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coprosma cheesemanii

Coprosma cheesemanii is a highly sought-after native New Zealand shrub, perfect for gardeners looking to create a resilient, attractive landscape that supports local ecosystems. Known for its tidy growth habit and glossy green foliage, Coprosma cheesemanii adds both visual interest and practicality to gardens, shelterbelts, and revegetation projects. This page will guide you through its key features, ideal planting situations, care requirements, and how it compares to other popular Coprosma varieties.

Corokia cheesemanii shrub with grey-green foliage growing in a border garden.

Corokia cheesemanii

Corokia cheesemanii is a hardy, NZ native shrub that grows with a bushy habit and features attractive, olive green-silver foliage. The small leaves are held on silver stems. Small, star like, yellow flowers which are mildly fragrant are produced in summer as it grows to 2.5 m tall and 1 m wide. Corokia cheesemanii is commonly clipped into a hedge, added to a mixed planting, used for shelter and screening, or included to contrast with plants that have dark foliage.

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Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Shrubs
Height: 2.50 m
Spread: 1.00 m
Flowering time: Summer
Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy, Wind
Garden uses: Hedging, Pool areas, Screening
Garden styles: Alpine, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Formal, Frontyard, Japanese, Mediterranean, Modern, Native, Riparian
Coprosma 'Mini Mac' small, green foliage.

Coprosma 'Mini Mac'

Coprosma 'Mini Mac' is a compact evergreen shrub valued for its glossy green foliage and tidy rounded form. Well suited to New Zealand conditions, it is hardy low maintenance and performs well in coastal and urban gardens. This variety is ideal for gardeners wanting year-round interest in borders containers and mass plantings.

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Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Shrubs
Height: 50 cm
Spread: 50 cm
Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy, Wind
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Hedging, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Patios, Ponds, Pool areas
Garden styles: Alpine, Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Formal, Frontyard, Japanese, Mediterranean, Modern, Native, Rock
Coprosma kirkii green foliage held on yellow stems.
Coprosma kirkii

Coprosma kirkii, commonly known as Creeping Coprosma, is a hardy NZ native groundcover shrub valued for its dense, trailing habit and small glossy...

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Coprosma repens 'Middlemore' high-quality plants for sale at The Plant Company nursery.
Coprosma 'Middlemore'

Coprosma 'Middlemore' is a hardy New Zealand native shrub valued for its dense bright green foliage and compact rounded growth habit. Well suited to...

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Coprosma 'Flat Freddy' ground cover shrub with brown stems and leaves.
Coprosma 'Flat Freddy'

Coprosma 'Flat Freddy' is a unique ground covering evergreen shrub valued for its rich chocolate brown foliage and naturally spreading form. Well...

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Coprosma 'Black Cloud' shrub in a garden with black and green foliage.
Coprosma 'Black Cloud' (Black Coprosma)

Coprosma 'Black Cloud' is a striking evergreen shrub valued for its deep near black foliage and compact growth habit. Well suited to New Zealand...

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Coprosma robusta (Karamu) shrub growing as a specimen in a garden.
Coprosma robusta (Karamu)

Coprosma robusta, commonly known as Karamu, is a versatile New Zealand native shrub or small tree reaching up to 6 metres in height. It features...

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Coprosma acerosa growing on a sand dune.
Coprosma acerosa

Coprosma acerosa, also known as Sand Coprosma or Tātaraheke, is a hardy New Zealand native groundcover well-suited to exposed and coastal...

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Coprosma 'Hawera' (Sand Coprosma)

Coprosma 'Hawera' (Sand Coprosma) is a hardy New Zealand native shrub valued for its fine foliage and excellent tolerance to coastal conditions. The...

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Coprosma Red Rocks with colourful foliage in a garden.
Coprosma 'Red Rocks'

Coprosma 'Red Rocks' is a hardy NZ native shrub known for its rich red toned foliage and tough spreading habit. Naturally found in coastal...

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Coprosma 'Painters Palette' colourful, glossy foliage.
Coprosma 'Painters Palette'

Coprosma 'Painters Palette' is a colourful evergreen shrub valued for its vibrant foliage in shades of pink, cream, gold, and green. Well suited to...

