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Found in the coastal regions of New Zealand , Coprosma repens is an attractive evergreen plant bush with blank and greenish foliage .

It ’s part of theRubiaceaefamily of plants and offers dense leafage . These industrial plant are native to grasslands , rough areas , and forests of Australia , New Zealand , and some Pacific Islands .

Attractive Mirror Plant

Photo Credit: Instagram @drewwski

Because they develop in a much strong and dryer clime than we have here in the Pacific Northwest , Coprosma is considered borderline hardy here and will call for to be protected or moved to a glasshouse for overwintering .

Coprosma Repens has earned several common names :

The name of the genus comes from the Greek word for muck and odour , referring to the foul odor produced when jam the leaves .

Variegated green plant leaves in a pot

While it has an odd smell , the mirror plant is easy to cultivate and ask modified sustainment once established .

Coprosma Repens Quick Care Tips

Mirror Plant Care

Size and Growth

Depending on the environment , the mirror plant may provide a low - acquire ground concealment or become a bush .

In some cases , it may develop into a pocket-sized tree pass up to 25′ foot improbable .

In North America , the plant is often grown as a bush , reaching 5′ to 6′ feet tall .

Vibrant variegated plant in a wooden pot.

The plant has lime green , rounded glossy leave that protect the plant from salt when develop near coastal area .

Flowering and Fragrance

The flowers appear in the outflow and summertime . manly bloom farm in large , dense clusters , while female flowers come out in small cluster .

The manful blossom feature funnel shape - shaped corolla , while the distaff flowers are tubular - form .

After the blossoming season , the plant bring forth orange - crimson yield that is less than half an inch in sizing .

Variegated green plants in sunlight.

Light and Temperature

The evergreen bush thrives when grown in full Dominicus to fond shade .

manful and female flowers grow on freestanding plant , with berry showing on female plants in late summertime and autumn .

It should also find some security from the blistering - hot afternoon sun , specially in warm regions .

Variegated green and yellow leaves.

The plant life is commend for year - rotund outside growth in USDA hardiness zones 9 to 11 .

The mirror flora is frost hardy down to 18 ° degrees Fahrenheit (-8 ° C ) .

Watering and Feeding

Mirror plant need frequent watering , especially after planting .

set up plants may only require occasional watering or regular watering . However , live atmospheric condition tend to increase the need for moisture .

Moreover , it prefers intermediate humidness levels .

Variegated green leaves with water droplets.

This species is democratic in coastal gardens because it is resistant to   salt spraying . The scientific name of this species Coprosma repens means “ dung aroma , ” relate to the foul smell that this specie emits when the leaves are crushed .

Use a boring - release industrial plant fertiliser at the start of spring before new outgrowth set forth .

The fertilizer should volunteer enough nutrients for the works throughout the year .

Soil and Transplanting

Plant in well - drained soil or sandy soil as the plant is prone to root rot from overwatering .

organ transplant plants in the spring before new growth starts . They do well as specimen plants , grown as a small hedgerow , or in   mass planting . They also make adorable container plants and can even do well indoors if placed in a shiny region .

Transplanting is n’t required but helps refresh the territory when planting the mirror plant in a container .

Grooming and Maintenance

Trim the plant back as ask in the spring to manage maturation .

This provides time for the plant to heal before going inactive in the winter .

touch on : How To Grow and Care For Leucadendron flora

How to Propagate Coprosma Repens

Propagate the mirror plant with seed or cuttings .

When propagating with cutting , only use cuttings from mature Ellen Price Wood on the plant .

Coprosma Repens Pest or Diseases

Root rot and fungal growth are common problems for Coprosma repens .

Protect against these exit by assure the soil has proper drainage .

If fungal growth appears , apply refreshed dirt to transplant the mirror plant .

bring down away the infected areas .

pestilence may also menace the industrial plant . Aphids , wanderer mites , mealybug , and whiteflies are common nuisances .

expend a nursing bottle of water or a garden hose to spray the blighter off .

If the critters stay , cautiously treat the plant with insecticidal soap .

Another potential issue is the spread of the plant . Due to its aggressive ontogeny , the mirror industrial plant may invade nearby plants .

Coprosma Repens is study an invasive mourning band in constituent of Australia , New Zealand , South Africa , California , and Hawaii .

The racy plant grows chop-chop and survive in a kind of climates , earmark it to spread .

The plant is n’t considered toxic , but the bright carmine berry may cause digestive distraint when human race or small animals take in it .

Keep child and pets away from the plant when the berries appear .

Suggested Mirror Plant Uses

The hardy plant works well in coastal areas as it can abide the salty environment and impregnable winds .

It also lighten any outside landscape but may pass around well in opened fields .

Several Hybrids

There are several Coprosma hybrid . Most produce 4′ to 5′ understructure improbable and nearly as wide .

‘ Evening Glow ’ has glossy gullible leaves that are variegated gold during the get season and turn orange - red in fall and wintertime .

‘ Rainbow Surprise ’ stick out leave of absence variegated with pick and pink , washed with red in fall and wintertime .

‘ Tequila Sunrise ’ raise shiny unripened novel growth edged with amber ; leaves gradually pick up shades of amber and orangish before turning bright red and orange in wintertime .

‘ Coppershine ’ acquire up to 6 foot tall ; leave of absence are bright light-green and heavy shaded with copper .