Pseudopanax 'Purpureus'

RHS Plant Profile
purple houmspara

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Synonyms

Pseudopanax lessonii 'Purpurea'
Pseudopanax lessonii 'Purpureus'
Pseudopanax lessonii purpureum

Shrubs
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An upright multistem, bushy evergreen shrub grown for its purple-bronze foliage and lobed leaves. Rare to the UK, this hardy evergreen shrub from New Zealand provides dramatic visuals with its tropical looking large glossy, leathery purple tinged leaves. Its greenish flowers are of no significance. An unusual top plant easily grown in containers and a good choice for coastal gardens.

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Loam

Max Height

1.5-2.5 metres

Max Spread

1.5-2.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
5–10 years
Max Spread
1.5-2.5 metres
Max Height
1.5-2.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Loam
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

  • H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
  • H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
  • H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
  • H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
  • H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
  • H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
  • H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
  • H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
  • H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)
H3

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Araliaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Bushy
Genus
Pseudopanax are upright evergreen shrubs or trees, with simple or palmate leaves, often with a distinct juvenile form; inconspicuous green flowers, the sexes usually on separate trees, may be followed on female plants by berry-like fruits
Name Status
Accepted

How to Grow

Cultivation

Prefers fertile well-drained soil and full sun in a sheltered location. Pinch out to bush up in a container. Not fully hardy, will need protection from the cold

Propagation

Propagate by cuttings.

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Architectural
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Patio and container plants
  • Coastal
  • Wall side borders

Pruning

Pruning group 1. Minimal pruning required. Prune to maintain the frameworke by cutting dead, crossing or unhealthy branches. Can be pruned to any size or shape

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free