Florida Hopbush (Dodonaea viscosa): A Versatile, Drought-Tolerant Shrub for Warm Climates

Florida hopbush (Dodonaea viscosa) has become a go-to plant in warm, arid regions of the U.S. thanks to its drought tolerance, fast growth, and love of full sun. Whether grown as a tall shrub, small tree, or hedge, few water-wise plants offer such versatility. Native to the U.S. and other warm regions worldwide, it's an asset for both residential and commercial landscapes.

Botanical name: Dodonaea viscosa
Common names: Florida hopbush, hop bush, hopseed bush, hopbush
Origin: Native to Arizona, Mexico, Florida, and other warm regions
Hardiness: USDA Zone 8 (15 °F / –9 °C)
Water: Drought-tolerant once established; water every 3–4 weeks in summer, monthly in spring/fall; in deserts, every 14 days spring–fall, rely on rain in winter
Light: Full sun to light shade
Mature Size: 12 ft tall, 10 ft wide (can be maintained smaller)
Benefits: Drought-tolerant; provides bird shelter; deer-resistant
When to Plant: Spring or fall

Distinguishing Traits

Hopbush's attractive foliage and dense screening drive its popularity. This fast-growing evergreen (in zones 9+) has narrow leaves 2–3 inches long, ½ inch wide. The cultivar 'Purpurea' offers purple foliage but is less cold-hardy. Inconspicuous chartreuse flowers appear in spring, followed by papery, three-sided fruit that subtly changes the plant's look. The fruit has been used as a hop substitute in brewing.

Shown: Hopbush fruit.

How to Use It

Informal or formal hedge: Shear for a formal hedge or let grow naturally for screening, windbreaks, property lines, privacy, or garden rooms.

Wall cover & utility screening: Foliage covers bare walls or fills empty corners; great for hiding pool equipment, AC units, etc.

Color contrast: Purple hopbush ('Purpurea') pairs strikingly with gray-foliaged plants like 'Blue Bells' emu bush, candelilla, upright myrtle spurge, Parry's agave, and woolly butterfly bush.

Shown: Green and purple hopbush along a wall.

Oleander alternative: Increasingly used to replace oleanders affected by oleander leaf scorch (Xylella fastidiosa).

Planting Notes

Low-maintenance: provide well-drained soil and a sunny spot. No supplemental fertilizer needed. Minimal pruning unless shaping a formal hedge.

Shown: Purple hopbush as a backdrop for a perennial bed.