Dodonaea viscosa Purpurea 10lt
Common names: Purple Sand olive, Purple-leafed Hop Bush

Full Sun
Evergreen
Wind Tolerant
Indigenous
Low Watering

Dodonaea viscosa Purpurea, commonly known as Purple Hop Bush, is a cultivar of the Dodonaea viscosa plant native to South Africa. It is a shrub that belongs to the Sapindaceae family and is known for its attractive purple foliage.

Appearance: Purple Hop Bush is a compact evergreen shrub that typically grows to a height of 2-3 meters and spreads about the same width. Its most distinctive feature is its purple or burgundy-coloured leaves, which provide an eye-catching contrast in the landscape.

Foliage: The foliage consists of small, lance-shaped leaves that are arranged alternately along the stems. The leaves are typically a dark purple colour, although the intensity can vary depending on factors such as light exposure and temperature.

Flowers: Inconspicuous flowers are produced on Purple Hop Bush, and they are generally small and greenish-yellow in colour. The flowers are not the main ornamental feature of this plant; rather, it is primarily grown for its attractive foliage.

Growth Requirements: Purple Hop Bush thrives in full sun to partial shade. It is relatively drought-tolerant and can adapt to a range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. It is also known to be quite resilient and can withstand harsh conditions, including coastal areas with salt spray.

Uses: Dodonaea viscosa Purpurea is commonly used in landscaping as an ornamental shrub. Its striking purple foliage adds colour and visual interest to gardens, borders, and hedges. It can also be pruned and shaped to create formal or informal hedges. Additionally, Purple Hop Bush is known to attract birds and butterflies, making it a popular choice for wildlife gardens.

Propagation: This cultivar can be propagated through seeds or cuttings. Seeds can be sown directly into the ground or started indoors and transplanted later. Softwood cuttings taken in spring or semi-hardwood cuttings taken in summer have a good chance of rooting successfully.