Coprosma Plants (Mirror Plant)

Evergreen Coprosma (Mirror Plant) for Colourful Foliage & Year-Round Interest

Coprosma, commonly known as Mirror Plant, is a striking evergreen shrub grown for its exceptionally glossy foliage and vibrant year-round colour. Depending on the variety, the leaves display stunning shades of green, gold, cream, pink, orange, red, burgundy and chocolate, often changing colour with the seasons to provide an ever-evolving display.

Compact, hardy and easy to grow, Coprosma is perfect for adding bold foliage colour to borders, patio containers, coastal gardens and contemporary planting schemes. Its naturally rounded habit and low-maintenance nature make it an excellent choice for gardens of all sizes.

Whether used as a colourful focal point or mixed with other evergreen shrubs, Coprosma brings outstanding texture and year-round appeal.

Why Choose Coprosma (Mirror Plant)?

Coprosma is one of the finest evergreen foliage shrubs for adding vibrant colour throughout the year.

Benefits include:

• Glossy evergreen foliage
• Spectacular year-round colour
• Colours intensify during autumn and winter
• Naturally compact growth
• Excellent for borders and containers
• Perfect for coastal gardens
• Low-maintenance and easy to grow
• Hardy throughout most of the UK

Its highly polished leaves give rise to the common name Mirror Plant, reflecting light beautifully throughout the garden.

Seasonal Interest

Coprosma is primarily grown for its colourful foliage rather than its flowers.

Throughout the year it provides:

• Bright new growth in spring
• Vibrant foliage throughout summer
• Rich autumn and winter colours
• Evergreen structure all year round

Many varieties become even more colourful as temperatures fall, making them particularly valuable during the colder months.

Where to Grow Coprosma

Coprosma thrives in sunny, sheltered positions.

Ideal planting locations include:

• Mixed shrub borders
• Contemporary gardens
• Coastal gardens
• Gravel gardens
• Patio containers
• Courtyards
• Raised beds

Its compact habit also makes it an excellent feature plant for pots and entrances.

Soil Requirements

Coprosma grows best in:

• Fertile, well-drained soil
• Loam
• Sandy soils
• Chalk
• Free-draining clay

Avoid heavy, permanently waterlogged ground, particularly during winter.

Watering & Feeding

Water regularly during the first growing season while plants establish.

Once established, Coprosma is relatively drought tolerant, although occasional watering during prolonged dry spells will keep the foliage looking its best.

Feed with a balanced fertiliser or mulch with compost in spring to encourage healthy new growth and vibrant foliage colour.

Pruning & Maintenance

Coprosma requires very little maintenance.

For the best results:

• Lightly trim after winter or in early spring to maintain a neat shape.
• Remove any dead, damaged or frost-affected growth.
• Avoid heavy pruning into old wood.
• Apply mulch annually to improve soil and retain moisture.

Regular light pruning will encourage a fuller, bushier plant.

Perfect Plant Combinations

Coprosma combines beautifully with other evergreen shrubs such as Phormium, Cordyline australis (Cabbage Palm), Hebe, Pittosporum and Griselinia, creating colourful, low-maintenance planting schemes. It also contrasts wonderfully with silver foliage plants like Lavender, Santolina and Convolvulus, while ornamental grasses such as Stipa tenuissima and Pennisetum add movement and texture. Whether planted in borders, containers or coastal gardens, Coprosma provides outstanding colour and year-round structure.

Coprosma (Mirror Plant) FAQs

What is the common name for Coprosma?

Coprosma is commonly known as Mirror Plant, thanks to its highly glossy, reflective evergreen leaves.

Is Coprosma evergreen?

Yes. Coprosma is an evergreen shrub, providing attractive foliage and colour throughout the year.

Does Coprosma prefer sun or shade?

Coprosma performs best in full sun or partial shade. The brightest foliage colours usually develop when grown in a sunny position.

Is Coprosma hardy?

Most Coprosma varieties are hardy throughout much of the UK. In colder areas, they benefit from a sheltered position and protection during severe frosts, especially when grown in containers.

Is Coprosma suitable for pots?

Yes. Coprosma is an excellent choice for containers thanks to its compact growth, colourful foliage and low-maintenance nature. Ensure pots have good drainage and protect container-grown plants during prolonged cold weather.

Buy Coprosma (Mirror Plant) Plants Online

Coprosma, or Mirror Plant, is one of the most colourful evergreen shrubs you can grow. Its glossy foliage, compact habit and ever-changing seasonal colours make it an outstanding choice for borders, containers, coastal gardens and contemporary planting schemes.

Browse our collection of Coprosma plants today and discover how these vibrant evergreen shrubs can bring year-round colour, structure and interest to your garden.