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Coprosma 'Portwine' plants for sale at The Plant Company nursery.
Coprosma 'Portwine'

Coprosma 'Portwine' is a bold evergreen shrub admired for its rich deep burgundy foliage that delivers dramatic colour throughout the year. Well...

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Coprosma kirkii 'Variegata' plants in pots.
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...

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Coprosma acerosa 'Taiko' plants for sale at The Plant Company nursery.
Coprosma 'Taiko'

Coprosma 'Taiko' is a compact evergreen shrub valued for its rich chocolate to deep burgundy foliage and naturally rounded form. This hardy selection...

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coprosma-hot-chocolate-
Coprosma 'Hot Chocolate'

Coprosma 'Hot Chocolate' is a striking evergreen shrub admired for its rich chocolate brown foliage tones blended with hints of burgundy and bronze...

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Coprosma Poor Knights with lush green foliage.
Coprosma 'Poor Knights' (Taupata)

Coprosma 'Poor Knights' is a vibrant evergreen shrub valued for its glossy lime green foliage and compact rounded habit. This NZ native selection...

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coprosma-repens-green-rocks-
Coprosma 'Green Rocks'

Coprosma 'Green Rocks' is a hardy evergreen shrub admired for its dense compact growth habit and fresh green glossy foliage. This attractive New...

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Coprosma 'Rainbow Surprise' pink and dark red foliage.
Coprosma 'Rainbow Surprise'

Coprosma ‘Rainbow Surprise’ is a vibrant NZ shrub admired for its colourful and glossy foliage. The leaves display a lively mix of pink, cream, and...

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A lush Coprosma repens shrub growing in a shaded position.
Coprosma repens (Taupata)

Coprosma repens, also known as Taupata or Mirror Plant, is a robust New Zealand native shrub featuring lush, glossy green foliage. Growing up to 3...

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coprosma-repens-plum-hussey--1
Coprosma 'Plum Hussey'

Coprosma 'Plum Hussey' is a striking evergreen shrub admired for its rich plum purple foliage and naturally dense growth habit. This colourful New...

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coprosma-scarlett-ohara-
Coprosma 'Scarlett O'Hara'

Coprosma 'Scarlett O’Hara' is a vibrant evergreen shrub admired for its striking red toned foliage and naturally dense growth habit. This colourful...

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Coprosma australis green foliage and red berries.
Coprosma australis

Coprosma australis is a hardy New Zealand native shrub or small tree valued for its glossy green foliage and strong tolerance to coastal and exposed...

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Coprosma intertexta shrub.
Coprosma intertexta

Coprosma intertexta is a distinctive New Zealand native shrub admired for its intricate interlacing branches and fine textured appearance. This hardy...

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Coprosma 'Cappuccino' shrub with small, brown leaves.
Coprosma 'Cappuccino' (Brown Coprosma)

Coprosma 'Cappuccino' is a striking evergreen shrub valued for its rich chocolate brown foliage and compact rounded form. Well suited to New Zealand...

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Coprosma Lobster plant in a garden with vibrant red foliage.
Coprosma 'Lobster' (Mountain Coprosma )

Coprosma 'Lobster' is a striking evergreen shrub admired for its glossy foliage in shades of deep red, burgundy, and chocolate. This compact shrub...

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Coprosma rigida small plants in a garden.
Coprosma rigida (Matagouri Coprosma)

Coprosma rigida, commonly known as Stiff Karamu, is a hardy New Zealand native shrub reaching up to 4 metres in height. It features small green...

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Coprosma rotundifolia shrub with green foliage.
Coprosma rotundifolia (Round-Leaf Coprosma)

Coprosma rotundifolia, commonly known as Round-Leaf Coprosma, is a versatile New Zealand native shrub reaching up to 3 metres in height and 2 metres...

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Coprosma neglecta shrub in a garden.
Coprosma neglecta

Coprosma neglecta is a hardy New Zealand native shrub valued for its dense spreading growth habit and glossy evergreen foliage. This versatile plant...

