Species

Coprosma repensMirror Bush

5 other cultivars

shrub

Mirror Plant

Coprosma repens 'Lemon and Lime'

The Story

Plant Bio

Coprosma repens, native to New Zealand, is an evergreen shrub known for its exceptionally glossy, leathery leaves that reflect light. The species produces tiny, inconspicuous green flowers in spring that rely on wind pollination rather than insect attraction.

'Lemon and Lime' is a compact cultivar distinguished by its variegated foliage featuring bright yellow margins and irregular deep green centers. The new growth emerges in shades of lime green and yellow, then flushes with intense orange and bronze tones during the winter months.

Uses & Benefits:

Highly glossy, variegated foliage that shifts color from lime green to bright yellow, flushing orange and bronze in winter.

Excellent salt-spray tolerance makes it highly effective for coastal windbreaks and seaside landscaping.

Provides minimal ecological value in North America, occasionally visited by generalist tiny insects.

SpeciesCoprosma repensMirror Bush

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

36"

Width

32"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

9, 10

Water

Medium

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Perennial

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-draining 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 upon planting, then maintain regular moisture until the root system is established.
Apply a balanced, controlled-release fertilizer in early spring to support new foliage growth.

Pro Tip

Never prune hard into old, leafless brown wood, as this plant lacks epicormic buds on old stems and will fail to shoot back.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Plant in a bright, sunny position to maximize the vibrant yellow and lime variegation.
Ensure the soil drains rapidly to prevent root rot diseases.
Prune lightly in spring to maintain a compact, bushy shape.

Don't

Do not plant in heavy, waterlogged clay soils or areas with standing water.
Do not cut back into bare, woody stems that lack green leaves.
Do not grow in deep shade, which causes the foliage to lose its variegation and turn solid green.

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

Coastal GardensHedgesContainer PlantingAccent PlantWindbreaks

Companion Plants

Ceanothus Myrica cerifera Phormium tenax

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Mirror Plant questions

What zones can Mirror Plant grow in?

Mirror Plant 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 Plant deer resistant?

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

When does Mirror Plant bloom?

Mirror Plant 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 Plant need full sun?

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

Is Mirror Plant drought tolerant?

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