DODONEA viscosa 'Purpurea'

Evergreen - elliptic to almost obovate (flat, egg-shaped, broadest above the middle) leaves with irregular, wavy margins. 7-13cm (3-5in) long.

Height - 1-5m (3-16ft)

Spread - 1-3m (3-10ft)

Tall Shrub - vigorous, erect to spreading shrub or small tree. Produces 2- or 3-winged pink to reddish-brown, light brown, purple or yellow capsules 2-2.5cm (¾-1in) across.

Half hardy - unheated greenhouse / mild winter - Hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK except in severe winters and a risk from sudden (early) frosts. May be hardy elsewhere with wall shelter or good micro-climate. Likely to be damaged or killed in cold winters. Plant can withstand temperatures down to -5°C (23°F)

Full sun

Additional Features - Good to know - pinch out tips of young shoots to encourage bushy growth. A plant for the cool greenhouse over winter.

Pests & Diseases - red spider mites in greenhouse conditions.

Place of origin - Australia - and coastal regions in tropics and sub tropics worldwide.

Garden Location/Conditions - Coastal / windswept

Hardiness - Frost hardy (down to -5) -

Leaf colour (if not green) - Purple

Soil Conditions - Fertile moist well-drained soil

Tree Shape - Broadly columnar