Sticky hopbush (Dodonaea viscosa)
Care, watering, light and tips for Sticky hopbush on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Sapindaceae
- Difficulty: Easy to care for
- Watering: every 7 days
- Light: Partial shade
- Temperature: 10–30 °C
- Toxicity: Toxic to pets
About Sticky hopbush
Dodonaea viscosa, also known as 'äpiri in some regions, is an evergreen shrub or small tree, prized for its glossy foliage that can range from green to reddish hues, especially in dry or cool climates. Its winged, pink or red fruits add extra ornamental appeal. It is ideal for hedges, privacy screens, or as a standalone specimen in low-maintenance gardens and Mediterranean or xeriscape styles.
Native range
Tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, America, Asia, and Oceania.
Care tips
It requires full sun for optimal growth and intense foliage coloration; it tolerates partial shade, but with less flowering and fruiting. It is a very drought-tolerant plant once established, so watering should be moderate, allowing the substrate to dry completely between waterings. It prefers well-drained soils, even poor or sandy ones, avoiding waterlogging at all costs. A common mistake is overwatering, which can lead to root rot.
How to save a dying Sticky hopbush
- Warning signs
- Yellowish or reddish leaves, mass shedding, dry and brittle stems. General lack of vigor.
- First aid
- Deep, spaced watering (if soil is dry), prune dry branches, ensure good drainage. Protect from intense cold.
- What kills it
- Overwatering in heavy soils (root rot) or prolonged extreme drought in its early years. Lack of light.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if there are flexible stems or green shoots. It's tough, but needs quick attention and error correction.