Also known as Mirror Bush · 5 saves
Coprosma
Coprosma, the genus most gardeners know as mirror bush. We track 10 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 8 most-saved Coprosma varieties
Browse all 10 Coprosma varieties →
4 species of Coprosma
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Coprosma in Sow
Save the Coprosma you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Coprosma
Whats common across all Coprosma varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 10 most-grown of them.
The Coprosma year
- PruneMarch and April100% of varieties
Lightly shear or tip-prune to maintain shape, avoiding old bare wood.
- Check for PestsJune–August100% of varieties
Inspect leaf undersides for scale insects and spider mites.
- FertilizeMarch and April90% of varieties
Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer monthly for container plants.
- Winter PrepNovember60% of varieties
Move container plants indoors or protect from hard freezes in zones below 9.
- MulchApril and May30% of varieties
Apply organic mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds around the base.
- PropagateJune and July30% of varieties
Take semi-hardwood stem cuttings during the summer months.
Do
- Ensure the soil drains rapidly to prevent root rot.
- Grow in full sun to maximize the intensity of the variegated and seasonal red foliage colors.
- Ensure the soil drains rapidly to prevent waterlogging around the root system.
- Protect container-grown specimens by moving them indoors or under cover when temperatures drop below 21°F.
- Ensure the soil has excellent drainage to prevent root rot.
Avoid
- Do not plant in heavy, poorly drained clay soils that retain standing water.
- Do not prune aggressively into old, bare wood, as the plant will not easily regenerate from these stems.
- Do not overwater established landscape plants, which perform best with moderate, deep watering.
- Do not plant in waterlogged, boggy, or poorly drained soils.
What goes wrong with Coprosma
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Curled new leaves and sticky honeydew deposits on foliage. | Wash off with a strong spray of water or apply insecticidal soap. |
| Spider mites | Fine webbing on leaf undersides and dusty, stippled foliage. | Increase humidity around the plant and spray with horticultural oil. |
| Scale insects | Small, raised brown bumps on stems and leaves, accompanied by yellowing. | Scrape off manually or apply systemic insecticide or horticultural oil. |
| Spider Mites | Fine webbing on branch tips and stippled, dusty-looking foliage. | Increase humidity around the plant and spray with horticultural oil if infestations persist. |
| Root rot | Wilting foliage, yellowing leaves, and mushy, blackened roots. | Improve soil drainage immediately and reduce watering frequency. |
| Powdery mildew | White, powdery fungal patches on leaf surfaces. | Improve air circulation and apply a sulfur-based fungicide if severe. |
| Root Rot | Wilting foliage, yellowing leaves, and decay at the soil line. | Improve soil drainage and avoid overwatering or planting in stagnant, waterlogged areas. |
Making more Coprosma
Semi-hardwood cuttings
- Take 3- to 4-inch cuttings of semi-hardwood stems in late summer.
- Remove the lower leaves, leaving only the top two pairs.
- Dip the cut end in rooting hormone and insert into a moist, sandy propagation mix.
- Keep in a warm, humid environment with indirect light until roots establish.
Coprosma questions
How many types of Coprosma are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 10 distinct Coprosma varieties. The most popular — ranked by 5 real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Coprosma grow in?
Across its varieties, Coprosma covers USDA Zones 8–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Coprosma bloom?
Most Coprosma varieties bloom in summer, spring, late winter. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Coprosma should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.