| Botanic name | Dodonaea viscosa |
| Other names | Sticky hopbush, broadleaf hopbush |
| Main Origin | Australia |
| Mature size | 1 – 2 m x 2 – 4 m (w x h) |
| Mature form | Low branching shrub |
| Foliage | Lance- or spear-shaped, shiny, mid-green |
| Growth rate | Fast |
| Position | Full sun, light shade |
| Soil | Adaptable to various soils |
| Water | Occasional watering during prolonged dry spells |
| Climate | Arid, semi-arid, Mediterranean, temperate, subtropical, tropical |
| Flower | Low-branching shrub |
| Use | Hedge, screening, feature bush |
| Notes | Suitable for coastal sites |
IN THIS ARTICLE
Overview
Dodonaea viscosa, or sticky hop bush, is a versatile and resilient shrub widely used in landscaping for its toughness and aesthetic appeal. The plant’s natural, bushy form creates a soft, flowing look that complements formal and informal garden designs.
Its ability to withstand drought, poor soils, and harsh conditions makes it ideal for sustainable and water-wise gardens.
It works remarkably as a screening plant, hedge, or accent in both urban and naturalistic settings. Its fast growth and adaptability make it a valuable addition to landscapes needing structure and resilience, offering beauty and environmental benefits without demanding extensive care.
Origin and distribution
Dodonaea viscosa is native to Australia and widely distributed across the country, thriving in tropical, subtropical, cool and warm temperate, Mediterranean, semi-arid and arid climate zones.
It is found in harsh landscapes, from coastal dunes and rocky cliffs to dry open woodlands and desert shrublands. It also exists along river valleys.
This plant has several subspecies, each with specific habitats and varying abilities to handle environmental stressors. It is generally considered an extremely hardy species, known for excellent drought and coastal tolerance.
Growth and care
Dodonaea viscosa prefers full sun or light shade. It can grow in partial shade, but does not perform as well.
It is highly tolerant of challenging coastal conditions, including salt spray, strong salty winds and nutrient-poor soils. In harsh inland environments, it is very drought-hardy and can also tolerate mild frosts.
This plant can flourish in various soil types, from light and sandy to heavy, rocky or clay soils with good drainage.
Break up compact soils by adding coarse grit, gypsum, and/or aged compost. If the soil is too hard to amend, a raised garden bed with good quality soil can be a good alternative.
It grows in soils with a wide range of pH, from slightly acidic to alkaline. While it naturally adapts well to poor soils, adding organic matter when planting can boost its growth. Mature plants often thrive happily without additional fertilisation.
Dodonaea viscosa is not particularly sensitive to phosphorus toxicity. Thus, if there is a need to enrich the soil, a light application of a regular balanced fertiliser in the growing season can suffice.
Features
Dodonaea viscosa often develops as a magnificent shrub to a height of 3 m, with multiple branches arising near the base. It features unique, attractive foliage that varies in colours and shapes, depending on the variety.
The dense growing habit is a highly desirable feature that makes it succeed as a hedge. The other great attraction is its seasonal production of colourful seedpods, which derive from its tiny green-yellow to red blooms.
These seedpods emerge as three-winged green capsules that gradually turn pink, red or brown. At maturity, the delicate capsules break open to release seeds that are subsequently dispersed by wind.
As a feature shrub or hedge, lightly trim or prune in early spring to encourage a bushier appearance and maintain the desired shape and size.
Common varieties
- Dodonaea viscosa ‘Purpurea’: A popular variety with striking, long, narrow purple-bronze foliage. In colder months, the foliage turns deep red-purple.
- Dodonaea viscosa ‘Mr Green Sheen’: A beautiful cultivar featuring bright green, glossy foliage and dense, compact growth.
- Dodonaea viscosa subsp. viscosa: The most common variety distinguished by larger, elliptical, almost stalkless leaves.
- Dodonaea viscosa subsp. cuneata: An attractive natural variety that features interesting wedge-shaped leaves with a sticky texture and highly decorative red seedpods.
- Dodonaea viscosa subsp. spatulata: An upright variety characterised by lush spatulate or spoon-shaped leaves.
- Dodonaea viscosa subsp. angustifolia: A finer variety features elongated, lance- or spear-shaped leaves.
- Dodonaea viscosa subsp. angustissima: Not to be confused with angustifolia, featuring very narrow linear leaves with blunt tips in a fine, delicate form.
Landscape uses
- Hedging and screening: The dense growth and attractive foliage make this plant highly suited to natural screens and formal/informal hedges for privacy.
- Windbreak: When grown as a tall bush or tree, it can serve as an effective windbreak.
- Feature plant: The attractive form and shape add to the plant’s appeal as a feature or accent plant in a water-wise garden.
- Backdrop plant: Its consistent form and colour make it suitable as a garden backdrop, highlighting other plants.
- Seaside gardens: With high tolerance against harsh coastal conditions, it is ideal for seaside gardens with moderate coastal exposure.
- Erosion control: Its ability to grow in tough coastal and inland soils is highly valuable for soil stabilisation.
- Land revegetation: Its rapid growth allows quick land revegetation, establishing wildlife habitats. This attribute is akin to species like Acacia implexa.
FAQs
Is Dodonaea viscosa fast-growing?
Yes, Dodonaea viscosa is a fast-growing shrub. It establishes quickly in various environments, reaching maturity within a few years under favourable conditions.
Its rapid growth allows it to quickly provide effective screening, windbreak, shelter, and soil stabilisation. This characteristic makes it especially useful in revegetation and land rehabilitation projects, where quick coverage is needed.
What type of soil does Dodonaea viscosa like?
Dodonaea viscosa thrives in well-drained soils and is highly adaptable to various soil types, including sandy, clay, and rocky soils. However, it does not tolerate waterlogging. It can also thrive on nutrient-poor, salty or alkaline soils.
When to prune Dodonaea viscosa?
Dodonaea viscosa responds well to pruning, and the best time to prune is late winter to early spring before new growth begins. This timing encourages dense, healthy growth and helps maintain the plant’s shape. Regular pruning improves its bushy form, making it more effective as a hedge or screen.
Light trimming throughout the year can also help control the size of a vigorous plant. Avoid heavy pruning during extreme heat or drought conditions to prevent stress on the plant. For a more compact appearance, prune young plants early to encourage branching.
