Coprosma repens
Coprosma repens
Mirror plant
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Description
Coprosma repens, the mirror plant, is a glossy, salt-tolerant evergreen shrub from New Zealand. It thrives in coastal gardens, makes a neat hedge or container accent, and comes in eye-catching variegated cultivars. Easy-care and wind-hardy once established.
Common Names
Mirror plantLooking-glass plantShiny leafTaupata
Context
nativeRegion
Coastal New Zealand (North Island and northern South Island)
usdaZones
9-11
companionPlants
Hebe, Phormium (New Zealand flax), Cordyline australis, Westringia, Leptospermum, Lomandra, Grevillea, Aeonium
culturalUses
Ornamental coastal hedging and windbreaks, topiary and formal borders, containers on patios, and foliage interest in landscape and floristry.
Care
Care Requirements
LightFull sun to light shade; best color in sun. In hot inland climates, give afternoon shade to prevent leaf scorch.
WateringWater regularly to establish, then moderate and drought-tolerant. Let top 1–2 inches of soil dry between waterings.
SoilWell-drained sandy or loamy soil; tolerates poor and coastal alkaline soils. Aim for pH 6.0–8.0.
FertilizerLight feeder. Apply balanced slow-release fertilizer in spring; optional compost mulch. Avoid high nitrogen.
HumidityAverage household/outdoor humidity is fine; excellent tolerance to salt spray and wind.
TemperatureIdeal 60–80°F (16–27°C). Hardy to about 25–30°F (-4 to -1°C). Best outdoors in USDA zones 9–11.
Growth & Life Cycle
HabitDense, bushy evergreen shrub; naturally rounded; can be clipped into hedges or shapes.
Mature Size6–10 ft tall and 6–8 ft wide (1.8–3.0 m), occasionally larger in mild climates.
Growth RateModerate to fast in warm, coastal conditions.
BloomingSmall, inconspicuous greenish flowers in spring to early summer; female plants may bear orange-red berries in late summer to fall.
DormancyEvergreen; growth slows in cool winter conditions.
Propagation
MethodsSemi-hardwood cuttings, Softwood cuttings, Seed
DifficultyEasy to moderate
Best SeasonLate summer to early autumn for semi-hardwood cuttings; spring for softwood cuttings and seed sowing.
Maintenance & Notes
PruningLightly trim 1–3 times a year to maintain shape; best after flowering or late winter. Can rejuvenate with a harder prune in spring.
RepottingFor containers, repot every 2–3 years in spring into a well-draining mix. Step up 1–2 sizes; avoid waterlogged media.
Pests & DiseasesGenerally resilient. Watch for scale, mealybugs, and aphids (sooty mold may follow). Avoid root rot by ensuring sharp drainage; occasional leaf scorch in hot, dry winds.
ToxicityNot commonly listed as toxic to humans or pets; ingestion may cause mild stomach upset. Supervise children and pets around berries.
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