Name: The Plant Company
Address: 284 Meeanee Road, Meeanee, Napier, 4112, New Zealand
Telephone: 0800 843 752
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variegated coprosma

If you're searching for a striking, easy-care plant to brighten up your New Zealand garden, variegated coprosma is an excellent choice. Known for its glossy leaves with beautiful cream, gold, or lime-green patterns, variegated coprosma adds colour and texture year-round. These hardy native shrubs flourish in a range of conditions, from coastal gardens to urban landscapes, and make fantastic hedging, ground cover, or statement container plants.

Coprosma kirkii 'variegata'

Coprosma kirkii 'Variegata' is a hardy NZ native groundcover shrub admired for its trailing habit and attractive variegated foliage of green edged with cream. This evergreen plant provides year round colour and texture while suppressing weeds and covering bare ground. Naturally tough and adaptable, it thrives in coastal conditions, exposed sites, and light frost. Coprosma kirkii 'Variegata' is both practical and decorative in NZ gardens and landscapes.

Buy Coprosma kirkii 'variegata'

From $21.53

Suited to regions: All regions

Plant type: Groundcover Plants

Height: 60 cm

Spread: 1.50 m

Flowering time: Spring

Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy, Wind

Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Ground covering, Living areas, Parks, Paths & Steps, Ponds, Pool areas, Specimen

Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Japanese, Mediterranean, Modern, Native, Rock

Coprosma 'Lemon and Lime'

Coprosma 'Lemon and Lime', also known as Variegated Mirror Bush, is a compact New Zealand native shrub featuring small, glossy leaves variegated in shades of lemon, lime, and green. Growing up to 1.2 metres tall and 1 metre wide, it thrives in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soils, tolerating coastal conditions, wind, and light frost. This low-maintenance plant is ideal for hedging, containers, and adding vibrant year-round colour to gardens.

Buy Coprosma 'Lemon and Lime'

From $21.53

Suited to regions: All regions

Plant type: Shrubs

Height: 1.20 m

Spread: 1.00 m

Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy, Wind

Garden uses: Containers, Living areas, Ponds, Pool areas

Garden styles: Alpine, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Native, Rock

What is Variegated Coprosma?

Variegated coprosma refers to several cultivars within the Coprosma genus, each featuring distinct patterns of variegation. Commonly known as “mirror bush” for its reflective, leathery foliage, these plants are incredibly popular in New Zealand gardens. The variegation ranges from subtle cream or gold margins to striking, multi-toned leaves depending on the variety.

Top Variegated Coprosma Varieties

There’s a variegated coprosma for every garden style, whether you prefer compact ground covers or standout shrubbery.

Coprosma kirkii 'variegata': A low-growing, spreading variety, perfect for ground cover or cascading over retaining walls, with elegant grey-green leaves edged in creamy white.
Coprosma 'Marble Queen' (Variegated Mirror Bush): This popular choice offers glossy green leaves marbled with creamy white, making it a spectacular shrub for hedges or pots.
Coprosma 'Lemon and Lime': A vibrant selection with bold yellow and lime-green foliage, ideal for brightening mixed borders or containers.
Coprosma 'Green and Gold': With contrasting green and gold variegation, this variety forms a tidy, rounded shrub that holds its colour even in cooler months.
Coprosma Goldstream (Coprosma kirkii Goldstream): Features arching stems covered in golden-green leaves, making it a standout as a ground cover or for softening hard landscaping.

How to Grow Variegated Coprosma

Variegated coprosma thrives in full sun to part shade and prefers well-drained soil. These tough plants tolerate salt spray, wind, and urban conditions, making them ideal for coastal or low-maintenance gardens. Pruning is straightforward—clip lightly after flowering to maintain shape and encourage dense growth. Water young plants regularly until established, then enjoy their drought tolerance.

Design Uses for Variegated Coprosma

Thanks to their vivid colours, variegated coprosma plants are versatile in landscaping:

Use as a low hedge or formal border.
Mass-plant as eye-catching ground cover.
Mix into shrub borders for year-round interest.
Plant in containers for patios or entranceways.

Mix different varieties like Coprosma kirkii 'variegata' and Coprosma Goldstream (Coprosma kirkii Goldstream) for a tapestry of texture and colour.

Why Choose Variegated Coprosma?

These resilient, evergreen natives are prized for their vivid foliage and adaptability. Whether you're looking to brighten a dull corner, stabilise a bank, or simply add a touch of year-round colour, variegated coprosma is a winning solution for New Zealand gardens. Explore the full range of colourful varieties to find your perfect match today.

Contact us

Whether you need assistance finding the plant you’re looking for or you simply want to know more about who we are and what we do, we invite you to get in touch with us today. A member of The Plant Company team will get back in touch as soon as possible.