Species

Coprosma repensMirror Bush

5 other cultivars

shrub

Mirror Bush 'Fireburst'

Coprosma repens 'Fireburst'

The Story

Plant Bio

Coprosma repens, native to New Zealand, is a robust evergreen shrub highly tolerant of coastal salt spray and wind. The species features thick, exceptionally glossy leaves and produces small, inconspicuous green flowers in spring that rely on wind pollination.

'Fireburst' is distinguished by its highly variegated foliage, which displays shades of olive green, cream, and pink borders during the warm months. As temperatures drop in fall and winter, the leaves transition to intense, fiery red tones.

Uses & Benefits:

Highly glossy, variegated foliage that transitions to brilliant fiery red during cold weather.

Excellent salt tolerance makes it highly effective for windbreaks and hedges in seaside gardens.

Provides dense cover for small garden insects and shelter in coastal environments.

SpeciesCoprosma repensMirror Bush

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

60"

Width

60"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

9, 10

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Moderate to High

Lifespan

Long-lived

Native To

New Zealand

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Spring

In flower about 3 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site with full sun to partial shade and exceptionally well-drained, acid-to-neutral soil.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and of equal depth, ensuring the crown sits level with the surrounding soil.
Water thoroughly at planting and maintain consistent moisture until the root system is fully established.
Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer monthly during the active spring and summer growing seasons if growing in containers.

Pro Tip

Prune the shrub in late winter or early spring to maintain a dense, compact form, but avoid cutting back into old, leafless woody stems where adventitious buds fail to reshoot.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

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.

Don't

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.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Pest Check
Prune
Winter Prep

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

HedgesSeaside GardensContainer PlantingAccent PlantMass Planting

Companion Plants

Phormium tenax Cordyline fruticosa Carex testacea

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Mirror Bush 'Fireburst' questions

What zones can Mirror Bush 'Fireburst' grow in?

Mirror Bush 'Fireburst' is hardy in USDA Zones 9–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Mirror Bush 'Fireburst' deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Mirror Bush 'Fireburst', especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Mirror Bush 'Fireburst' bloom?

Mirror Bush 'Fireburst' typically blooms in spring through spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Mirror Bush 'Fireburst' need full sun?

Mirror Bush 'Fireburst' does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Mirror Bush 'Fireburst' drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Mirror Bush 'Fireburst' handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.