The Coprosma ‘Mirror Bush’ (Coprosma repens) is a hardy, evergreen shrub from New Zealand, named for its incredibly shiny, polished leaves. It’s a popular choice for gardens, particularly in coastal areas, due to its remarkable tolerance for salt spray and strong winds. While the original species has dark green foliage, numerous cultivars offer a stunning array of colours, including variegated greens, creams, yellows, oranges, and reds.
Usage This versatile plant is a fantastic choice for a range of uses in the garden. Its dense growth habit makes it perfect for creating low hedges, screens, and borders. Dwarf varieties are excellent as ground covers or for rockeries, while the larger forms can be used as a feature plant or in mass plantings. Its striking foliage also makes it an excellent choice for pots and containers on patios and balconies. The berries produced by female plants are a food source for local birds, adding to its appeal.
Care Tips
- Sunlight: Prefers full sun to partial shade. The foliage colour of variegated cultivars is often more intense in a brighter position.
- Soil: Thrives in well-drained soil, including sandy or loamy types. It can tolerate heavier soils but performs best in lighter ones. Avoid waterlogged conditions to prevent root rot.
- Watering: Water regularly after planting to help the shrub establish. Once mature, it is quite drought-tolerant and requires minimal watering, though it will benefit from a deep drink during hot, dry spells. Potted plants will need more frequent watering.
- Fertilising: A slow-release native plant fertiliser in spring is sufficient for garden plants. Potted plants can be fed with a liquid fertiliser during the active growing season (spring to autumn).
- Pruning: The Mirror Bush is very forgiving of pruning. Prune to shape and maintain its size, typically in late winter or early spring before new growth appears. Regular light pruning will encourage a denser, more compact habit and prevent the plant from becoming leggy.
- Propagation: It can be propagated from semi-hardwood cuttings taken in late summer. Stems that touch the ground can also self-layer and form new plants.
