The purple hopbush, or Dodonaea viscosa ‘Purpurea’, is a visually striking evergreen shrub that brings year-round interest to a garden. Its distinct foliage color makes it a favored option for various garden designs. Gardeners appreciate its adaptability and vibrant color in landscapes.
Key Characteristics
This shrub has lance-shaped leaves displaying a purplish-bronze hue. In cooler weather, this color often deepens to a richer burgundy or reddish-purple, providing seasonal variation. Its foliage is typically dense, though leaves can appear greener in shadier conditions.
Purple hopbush has an upright, multi-stemmed growth habit, generally reaching 10 to 18 feet tall and 6 to 12 feet wide. Small, inconspicuous yellowish-green or pinkish flowers appear in spring or summer. These are followed by papery, winged seed capsules that resemble hops, lending the plant its common name. They typically change from pinkish to brown as they mature.
Planting and Establishment
Selecting an appropriate site is important for the purple hopbush’s health and vibrant coloration. This plant thrives in full sun, which intensifies its distinctive purple foliage. While it can tolerate partial shade, too much shade may result in greener leaves and less vigorous growth.
Well-draining soil is a fundamental requirement, as the plant does not tolerate standing water. It adapts to various soil types, including sandy, loamy, or clay, as long as drainage is adequate. When planting, dig a hole at least twice as wide as the root ball and about the same depth. Backfill with excavated soil, ensuring the plant’s crown is at or slightly above the soil line, then water thoroughly to settle the soil around the roots. For hedges or screens, space plants approximately 3 to 6 feet apart, allowing ample room for mature growth.
Ongoing Care
Once established, purple hopbush is drought-tolerant, requiring less frequent watering. Provide deep waterings when the top few inches of soil have dried out completely, allowing the plant to develop a robust root system. During periods of extended heat or drought, more regular watering may be necessary to maintain its appearance.
Pruning is beneficial for maintaining the plant’s desired shape, size, and density. The best time for significant pruning is in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges. Light shearing can be performed throughout the growing season to encourage a bushier habit. Remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches to promote air circulation and overall plant health.
Purple hopbush has modest fertilization needs and thrives without extensive feeding. If the soil is particularly poor or growth appears stunted, a balanced, slow-release granular fertilizer can be applied in early spring. Avoid over-fertilizing with nitrogen, as this can diminish the intensity of the purple foliage color. Applying a layer of organic mulch around the base of the plant helps to conserve soil moisture and regulate soil temperature.
Landscape Uses and Benefits
The purple hopbush is a versatile plant for various landscape applications. Its dense foliage and upright growth habit make it an excellent choice for creating privacy screens, hedges, or windbreaks. It can also serve as a striking accent plant or a background element in mixed borders, providing a contrasting color against other greenery.
Beyond aesthetics, this shrub offers practical advantages. It is drought-tolerant once established, suitable for water-wise landscapes. Its low maintenance requirements and adaptability contribute to its popularity. It provides year-round color, a desirable attribute.
Common Issues and Solutions
Purple hopbush can encounter challenges, often related to environmental conditions. Overwatering or poorly draining soil can lead to root rot. Ensure the plant is in well-draining soil and adjust watering frequency to allow the soil to dry out between applications to prevent this.
In hot or dry conditions, foliage may experience leaf scorch, appearing browned or crispy at the tips. Consistent, deep watering during such periods can help alleviate this stress. Nutrient deficiencies, particularly iron or nitrogen, can cause leaf yellowing or reduced color intensity. A soil test can identify specific deficiencies, allowing for targeted fertilization.
Pests are not a frequent concern, but spider mites or aphids may appear, especially in dry environments. These can be managed by hosing down foliage with water or, for severe infestations, using insecticidal soap. Fungal issues like leaf spots are rare but can occur in overly humid conditions or with poor air circulation. Adequate spacing and proper pruning can improve air movement, reducing problems.