Coprosma

coprosma

( cop - ROSS - muh )

At-A-Glance Information

Coprosma, commonly called Mirror Plant or Looking Glass Plant, is a genus of evergreen shrubs and trees that needs full sun or partial shade and little to regular water. These plants are natives of grasslands, rocky areas and forests in Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific Islands. Coprosma shrubs are valued for their easy maintenance and beautiful foliage. Pair these ornamentals with Dahlias, Carex, or Pansies for a contrasting look in mixed beds and borders, or use them to create structure and add foliage color to shrubberies. Take care when planting these shrubs in the landscape, as the berries of some species have been reported to be toxic to pets if ingested.

Coprosma Species and Varietals

The genus Coprosma includes about 140 distinct species and subspecies, and is a member of the family Rubiaceae. The genus name Coprosma refers to the fact that the foliage of a few species gives out an interesting smell (kopros means 'smells like dung' in Greek). The best growing zone depends on the species; see descriptions below for more information. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.

Coprosma chathamica (Chatham Island Karamu)
This species is endemic to the Chatham Islands of New Zealand, and forms a large canopy tree that reaches up to 50 feet tall. It prefers peaty or waterlogged sites in coastal and inland forested areas. This species grows well in warmer zones, typically in USDA hardiness zones 9-11, and can tolerate short periods of mild frost.

Coprosma hirtella (Coffee Berry, Coffee-Berry)
Endemic to southeastern Australia, this species reaches up to 6.5 feet tall at maturity. Foliage is green and flowers are present between August and April in the species native range.

Coprosma spp. Hybrids (Hybrid Coprosma)
These shrubs grow best in USDA hardiness zones 8-11 or Sunset growing zones 8, 9, and 14-24. Foliage is dramatically-colored, and most grow to be 4-5 feet tall and wide at maturity. They provide great border plants and can be grown in containers, as well. Varieties are listed and described below.

'Evening Glow'
Glossy green leaves variegated with gold during growing season, turn red in fall and winter.

'Rainbow Surprise'
Variegated leaves with cream and pink, turning red in fall and winter.

'Tequila Sunrise'
A more compact variety; shiny green new leaves turn gold and orange, turning red and orange in winter.

'Coppershine'
Grows to 6 feet tall, bright green and copper leaves. Good hedge or screen that turns bright copper in winter.

Coprosma x kirkii (Dwarf Mirror Plant, Creeping Mirror Plant)
Grows best in USDA hardiness zones 8-11 or Sunset growing zones 14-24, H1 and H2. Individual plants reach 1-3 feet tall and 4-6 feet wide. Yellow-green leaves and white fruits that are speckled red. Needs partial shade inland, and grows in a wide variety of soils. 'Variegata' reaches 2 feet tall and 5 feet wide, and has cream-edged leaves and translucent white berries. This variety is great for wall pots and hanging baskets, and can also be used as a groundcover.

Coprosma petriei (Coprosma pumila) (Mirror Plant, Mirror Bush, Turfy Coprosma)
A spreading, mounding habit defines this plant, which grows best in USDA hardiness zones 6-9 or Sunset growing zones 8, 9, and 14-24. Leaves are shiny and bright green. It forms a wonderful groundcover in about three years. Can tolerate more cold than other species. Fruits are translucent purple-red or blue. Variety 'Verde Vista' (also called Coprosma prostrata) is a natural hybrid of this species.

Coprosma repens (Coprosma baueri) (Mirror Plant, Mirror Bush, Looking-Glass Bush, New Zealand Laurel, Taupata)
Grows best in zones 14-24 and H1. Grows quickly to 10 feet tall and 6 feet wide. Dark to light green leaves that are very shiny and glossy. Varieties of this species are listed below with descriptions. This species is considered invasive in coastal Australia, Hawai'i, California, and South Africa.

'Argentea'
Leaves variegated with silvery white

'Marble Queen'
Grows 2-3 feet tall, and has cream leaves dotted with green.

'Marble King'
Slower to grow, with cream leaves speckled with lime green.

'Picturata'
Green leaves with blotches of creamy yellow.

'Marginata'
Green leaves are irregularly edged in creamy white.

'Pink Splendor'
Green leaves with a salmon-colored margin.

Caring for coprosma

Coprosma shrubs are considered easy-care plantings, and do not require much attention. It is a great choice for areas of the garden that are a bit neglected, and can take oceanside conditions in stride. Plant in full sun to partial shade in well-draining soil. New plants will need to be watered regularly, but once established, Coprosma is considered a drought-tolerant plant, only needing supplemental water during the warmest months of the year to prevent the soil from completely drying out. Apply 2-3 inches of compost or mulch around the bottom of the plant to increase soil water retention.

Propagation

Coprosma is best propagated by using cuttings. The cuttings can either be softwood cuttings taken in spring and summer when the shrub is putting out new growth, or semi-hardwood cuttings taken after flowers fade for the year. To propagate your Coprosma, follow the instructions below:

Propagating Coprosma by Cutting

Gather your materials. You'll need a clean, sanitized, sharp pair of garden shears, rooting hormone, a pencil, and a 3-inch pot filled with well-draining compost or other organic material. A good substrate for propagation of cuttings is a light blend of 1/3 pasteurized soil or compost, 1/3 sand, vermiculite or perlite, and 1/3 coconut coir or peat moss.
Choose the plant that you'd like to propagate. Ensure that this plant has had a good watering the night before, as this will improve the chances your cutting will take root. Cut one or more 6 inch portion(s) of the end of a non-blooming branch and strip the leaves off of the lower half. Make a hole in your planting medium by pushing your pencil into the soil. Dip the end of the stem in rooting hormone, and plant it in your pot. Fill in soil around the cutting to support it, but do not pack it down too much.
Moisten with water, and ensure that the pot has good drainage. Your pot should be kept in warm, sunny conditions indoors (and not in direct sunlight). Water whenever your soil is dry under the top layer. After about four to six weeks have passed, your cutting should be rooted. When you notice new growth on your propagated shrub, you'll know you have roots.
Keep your new plant in an area with bright light (though not direct sunlight) and temperatures between 55 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure that the soil stays moist, but not wet, until the next spring, when you can transplant it to its new home. Ensure that the last frost of the year has occurred before doing this, as it can seriously damage your new shrub.

Problems and Pests

Coprosma plants are disease and pest-tolerant. For information on commonly-encountered pests and diseases in the landscape, including how to treat and prevent them, consult the following pages:

Pests & Pest Management

Plant issues