The Story
Plant Bio
Dodonaea viscosa, commonly known as the sticky hop-bush, is an erect to spreading evergreen shrub or small tree native to all Australian states and mainland territories. The glossy, simple foliage is coated in a sticky, resinous secretion that helps the plant conserve moisture in exposed coastal and arid environments.
The species is highly variable, encompassing several distinct subspecies that range from narrow-leaved desert forms to broad-leaved coastal variants. Its inconspicuous winter flowers develop into conspicuous, papery, three- or four-winged seed capsules that mature from green to shades of pink, red, and deep purple.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Shrub
Height
118 inches
Width
79 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
8, 9, 10
Water
Low
Humidity
Moderate to High
Lifespan
15-20 years
Native To
Australia
Toxicity
Skin Irritant
Bloom period
Winter – Spring
In flower about 4 months of the year
Planting
How to Grow
- Select a planting site in full sun to partial shade with excellent drainage, avoiding low-lying areas prone to waterlogging.
- Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and of equal depth, backfilling with native soil without adding heavy organic matter.
- Water the plant thoroughly upon installation to settle the soil, then reduce watering to a minimum once established.
- Apply a light layer of organic mulch around the base, keeping it clear of the main stem to prevent collar rot.
Pro Tip
Prune lightly immediately after fruiting to maintain a dense habit, but never cut back into old, leafless wood as the plant lacks dormant buds to regenerate from bare stems.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Plant in highly permeable, well-drained soil to prevent root rot.
- Prune lightly after the fruiting phase to maintain a compact, bushy shape.
- Apply a low-phosphorus native fertiliser sparingly during spring if growth is slow.
Don't
- Do not overwater or plant in boggy, poorly drained clay soils.
- Do not prune hard into old, bare wood as the plant will fail to regenerate.
- Do not apply high-phosphorus fertilisers.
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Pest Check | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Propagate | ||||||||||||
| Prune |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Sticky Hop-bush questions
What zones can Sticky Hop-bush grow in?
Sticky Hop-bush is hardy in USDA Zones 8–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
When does Sticky Hop-bush bloom?
Sticky Hop-bush typically blooms in winter through spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Sticky Hop-bush need full sun?
Sticky Hop-bush does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
Is Sticky Hop-bush drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Sticky Hop-bush handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Sticky Hop-bush with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.