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coprosma-areolata-
Coprosma areolata (Thin-Leaved Coprosma)

Coprosma areolata is a graceful New Zealand native shrub admired for its fine branching structure, delicate foliage, and natural woodland appearance...

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coprosma-lighthouse--1
Coprosma 'Lighthouse'

Coprosma 'Lighthouse' is a striking evergreen shrub admired for its upright growth habit and vibrant colourful foliage. This attractive New Zealand...

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Coprosma parviflora leaves and stems.
Coprosma parviflora (Leafy Coprosma)

Coprosma parviflora is a hardy New Zealand native shrub valued for its fine textured foliage and naturally dense branching habit. This evergreen...

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coprosma-inferno-
Coprosma 'Inferno'

Coprosma 'Inferno' is a vibrant evergreen shrub admired for its fiery foliage colours featuring rich shades of red, orange, bronze, and green...

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Corokia cheesemanii

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Coprosma, and Corokia, or related Categories - Groundcover Plants, and Evergreen Shrubs.

Search coprosma cheesemanii

What is Coprosma cheesemanii?

Coprosma cheesemanii is a dense, compact evergreen shrub that typically grows up to 1–2 metres tall, making it a versatile choice for borders, hedges, and mixed native plantings. The plant is instantly recognisable by its small, rounded, shiny leaves, which provide year-round colour and texture. In spring, tiny flowers may appear, followed by orange-red berries that attract native birds, enhancing your garden’s biodiversity.

Why Choose Coprosma cheesemanii for Your Garden?

Gardeners value Coprosma cheesemanii for its remarkable toughness and low maintenance requirements. It thrives in a range of conditions from full sun to partial shade and tolerates exposed coastal sites, wind, and poor soils—a true testament to its adaptability. This robust shrub is ideal for erosion control, low shelter planting, and naturalistic designs.

Coprosma cheesemanii also offers salt tolerance, making it an excellent choice for coastal gardens or windy spots throughout New Zealand. Its bushy growth habit provides shelter, privacy, and critical habitat for birds and insects.

Planting and Care Tips

To get the best from your Coprosma cheesemanii, plant it in well-draining soil, spacing them about a metre apart for ground cover or hedging. While the shrub is drought tolerant once established, watering during dry periods will encourage lush growth. Minimal pruning is required—just a light trim to shape, if needed.

Mulching around the base reduces weeds and helps retain moisture. Being naturally hardy, Coprosma cheesemanii rarely suffers from pest or disease problems, so you can enjoy a hassle-free native shrub that supports your garden’s ecosystem.

Comparing Coprosma cheesemanii with Other Shrubs

If you’re exploring native options, there are several unique Coprosma varieties you may enjoy adding to your landscape alongside Coprosma cheesemanii. For example, Coprosma australis (Coprosma grandifolia) offers larger leaves and a taller, bushy habit perfect for shelterbelts or screening. For ultra-compact spaces, consider Coprosma 'Mini Mac', a dwarf selection with glossy foliage.

Those looking for an outstanding visual accent may appreciate the striking form and colour of Coprosma Lighthouse, while Coprosma intertexta delivers fine, interlacing branches ideal for texture in a mixed planting.

While not a Coprosma, Corokia cheesemanii is another resilient New Zealand native with a similar use in hedges and dry spots—excellent for comparison if you’re designing a native garden.

Enhance Your Garden with Coprosma cheesemanii

Whether you’re planting for privacy, wildlife, or the sheer beauty of natives, Coprosma cheesemanii is a fantastic choice for gardens across New Zealand. With its resilience, functional benefits, and year-round appeal, it’s easy to see why this native shrub deserves a place in your landscape design. Consider combining it with other native selections for a thriving, nature-rich garden that will be enjoyed for years to come.

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.

Illustration of plant leaves.
Start your garden with Ficus pumila and Ficus benjamina 'Starlight', and add depth with lesser-known gems like Schefflera arboricola variegated, Alstroemeria White Buttons (Peruvian Lily), and Olive 'Leccino'.
–The Plant Company

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