About Dodonaea viscosa ‘Purpurea’ (Purple Hopseed Bush)
Dodonaea viscosa ‘Purpurea’ is regularly used in landscape designs due to its tolerance to extreme conditions and low maintenance qualities. Growing an average landscape size of 8-12 feet wide by 12-16 feet tall, this shrub is both shade tolerant and drought tolerant once established as well as cold hardy to 15 degrees Fahrenheit. As a young specimen, Dodonaea viscosa ‘Purpurea’ is a fast grower, growing upright then eventually spreading out with age. Its 4″ linear-shaped leaves emerge as a golden green color which eventually turns a purple-red shade during the colder months of the year. Inconspicuous tiny green flowers bloom during the summer season followed by seed capsules by the end of summer. Evergreen in nature, you can expect purple Hopseed bush to boast beautiful color year-round.
Care and planting instructions
Plant Dodonaea viscosa ‘Purpurea’ using well-draining soil and use a general fertilizer each spring. While this species has the best coloring when grown in full sun, it does tolerate shade well. Water regularly to establish a healthy root system then reduce frequency. Drought tolerant once established, this plant needs irregular watering but flourishes with occasional deep watering. Its quick growth habit may require pruning for shape or size and should be planned for the spring before new growth.
Landscape design ideas
Purple Hopseed Bush makes an excellent privacy screen. It’s an obvious choice as a border privacy bush to large property perimeters as well as between residential yards. It can be trained as an espalier adding interest to a rustic style landscape design or kept in its natural form. Use it as a backdrop for a bed of colorful perennials, deciduous plants, or hardscape.
