Species

Coprosma repensMirror Bush

5 other cultivars

shrub

Mirror Bush

Coprosma repens 'Inferno'

The Story

Plant Bio

Coprosma repens, native to New Zealand, is a robust evergreen shrub characterized by highly polished, leathery leaves that give rise to its common name of mirror bush. The species produces inconspicuous, wind-pollinated flowers followed by small orange-red berries on female plants, though it is primarily grown for its resilient coastal foliage.

'Inferno' is distinguished by its intense, shifting foliage variegation that transitions from lime green and yellow with red margins in summer to deep shades of pink, burgundy, and bronze in winter. This cultivar maintains a dense, upright, and columnar-to-oval growth habit that requires minimal shaping to stay compact.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides year-round structural interest with highly glossy, variegated foliage that intensifies to brilliant pink and burgundy in cold weather.

Tolerates extreme salt spray and coastal winds, making it an exceptional choice for challenging seaside landscapes.

Offers dense evergreen structure and shelter for beneficial insects, though it does not attract hummingbirds.

SpeciesCoprosma repensMirror Bush

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

60"

Width

48"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

9, 10

Water

Moderate to low

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Multi-year

Native To

New Zealand

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Spring – Summer

In flower about 6 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun to maximize the intensity of the variegated foliage colors.
Prepare well-drained soil, incorporating organic matter into sandy or clay loams to ensure excellent drainage.
Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and set the plant at the same depth as its nursery container.
Water deeply to establish the root system, then reduce frequency to allow the top few inches of soil to dry between waterings.

Pro Tip

Restrict pruning strictly to young, leafy stems; cutting back into old, leafless brown wood results in permanent bare patches as the plant fails to regenerate from old wood.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Grow in full sun to develop the brightest pink and burgundy winter coloration.
Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer or compost mulch in early spring.
Provide winter protection or move containers indoors if temperatures drop below 20 degrees Fahrenheit.

Don't

Do not prune hard into bare, woody stems that lack active green leaves.
Avoid overwatering or planting in heavy, poorly drained clay soils that invite root rot.
Do not apply excessive nitrogen fertilizer, which dilutes the vivid variegated foliage colors into dull green.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Coastal windbreaks and seaside gardensColorful accent or specimen plantingLow-maintenance hedges and screensContainer specimen for patios and courtyards

Companion Plants

Abelia grandiflora Loropetalum chinense Phormium tenax Salvia clevelandii

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Mirror Bush questions

What zones can Mirror Bush grow in?

Mirror Bush 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 deer resistant?

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

When does Mirror Bush bloom?

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

Does Mirror Bush need full sun?

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

Is Mirror Bush drought tolerant?

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