Alphabetical Plant Listing

Dodonaea viscosa (Florida Hopbush)

Florida Hopbush, Hopseed Bush, Switch Sorrel, Varnish Leaf, Hopbush, Chapoliztle, Casol, Akeake, Dodonaea cuneata


Admired for its striking three-winged fruits, Dodonaea viscosa (Florida Hopbush) is a fast-growing evergreen shrub with many upright stems densely clothed with shiny, willow-like, green leaves, up to 5 in. long (12 cm). The leaves are covered with a sticky resin, giving them a varnished appearance. This is a protection against water loss, which enables the plant to be incredibly drought tolerant. Small, inconspicuous chartreuse flowers, without true petals, appear in terminal clusters in spring. They are followed in summer and fall by showy, ornamental, papery seed capsules adorned with 3-4 rounded wings. Emerging green, they turn yellow-green, then brilliant pink and red. A popular choice in warm, arid regions of the U.S., Florida Hopbush is extraordinarily versatile. It is a handsome shrub worthy of inclusion in the landscape or used as a screen, informal hedge, or espalier. Tolerant to drought and coastal conditions, Florida Hopbush attracts birds into the garden and is perfect for the waterwise garden.

  • Grows up to 10-15 ft. tall and wide (3-5 m). Can be maintained at a smaller size.
  • Full sun to light shade lover, this plant is easily grown in well-drained soils. Tolerates dry sandy or rocky soils, salt spray, and windy areas. Drought tolerant once established but will also take regular water.
  • Perfect as a specimen or accent plant, for wall-side borders, hedgesMediterranean gardens, and coastal gardens.
  • No routine pruning is necessary. Remove diseased, damaged, congested, or crossing shoots.
  • Generally pest and disease free. Deer resistant.
  • Propagate by seed or semi-hardwood cuttings.
  • Native to Arizona, Florida, Hawaii.

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Requirements

Hardiness 9 – 11
Heat Zones 10 – 11
Climate Zones 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, H1, H2
Plant Type Shrubs
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Late)
Fall
Height 10' – 15' (3m – 4.5m)
Spread 10' – 15' (3m – 4.5m)
Water Needs Low
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy, Evergreen
Native Plants United States, Southeast, Florida, Southwest, Arizona
Tolerance Deer, Drought, Salt
Attracts Birds
Garden Uses Hedges and Screens, Wall-Side Borders
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden, Mediterranean Garden

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Forest and Kim Starr, David Eickhoff (Flickr)

While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.


Requirements

Hardiness 9 – 11
Heat Zones 10 – 11
Climate Zones 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, H1, H2
Plant Type Shrubs
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Late)
Fall
Height 10' – 15' (3m – 4.5m)
Spread 10' – 15' (3m – 4.5m)
Water Needs Low
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy, Evergreen
Native Plants United States, Southeast, Florida, Southwest, Arizona
Tolerance Deer, Drought, Salt
Attracts Birds
Garden Uses Hedges and Screens, Wall-Side Borders
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden, Mediterranean Garden

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