DODONAEA VISCOSA

Botanical Name: Dodonaea viscosa
Common Names: Hopbush, Varnish Leaf, Dodonaea
Light Requirements: Full sun to partial shade
Soil Requirements: Well-drained soils; tolerates rocky, sandy, and poor substrates
Water Needs: Low; drought-tolerant once established
Foliage: Narrow, lance-shaped, glossy green leaves with a reddish tinge in cool weather; evergreen
Flowers: Small, inconspicuous flowers followed by showy, papery, reddish seed capsules
Growth Rate: Moderate to fast

Uses:

Ornamental Plant:
Dodonaea viscosa is valued for its clean foliage and colorful seed capsules, providing year-round interest in hedges, screens, and naturalistic plantings.

Xeriscaping:
An excellent choice for water-wise gardens, especially in arid and coastal environments.

Hedging or Screening:
Its dense, upright growth makes it ideal as a windbreak or visual barrier in residential and commercial landscapes.

Benefits:

Drought Tolerance:
Performs well in dry, exposed conditions with minimal supplemental water.

Low Maintenance:
Resilient and adaptable, requiring only occasional pruning to maintain shape.

Wind and Salt Tolerance:
Ideal for coastal gardens due to its resistance to wind and saline conditions.

Year-Round Color:
Reddish new growth and vibrant seed capsules add color and texture throughout the seasons.

Soil Stabilization:
Strong root system aids in erosion control on slopes or disturbed areas.

Dodonaea viscosa is a tough, adaptable shrub that combines function with form. Whether used as a screen, hedge, or feature plant, it brings structure and color to dry, sustainable landscapes with minimal maintenance needs.