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(Coprosma rubra)
Mirror Bush (Coprosma rubra)
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Jon Sullivan
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
Jon Sullivan
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Jon Sullivan | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: Jon Sullivan | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2018-01-08T13:31:47-08:00 |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Coprosma repens, commonly known as Mirror Bush, is an evergreen shrub native to coastal forests, scrublands, and rocky areas in New Zealand. It typically grows to a height and width of 3-5 feet (0.9-1.5 meters), with a dense, rounded form. The plant is noted for its glossy, leathery leaves that can vary in color from green to shades of bronze, red, or yellow, depending on the cultivar and environmental conditions. Small, inconspicuous white flowers may appear in spring, followed by non-showy, orange-red drupes if both male and female plants are present.
Mirror Bush is valued for its shiny foliage and its ability to withstand coastal conditions, including salt spray and wind. It is often used for hedging, shelterbelts, and as an ornamental plant in coastal gardens. This shrub thrives in full sun to part shade, prefers well-drained soils, and is drought-tolerant once established. It can be invasive in some regions outside its native range, so gardeners should check local guidelines before planting. Some popular cultivars include ’Pacific Night’ with its dark purple foliage and ’Evening Glow’ with variegated leaves. Potential problems include scale insects and root rot in poorly drained soils.CC BY-SA 4.0
Mirror Bush is valued for its shiny foliage and its ability to withstand coastal conditions, including salt spray and wind. It is often used for hedging, shelterbelts, and as an ornamental plant in coastal gardens. This shrub thrives in full sun to part shade, prefers well-drained soils, and is drought-tolerant once established. It can be invasive in some regions outside its native range, so gardeners should check local guidelines before planting. Some popular cultivars include ’Pacific Night’ with its dark purple foliage and ’Evening Glow’ with variegated leaves. Potential problems include scale insects and root rot in poorly drained soils.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Shrub
- Height: 3-5 feet
- Width: 3-5 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: N/A
- Flowering Season: Winter, Spring
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Low
- Drainage: Fast
Common Uses
Bird Garden, Low Maintenance
Natural Habitat
Coastal forests, scrublands, and rocky areas in New Zealand
Other Names
Common Names:
Scientific Names: , Coprosma rubra, Coprosma divaricata var. latifolia,
GBIF Accepted Name: Coprosma rubra Petrie