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syn: Ake Ake, Purple Ake Ake, Purple Hop Bush

Dodonea viscosa Purpurea

$9.00

Dodonea viscosa ‘Purpurea’, also known as purple hop bush or purple ake ake, is a fast-growing, evergreen shrub or small tree with striking purple-red foliage. It’s a cultivar of the native Dodonea viscosa, and its leaves are lanceolate, bronzy-green, but turn purple in cooler weather.

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  • Foliage: The leaves are long, narrow, and slightly waved with a vibrant purple-bronze color. 
  • Growth: It’s a fast-growing, upright shrub or small tree, reaching up to 4 meters in height. 
  • Flowering: It produces small, pink flowers from late winter to mid-summer. 
  • Versatility: It’s a popular choice for hedges, screens, and adding color to landscapes. 
  • Hardiness: It’s a tough plant, tolerant of coastal conditions, drought, and sub-zero temperatures. 

Last Updated on September 23, 2025 by admin

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Cultivation Guide

  • Sunlight: Full sun is ideal for the best color development. 
  • Soil: Prefers well-drained soil, but can tolerate various soil types. 
  • Watering: Once established, it’s drought-tolerant, but young plants need regular watering, especially in hot weather. 
  • Fertilizing: Spring is a good time to fertilize with a native plant or organic fertilizer. 
  • Pruning: Can be pruned to maintain its shape or to encourage bushy growth. 
  • Frost: Frost tender, so young plants need protection from frost. 
  • Propagation: Can be propagated from seed or semi-hardwood cuttings. 
  • Pests and Diseases: Generally disease-free, but may be susceptible to pests like red spider mites or whitefly under glass. 
Specifics for ‘Purpurea’:
  • Leaf Color: The ‘Purpurea’ cultivar is known for its purple-bronze leaves, which are particularly vibrant in full sun. 
  • Size: Reaches a height of about 3-4 meters. 
  • Uses: Can be used as a hedge, windbreak, or decorative shrub. 
  • Hardiness: Tolerates coastal winds and some dryness, but young plants need shelter from frost. 

Last Updated on September 23, 2025 by admin

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Grade

800mm-1m

Unit

3.5 litre HP

Annual Production

800

Supplier

Payless Plants

Comment

Available stock can vary, all the way down to none available, depending on sales demand and where we are in the production cycle.

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