Purple Akeake
(Dodonaea viscosa ‘Purpurea’)
Purple Akeake is one of the toughest, most reliable native shrubs/small trees you can plant on a lifestyle block. Known for its deep purple foliage and upright form, it provides fast shelter, strong wind tolerance, and striking year-round colour that stands out beautifully against greens and greys. It’s an ideal option for exposed coastal sites, clay soils, and almost any harsh conditions where other species may struggle.
Naturally dense and quick to establish, Akeake makes an excellent privacy screen, shelterbelt layer, or low-maintenance filler for mass planting. It’s extremely drought-tolerant once established, copes well with salt-laden winds, and handles both heat and poor soils. Akeake can be left to grow as a small tree or trimmed to maintain a tidy hedge.
If you want a hardy, good-looking native that actually handles real NZ conditions, Purple Akeake is one of the best tools in the kit.
Naturally dense and quick to establish, Akeake makes an excellent privacy screen, shelterbelt layer, or low-maintenance filler for mass planting. It’s extremely drought-tolerant once established, copes well with salt-laden winds, and handles both heat and poor soils. Akeake can be left to grow as a small tree or trimmed to maintain a tidy hedge.
If you want a hardy, good-looking native that actually handles real NZ conditions, Purple Akeake is one of the best tools in the kit.
Current stock approx 30cm tall, in PB 1 1/2 bags (.9L)
Quick Facts
Growth Rate: FastMature Height: 3–6m (hedge height 1.5–3m)Form: Upright, bushy, colourfulFoliage: Deep purple to plum, turning brighter in cold seasonsEvergreen: YesHardiness: Coastal, wind, drought, heat, poor soilsSoils: Tolerant of clay, rocky soils, sandy soils, dry slopesSun: Full sun for best colour; partial shade toleratedMaintenance: Low. Prune to shape if using as a hedge or screen.
Why We Recommend It
- One of the most dependable natives for tough conditions
- Outstanding colour that adds interest year-round
- Handles salt, wind, dryness, and poor soils
- Grows quickly and fills in gaps fast
- Works well mixed with Pittosporum, Coprosma, Flax, and Alders
- Easy care — suits busy landowners and off-grid sites
Best Uses
- Fast shelterbelt layers
- Privacy screening
- Windbreaks for exposed sites
- Low-maintenance boundary planting
- Colour contrast in native plantings
- Coastal and drought-prone areas
- Mass planting for visual impact
Planting & Care
Plant in full sun for the richest purple colour. Water during establishment only; once settled, Akeake is very drought-tolerant. Trim lightly once or twice a year if growing as a hedge, or leave untrimmed for a natural, upright small tree.
Mulch well, especially in dry areas or where soil is shallow.
Mulch well, especially in dry areas or where soil is shallow.