Family: Sapindaceae
Common Name: Hop Bush

Mostly native to Australia and New Zealand, some species of this genus were used as a hops substitute by early settlers, hence the common name. These woody shrubs are now generally grown for their decorative foliage and showy, attractively coloured, three-angled fruits.

Species

D. adenophora is a hardy, erect, deco­rative shrub, to 2 m (6 ft), with sticky, dark green, fern-like foliage and red, winged fruits in autumn and winter.

D. boroniifolia, fern-leaf hop bush, is a bushy shrub, to 2 m (6 ft), which prefers a shady situation. It has fern-like, light green foliage and light green to purple fruits.

D. cuneata, common hop bush, has wedge-shaped leaves and winged, red fruits.

D. lobulata, lobed hop bush, is a very beautiful shrub, with fern-like leaves and red, winged fruits most of the year. It grows to 2 m (6 ft).

D. viscosa, giant hop bush, is the most widely grown and makes a good hedging plant in a suitable climate. The leaves are shiny and sticky, and the summer fruits are not highly coloured. Cultivar 'Purpurea', purple hop bush, from New Zealand, has beautiful, purple foliage, turning reddish in winter.

Cultivation

Most of the species like well-drained soil and full sun or part shade. In climates where frosts are likely, grow in pots of soil-based compost in a cool greenhouse or conser­vatory. Propagate from lateral or tip cuttings 8-15 cm (3-6 in) long. Lightly prune to encour­age a compact shape, possibly several times a year if these plants are being used for hedging. Dodonaea is prone to attack by scale insects which can be controlled by a white oil spray.

Climate

Zone 9.