Dodonaea viscosa purpurea * Purple Hopseed Bush

Dodonaea viscosa purpurea grows as a shrub or small tree, capping out at 15 feet or more. Dodonaea viscosa purpurea is grown for the vibrant purple foliage and is used as a specimen or as an informal hedge. Plant in Full Sun, cooler weather or a shady planting location and the leaves will revert to green. Dodonaea viscosa purpurea has inconspicuous flowers but interesting pink seedpods in the Summer. The Purple Hopseed Bush is true to its name and seedlings are often found in the garden but not a level that one would call it a pest. Dodonaea viscosa purpurea is native to the Pacific Islands, Mexico into Arizona, New Zealand and Australia. The plants in cultivation are derived from the New Zealand population. Dodonaea viscosa purpurea tends to die back when trimmed formally. Older branches die back as well, often leaving Dodonaea viscosa purpurea used as a small tree. Dodonaea viscosa purpurea needs little supplimental water once established, but looks best with infrequent but deep summer irrigation. Dodonaea viscosa purpurea is Winter hardy to 15°F and colder when it gets hardened off with some frosty nights.