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Conservatory GreenhouseShrubs

Dodonaea viscosa

hop bush

A large evergreen shrub with elliptic or obovate, often purplish leaves to 12cm in length, and clusters of tiny yellowish-green flowers, followed by membranous, reddish, 2- or 3-winged capsules 1.5cm in length

Other common names
akeake
native hops
see moreswitch sorrel of Jamaica
Synonyms
Dodonaea cuneata
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Size
Ultimate height
2.5–4 metres
Time to ultimate height
10–20 years
Ultimate spread
1.5–2.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green Purple
Summer Green Yellow Green Purple Red
Autumn Green Purple Red
Winter Green Purple
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H2
Botanical details
Family
Sapindaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Bushy
Genus

Dodonaea are evergreen dioecious shrubs with simple or pinnate, needle-like to ovate leaves and insignificant flowers followed on female plants by membranous angled or winged fruits

Name status

Correct

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow outdoors in moist but well-drained soil in full sun in a sheltered frost-free area. Grow under glass in a peat-free, loam-based compost in full light. Top dress in spring. Pinch out tips of young growth to encourage bushy growth

Propagation

Propagate by seed or semi-hardwood cuttings

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Coastal
  • Wall side borders
Pruning

Pruning group 1

Pests

May be susceptible to red spider mite under glass

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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