Coprosma
Mirror plant
- Height × spread
- 0.6m – 2m × 0.4m – 2m
- Position
- Full sun
Availability
Generally all year, largest selection in Spring & Autumn
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
There are around 90 species of Coprosma. These are found over large parts of the southern hemisphere including Australia and New Zealand as well as Borneo and Hawaii, among other places. Many of them are beautiful plants and there is a wide range of cultivars that have simply stunning foliage. Coprosma microcarpa makes a small tree standing around 4 metres in height whilst Coprosma cheesemanii reaches around 60cm. Cultivars are available with very shiny foliage. The leaves are small and smooth and coloured in shades of gold, yellow, red, pink, purple and black, each more beautiful than the last. Male and female flowers are found on separate plants and both are needed if berries are to be produced. The berries are in shades of red, orange and blue, dependant on the species. Coprosma will not be hardy enough to winter outside in the UK, except in the warmer parts of the country. Give them a warm, sheltered and sunny position with good soil.
- Foliage colour
- Black, Brown, Green, Mahogany, Orange, Pink, Red, Yellow
- Fruit colour
- Orange
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- No
- Shape
- Bell, Cone, Dome, Round
- Height
- 0.6m – 2m
- Spread
- 0.4m – 2m
- Season of interest
- Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter
- Evergreen
- Evergreen
- Garden style
- Small scale garden, Seaside garden, Conservatory
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun, tolerates part shade
- Soil type
- Loam (normal)
- Soil pH
- Acid (ericaceous), Neutral
- Drainage
- Moisture retentive soil, Well drained soil, Drought resistant
- Winter hardiness
- Varies, most are not hardy
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Use for
- Wall cover, Structural
- Hazards
- No
Spring
Spring - late · Outdoors
Feed with slow release fertiliser
Apply a general purpose slow release fertiliser, spreading it around the root area of the plant as it is coming into growth. (Or apply a liquid feed at regular intervals throughout the growing season.)
This is a simple way to provide a nutrient boost as a single annual procedure.
Spring - late · Outdoors
Feed with sequestrol
If plants are acid loving and grown in soil with little acidity, or in a container, or are watered with limey tap water an annual feed with sequestrol (iron chelate) is highly beneficial. Follow guidelines on the packet. Will also 'blue-up' hydrangeas.
For hydrangeas that have good blue flowers in acid soil, this product can be used with alkaline soil to turn the flowers blue. This is most effective when the soil is neutral or just slightkly alkaline.
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water to keep the soil moist
For best results, this plant needs soil that is always moist. Water deeply and regularly as soon as soil appears dry. Even for established plants in the ground, a dry week can cause problems with some soils. Check plants in pots more often, especially in hot weather. Or install an automatic irrigation system which will do the hard work for you, even when you are away on holiday.
Without regular watering some plants never fully regain their beauty.
Planting & general
Planting
Prune lightly after flowering
Give the plant a light haircut, generally tidying it up and removing any shoots that are wayward or damaged in any way. Dead flowers can be cut off if this is practical - the shrub may have too many, or they may be hard to reach.
Found in
More Coprosma
Coprosma 'Lemon and Lime'
Looking glass plant
Coprosma 'Rainbow Surprise'
Kopros rainbow plant
Coprosma repens 'Midnight Martini'
Mirror plant
Coprosma repens 'Pina Colada'
Mirror plant
Coprosma repens 'Tequila Sunrise'
Mirror plant
Coprosma 'City Knights'
Looking glass plant
Coprosma 'Evening Glow'
Looking glass plant
Coprosma 'Fireburst'
Looking glass plant