Pseudopanax lessonii Purpureus

Common Name:
Purple Pseudopanax

Description:
Pseudopanax lessonii 'Purpureus' is a striking evergreen shrub or small tree, admired for its deep purple-bronze foliage that adds year-round colour and texture to the garden. This New Zealand native features distinctive, leathery leaves with a glossy finish, providing an exotic and architectural appeal. Its compact, bushy habit makes it an excellent choice for hedging, screening, or as a feature plant in modern and coastal gardens.

Thriving in well-drained soils, Pseudopanax lessonii 'Purpureus' prefers a sunny to partly shaded position to develop its richest foliage colour. It is tolerant of coastal conditions, light frost, and moderate drought once established. While it produces small, inconspicuous greenish flowers in late spring to summer, this plant is primarily grown for its stunning foliage. It works well in mixed borders, tropical-style plantings, or as a potted specimen.

Form:

• Shrub - Medium
• Shrub - Large

Mature Size:

• Height: 2–4 m
• Width: 1.5–3 m

Aspect:

• Full Sun
• Part Shade

Flowering:

• Flowers in Late Spring to Summer

Flower Colour:

• Greenish (Inconspicuous)

Key Attributes:

• Suitable for Pots
• Australian & New Zealand Native
• Drought Tolerant (once established)
• Coastal Tolerant
• Evergreen
• Architectural Foliage

Toxicity:

• Not known to be toxic to humans or pets.

Companion Plants:

• Phormium (New Zealand Flax)
• Cordyline
• Astelia
• Westringia
• Lomandra