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coprosma microcarpa

Coprosma microcarpa is a compact, versatile New Zealand native shrub highly valued for its resilience and subtle beauty. If you’re looking for an easy-care, attractive native species for your landscape, Coprosma microcarpa is an ideal choice. Known for its dense growth and glossy green foliage, this species fits well into both formal gardens and naturalistic planting schemes. Read on to discover why Coprosma microcarpa deserves a spot in your garden, how to grow it, and which other Coprosmas complement it best.

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 environments. It features dense, tangled, prostrate growth with delicate, needle-like foliage in shades of green to bronze.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Groundcover Plants
Height: 30 cm
Spread: 1.50 m
Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy, Wind
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Ground covering, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Ponds, Pool areas
Garden styles: Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Modern, Native
Coprosma 'Black Cloud' shrub in a garden with black and green foliage.

Coprosma 'Black Cloud' (Black Coprosma)

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Coprosma 'Black Cloud' is a striking evergreen shrub valued for its deep near black foliage and compact growth habit. Well suited to New Zealand conditions, it is hardy low maintenance and performs well in coastal and urban gardens.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Groundcover Plants
Height: 70 cm
Spread: 1.50 m
Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy, Wind
Garden uses: Borders, Ground covering, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Ponds, Pool areas
Garden styles: Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Modern, Native
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 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 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-acerosa-hawera-5
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 'Beatson's Brown' small and glossy, brown foliage.
Coprosma 'Beatsons Brown'

Coprosma ‘Beatsons Brown’ is a hardy and attractive NZ native shrub valued for its rich bronze brown foliage and tidy rounded form. This colour rich...

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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 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 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 '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-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-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 '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 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 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 rhamnoides shrub in a NZ native garden.
Coprosma rhamnoides (Twiggy Coprosma)

Coprosma rhamnoides, commonly known as Twiggy Coprosma or Mingimingi, is a dense, divaricating New Zealand native shrub that reaches heights of up to...

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Ficus microcarpa (Chinese Banyan) tree growing as a specimen.
Ficus microcarpa (Chinese Banyan)

Ficus microcarpa, commonly known as Chinese Banyan, is a fast-growing, evergreen tree valued for its dense, glossy green foliage and broad, spreading...

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Coprosma grandifolia shrub with large and lush green leaves.
Coprosma grandifolia (Kanono)

Coprosma grandifolia, commonly known as Kanono, is a striking New Zealand native shrub valued for its large, glossy green leaves and upright growth...

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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-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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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 '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 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...

OUT OF STOCK
Coprosma 'Copper Shine' shrub with glossy, brown leaves for sale at The Plant Company nursery.
Coprosma 'Copper Shine'

Coprosma 'Copper Shine', commonly known as Mirror Bush, features small and glossy leaves that emerge with copper tones, and age to become mid-green...

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Coprosma arbora foliage.
Coprosma arborea (Mamangi)

Coprosma arborea, commonly known as Mamangi, is a fast growing New Zealand native shrub or small tree valued for its lush green foliage and hardy...

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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 tenuifolia tree with green foliage.
Coprosma tenuifolia (Wavy Leaved Coprosma)

Coprosma tenuifolia is a graceful NZ native shrub valued for its fine, arching branches and delicate foliage. This hardy evergreen plant provides...

OUT OF STOCK
Coprosma acerosa

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

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What is Coprosma microcarpa?

Coprosma microcarpa belongs to the diverse Coprosma genus, native to New Zealand. This species is renowned for its fine-textured, small leaves and neat growth habit. Typically forming a low, tidy shrub, Coprosma microcarpa can be used as a ground cover, hedging plant, or low-maintenance border. Its delicate foliage creates a soft, lush effect that blends beautifully with natives and exotics alike.

Growing Coprosma microcarpa in Your Garden

One of the biggest drawcards for Coprosma microcarpa is its adaptability. It copes well with a range of soil types, provided there is reasonable drainage. Like many Coprosma varieties, it prefers full sun to partial shade and is tolerant of coastal conditions, making it perfect for New Zealand gardens. Once established, Coprosma microcarpa requires minimal care, thriving with just the occasional prune to maintain its compact shape.

Regular watering will help young plants establish robust root systems, but mature Coprosma microcarpa is drought-tolerant and rarely troubled by pests or disease. Its understated size and low-care requirements make it an excellent option for urban, rural, or coastal gardens.

Landscaping Ideas and Plant Uses

Coprosma microcarpa is a smart solution for mass planting, erosion control, or as a textural filler beneath taller shrubs and small trees. Its subtle, fine leaves and dense growth make it a great companion for bold-leaved natives or to contrast with silver foliage plants. If you’re creating a native garden or want reliable structure in mixed borders, consider pairing it with other New Zealand Coprosmas.

For example, Coprosma Goldstream (Coprosma kirkii Goldstream) offers golden-green tones and a spreading habit—an excellent companion to mix with Coprosma microcarpa. If you want vertical interest, Coprosma australis (Coprosma grandifolia) provides lush, larger leaves and a robust shrubby form. For an ultra-compact choice, try Coprosma 'Mini Mac', popular for its tidy, formal appearance.

Similar Coprosma Species

There is a wide range of Coprosmas to enhance your planting palette. For groundcover, Coprosma Hawera (Sand Coprosma) spreads rapidly and tolerates exposed positions, complementing the finer foliage of Coprosma microcarpa. Or, for a striking reflective effect, Coprosma Green Rocks (Mirror Bush) delivers glossy, eye-catching leaves—ideal for adding winter sparkle and resilience to your garden.

If you’re keen on building a beautiful, low-maintenance New Zealand native garden, Coprosma microcarpa and its relatives offer a huge variety of forms, foliage, and colours to create a landscape that’s both practical and visually appealing. Whether used for structure, texture, or ground cover, this shrub will reward you for years to come.


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