Pseudopanax purpurea
Pseudopanax purpurea
Overview
Pseudopanax purpurea is a striking NZ native shrub valued for its deep purple-bronze foliage and bold architectural presence. With its upright habit and dramatic colouring, it brings contrast, structure and year-round interest to contemporary, native and coastal gardens.
Key Features
Foliage:
Distinctive purple-bronze leaves, often five-lobed, with a glossy finish. Colour intensifies in cooler months and in full sun. Provides exceptional contrast against greens, silvers and variegated plants.
Flowers / Fruit:
Small greenish flowers in summer, followed by dark berries that attract birds. More valued for its foliage than its flowering display.
Form & Habit:
Upright, bushy, multi-stemmed shrub with a strong vertical presence. Tidy habit that becomes more sculptural with age.
Growth Rate:
Moderate.
Cultural & Ecological Value:
Provides berries for native birds. Strong performer in coastal, urban and windy sites. Excellent in low-maintenance native plantings.
Mature Size
| Attribute | Size |
|---|---|
| Height | 2–3 m |
| Spread | 1.5–2 m |
| Form | Upright, bushy shrub |
Ideal Growing Conditions
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Light | Full sun to part shade (best colour in full sun) |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerant once established |
| Soil | Free-draining soil; tolerates sandy, coastal and poor soils |
| pH Range | Neutral |
| Frost Tolerance | Hardy; may benefit from some shelter in harsh frosts |
Landscaping & Garden Uses
-
Dramatic foliage contrast plant in native or modern gardens
-
Excellent for coastal and windy sites
-
Architectural specimen for entrances, decks and courtyards
-
Pairs beautifully with flaxes, pittosporums, coprosmas and silver foliage plants
Care & Maintenance
Pruning: Minimal; lightly prune to maintain shape if needed.
Watering: Moderate during establishment; low thereafter.
Feeding: Apply slow-release fertiliser in spring to support foliage quality.
Pests & Diseases: Generally hardy; occasional scale may occur—treat early.
Additional Tips
Plant in full sun for the richest purple foliage. Works exceptionally well in mass plantings or as a vertical accent among softer, greener foliage.
Fun Fact / Botanical Insight
The distinctive lobed leaves are characteristic of several Pseudopanax species, giving them a uniquely tropical yet hardy appearance—perfect for NZ gardens.
Why Choose Pseudopanax purpurea?
A bold and beautiful native shrub offering rich purple foliage, strong structure and excellent hardiness—ideal for creating high-contrast, low-maintenance landscapes.
Pot Size:
These are our standard size in 7cm square pots.
Pot Size:
Standard Pot = 7cm Square
Large Pot = 9cm Square
Extra Large Pot = 1.5L Round
Use this guide to see how many plants of your selected pot size fit into a half or full carton.
Standard Pot = 25 plants per Carton
Large Pot= 10 plants per Carton
Extra Large Pot = 5 plants per Carton
Urban- $16.55 per Carton Rural- $23.85 per Carton
Standard Pot = 50 plants per Carton
Large Pot= 25 plants per Carton
Extra Large Pot = 10 plants per Carton
Urban- $16.55 per Carton Rural- $23.85 per Carton
Product Size:
The photo next to the ruler shows an example of the plant for sale (cm's) to give an indication of the size. Please note that the photo is for reference only; the size and appearance of the plant may vary.
Please Note:
Shipping charge applies. Available for immediate dispatch only, while stocks last.
