spot with good airflow, and water regularly during the first year to help establish a strong root system. Mulch to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds, and apply a native plant fertiliser in spring. Light pruning can be done to shape the plant or encourage bushier growth. Avoid heavy frosts and poorly drained soils.

Pseudopanax lessonii 'Purpurea' care tips

Pseudopanax lessonii 'Purpurea' is low maintenance and thrives in coastal or sheltered sites. Water regularly during the first year to support establishment, then only during extended dry periods. It prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. Mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds, keeping mulch away from the stem. Apply a native plant fertiliser in spring to promote healthy foliage. Light pruning can help shape the plant and encourage a denser habit. Avoid exposure to heavy frosts.

Pseudopanax lessonii 'Purpurea' plant size, spacing, and growth rate

Why buy Pseudopanax lessonii 'Purpurea' from The Plant Company?

The Plant Company supplies premium-quality Pseudopanax lessonii 'Purpurea' plants, grown specifically for New Zealand conditions. Our plants are nursery-raised for strong roots, healthy growth, and vibrant purple foliage, ensuring fast establishment and lasting performance. Whether you're planting for colour contrast, coastal resilience, or native appeal, you can trust The Plant Company to deliver robust, well-cared-for plants to your door that are ready to thrive in your landscape.

Questions and Answers

Have a question about Pseudopanax lessonii purpurea? We are here to help.

I am thinking of buying two pseudpanax lessonii purpurea. I am in Christchurch we don't get the really heavy frosts we used to but still get minus 2 occasionally. Will this tree survive this?

I have read reports that they can tolerate down to -5. Our ones had a heavy frost across them in June and seemed to cope fine without obvious injury. Prolonged frosts could cause an issue but they will generally become hardened to cold temperatures as they acclimatise.

A tui feeding on the berries and flowers in a Pseudopanax arboreus (Whauwhaupaku) tree.
Most Popular

Pseudopanax arboreus (Five-Finger)

Pseudopanax arboreus, commonly known as Five Finger or Whauwhaupaku, is a fast-growing NZ native tree that typically reaches 4–6 m tall. It features...

From$18.14
Pseudopanax crassifolius growing in a garden with dark green foliage.
Most Popular

Pseudopanax crassifolius (Lancewood)

Pseudopanax crassifolius, commonly known as Lancewood or Horoeka, is a distinctive New Zealand native tree renowned for its dramatic transformation...

From$18.14
A small Pseudopanax 'Cyril Watson' shrub with lush, bright green foliage.
Most Popular

Pseudopanax Cyril Watson

Pseudopanax 'Cyril Watson' is a distinctive New Zealand native shrub, recognised for its lush, glossy green foliage with 3 to 5 rounded, partially...

From$197.43
Pseudopanax lessonii lush, green foliage.
Most Popular

Pseudopanax lessonii (Coastal Five Finger)

Pseudopanax lessonii, commonly known as Five-Finger or Houpara, is a lush, native New Zealand shrub or small tree prized for its tropical appearance...

From$18.14
camellia-japonica-night-rider-3
Most Popular

Camellia Night Rider

Camellia Night Rider produces exquisite, semi-double, dark red-black flowers. These spectacular blooms appear in winter and spring and are...

From$36.34
Buxus 'Silver Beauty' plant with dark green and yellow variegated foliage.
Most Popular

Buxus sempervirens 'Silver Beauty' (Silver Boxwood)

Buxus sempervirens 'Silver Beauty', commonly known as Box Hedge, features small leaves that are dark green with irregular, cream-silver margins, and...

From$19.44
pseudopanax-dark-star-2
Most Popular

Pseudopanax Dark Star

Pseudopanax 'Dark Star' is a distinctive New Zealand native shrub, celebrated for its vibrant, dark foliage and architectural form. This evergreen...

From$35.04
Cornus 'Stokes Pink' elegant pink flowers.
Most Popular

Cornus 'Stokes Pink'

Cornus 'Stokes Pink' is a deciduous shrub grown for its colourful flowering in spring. At this time, masses of showy, two-tone pink flowers are borne...

From$288.81
–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.

4.9

413 Google reviews