How to Grow Coprosma
Coprosma repens
Coprosma is a tough, glossy-leaved evergreen shrub from New Zealand and the Pacific, prized for its highly polished foliage which can range from bright green to gold, bronze, or variegated in cultivated forms. Excellent for coastal gardens as it withstands salt spray, wind, and drought once established. Plant in full sun to part shade in well-drained soil. Water regularly until established then reduce. Clip to shape in spring and again in late summer; responds well to hard pruning. Orange berries in autumn attract birds. Not fully frost-hardy — protect in cold winters.
Yearly Lifecycle
Care Essentials
Balanced slow-release fertiliser in spring. Avoid excess nitrogen.
Watch For
- Scale insects
- Aphids
- Root rot in poorly drained soils
Companions
Phormium, Pittosporum, Hebe, Griselinia
Care Requirements
Light
Full sun to part shade
Performs best in full sun which intensifies the leaf colour of coloured cultivars. Tolerates partial shade. Avoid deep shade which causes leggy growth and poor leaf colour.
Watering
Regular until established; drought tolerant thereafter
Water regularly during the first season. Once established, very drought tolerant. Ensure good drainage — susceptible to root rot in waterlogged soils.
Fertilizing
Balanced slow-release feed in spring
Apply a balanced slow-release fertiliser in spring. Avoid high-nitrogen feeds which promote soft growth prone to wind damage.
Pruning
Clip twice yearly in spring and late summer
Trim lightly in spring after new growth hardens and again in late summer. Tolerates hard renovation pruning in spring. Do not prune in late autumn or winter.
Spacing
90-180 cm depending on use
Space 90-150 cm for hedging or massed planting, 150-180 cm as specimens. Dwarf cultivars can be planted 60 cm apart.
Support
No support needed
Self-supporting shrub. No staking required.
Growing Tips
Ideal coastal shrub
One of the best shrubs for exposed coastal positions. It tolerates salt spray, strong winds, and sandy soils that would stress most ornamental shrubs.
Prune twice a year for neat shape
Clip lightly in spring after new growth hardens off and again in late summer. Tolerates hard pruning if renovation is needed.
Birds love the berries
Female plants produce small orange or red berries in autumn which are attractive to birds. Male and female plants are needed for berry production.
Spacing & Planting
| Plant spacing | 150 cm |
| Row spacing | 150 cm |
| Mature height | 200 cm |
| Mature spread | 200 cm |
Unclipped specimens can reach 2-3 m wide. Space 90-150 cm for hedging, 150-180 cm for specimens. Dwarf cultivars can be planted 60 cm apart.
