Species

Coprosma repensMirror Bush

5 other cultivars

shrub

Evening Glow Mirror Plant

Coprosma repens 'Evening Glow'

The Story

Plant Bio

Coprosma repens, commonly known as the mirror bush, is a robust evergreen shrub native to coastal New Zealand. The species is distinguished by its highly polished, leathery leaves and extreme tolerance to salt spray and coastal winds.

'Evening Glow' is distinguished by its variegated foliage featuring green centers bordered by irregular margins of yellow, gold, and red. These leaf colors intensify into deep orange-red, bronze, and burgundy tones during the cold temperatures of late fall and winter.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides year-round structural interest with highly glossy, variegated foliage that intensifies to brilliant orange and burgundy tones in winter.

Highly tolerant of salt spray and coastal winds, making it an excellent windbreak or hedge for seaside properties.

Offers dense evergreen cover and nesting sites for small birds in coastal landscapes.

SpeciesCoprosma repensMirror Bush

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

60"

Width

48"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

9, 10

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

10-20 years

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 in full sun to bright partial shade with exceptionally well-drained soil.
Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and set the plant at the same depth as it was in the container.
Backfill with native soil, press firmly to eliminate air pockets, and water thoroughly to settle.
Apply a thin layer of organic mulch around the base, keeping it clear of the main stem to prevent rot.

Pro Tip

Avoid heavy nitrogen fertilization and excessive shade, as both will wash out the intense winter foliage colors and turn the leaves predominantly green.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep root system.
Grow in containers in zones colder than USDA Zone 9 to allow for indoor overwintering.
Ensure the soil drains rapidly to prevent root rot.

Don't

Do not prune heavily into old, leafless bare wood, as the stems fail to reshoot easily.
Do not over-fertilize with nitrogen, which dilutes the vibrant winter foliage variegation.
Do not allow the roots to sit in standing water or soggy soil.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Coastal GardensHedgesContainer PlantingFocal PointMass Planting

Companion Plants

Phormium tenax Westringia fruticosa Salvia clevelandii Agave attenuata

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Evening Glow Mirror Plant questions

What zones can Evening Glow Mirror Plant grow in?

Evening Glow 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 Evening Glow Mirror Plant deer resistant?

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

When does Evening Glow Mirror Plant bloom?

Evening Glow 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 Evening Glow Mirror Plant need full sun?

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

Is Evening Glow Mirror Plant drought tolerant?

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