How to Grow and Care for Akeake (Dodonaea viscosa)

What is Akeake?

Akeake (Dodonaea viscosa) is a fast-growing New Zealand native shrub or small tree renowned for its toughness and versatility. Its name means ‘forever and ever’ in Māori — a nod to its extraordinary durability. Akeake is one of the best native plants for shelter belts, hedges, coastal planting, and revegetation, tolerating wind, salt spray, drought, and poor soils with ease.

Where Does Akeake Grow Best?

Akeake is one of the most adaptable native plants in New Zealand and grows well across a wide range of conditions:

  • Full sun — thrives in open, sunny positions and is not suited to deep shade.
  • Coastal sites — highly tolerant of salt wind and spray, making it ideal for seaside gardens.
  • Dry and poor soils — once established, Akeake is very drought-tolerant and handles stony, sandy, or clay soils.
  • Exposed and windy sites — one of the best native plants for windbreak planting.

How to Plant Akeake

  1. Timing: Plant in autumn or early spring for best establishment. Akeake can be planted year-round in mild coastal areas.
  2. Soil preparation: Akeake is not fussy about soil quality. Loosen compacted soil and remove competing weeds. Avoid over-enriching the soil — Akeake performs well in lean conditions.
  3. Planting depth: Plant at the same depth as the nursery pot. Firm the soil around the roots and water in thoroughly.
  4. Spacing: For a shelter belt or hedge, plant 1–1.5 metres apart. For specimen planting, allow 2–3 metres.
  5. Staking and protection: In very exposed sites, stake young plants for the first season. A Mohua Multiguard plant guard will protect the stem from wind abrasion and animal browsing.
  6. Mulching: Apply a 5–10 cm mulch layer around the base to conserve moisture and suppress weeds during establishment.

Ongoing Care

Watering

Akeake is drought-tolerant once established (typically after 12–18 months). Water regularly during the first summer, especially in dry or exposed sites. Once established, supplementary watering is rarely needed.

Fertilising

Akeake generally does not require fertilising. In very poor soils, a light application of slow-release fertiliser tablets at planting time can support early growth.

Pruning

Akeake responds very well to pruning and can be clipped into a formal hedge or left to grow naturally as a loose screen. For hedging, trim 2–3 times per year during the growing season. For shelter belts, minimal pruning is needed — just remove any dead or damaged growth in late winter.

Pests and Diseases

Akeake is largely pest and disease free. It is occasionally browsed by rabbits and hares when young — use a plant guard for protection in the first 1–2 years.

Akeake Varieties

We stock two excellent Akeake varieties at Mohua Nursery:

  • Dodonaea viscosa (Akeake) — the classic green-leaved species. Fast-growing, tough, and ideal for shelter and revegetation.
  • Dodonaea viscosa purpurea (Purple Akeake) — a striking ornamental form with rich purple-bronze foliage. All the toughness of the species with dramatic year-round colour. Excellent as a feature hedge or specimen plant.

Uses in the Garden

  • Shelter belts and windbreaks — one of the fastest native options for establishing wind protection.
  • Coastal gardens — salt-tolerant and wind-hardy.
  • Native hedges — clips well and maintains a tidy form.
  • Revegetation — a reliable pioneer species for disturbed or degraded land.
  • Erosion control — the root system stabilises slopes and stream banks.

Pair Akeake With

Akeake works beautifully alongside other fast-establishing natives:

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