Call us: 0800 843 752Free shipping for orders $150 or over
Gift Vouchers

coprosma robusta tree

The Coprosma robusta tree, also known as Karamu, is a versatile and hardy New Zealand native shrub that thrives in a wide range of conditions. Beloved by gardeners and landscapers alike, this fast-growing evergreen features glossy, olive-green leaves and small orange-red fruit that attracts native birds like tui and kereru. Whether you’re restoring a native landscape, creating a shelterbelt, or looking for a resilient hedging plant, Coprosma robusta is a fantastic choice for gardens across Aotearoa.

Coprosma robusta (Karamu)

5 from 5 customers

Karamu, Karamū

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 glossy, dark green leaves and produces clusters of orange-red berries that attract native birds. Thriving in various conditions, including coastal areas and wetlands, Karamu is ideal for hedging, revegetation projects, and adding year-round interest to native gardens.

Coprosma robusta (Karamu) shrub growing as a specimen in a garden.
  • Suited to regions:
    All regions
  • Plant type:
    Shrubs
  • Height:
    6.00 m
  • Spread:
    3.00 m
  • Flowering time:
    Spring
  • Tolerances:
    Coastal, Hardy
  • Garden uses:
    Living areas, Ponds, Screening
  • Garden styles:
    Alpine, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Formal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Native, Riparian
coprosma-acerosa-hawera-5
Most Popular

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...

From$21.53
coprosma-repens-margarita-
Most Popular

Coprosma Margarita (Mirror Bush)

Coprosma Margarita, commonly known as Mirror Bush, features small and glossy leaves that are variegated green and brown. This evergreen grows...

From$21.53
Coprosma 'Mini Mac' small, green foliage.
Most Popular

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...

From$20.18
A lush Coprosma repens shrub growing in a shaded position.
Most Popular

Coprosma repens (Mirror Plant)

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...

From$20.18
Large Coprosma virescens shrub with brown stems and green leaves.
Most Popular

Coprosma virescens (Mikimiki)

Coprosma virescens, also known as Mingimingi or Mikimiki, is a distinctive New Zealand native shrub characterised by its dense, divaricating form...

From$21.53
An elegant Cistus lusitanicus white flower with red spots.
Most Popular

Cistus lusitanicus (Rock Rose)

Cistus lusitanicus, commonly known as the Gum Cistus, is a striking evergreen shrub valued for its large, white blooms marked with deep crimson spots...

From$24.23
Griselinia 'Gecko Green' plants growing as a hedge.
Most Popular

Griselinia 'Gecko Green'

Griselinia' Gecko Green' is an evergreen shrub with thick, glossy foliage that is deep green and held densely. It typically grows to 3 m tall and 2 m...

From$22.88
Rhododendron 'Simbu Sunset' orange flowers.
Most Popular

Rhododendron Vireya Simbu Sunset

Rhododendron Vireya ‘Simbu Sunset’ is a tropical shrub growing up to 1.5 metres tall with a compact, rounded growth habit. Known for its vivid orange...

From$28.28
azalea-red-poppy-
Most Popular

Azalea 'Red Poppy'

Azalea 'Red Poppy' is a vibrant flowering shrub admired for its bold red blooms that create a stunning display in spring. The rich colour adds...

From$26.93
Coprosma Red Rocks with colourful foliage in a garden.
Most Popular

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...

From$20.18
Coprosma robusta (Karamu)

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring Coprosma or Evergreen Shrubs.

Search Coprosma robusta (Karamu)

Why Grow Coprosma robusta Tree in Your Garden?

Coprosma robusta is one of New Zealand’s most adaptable natives. It tolerates wind, coastal exposure, and damp or dry soils, making it perfect for challenging sites. Growing up to 6 metres tall but happy to be trimmed into a manageable shrub, the Coprosma robusta tree provides excellent shelter from harsh conditions and encourages biodiversity with its nectar and fruit. It’s an ideal choice for both large-scale planting and smaller urban gardens seeking easy-care natives.

Planting and Care Tips for Coprosma robusta

This robust tree flourishes best in full sun to partial shade and will cope with a range of soil types, although it prefers well-drained ground. Plant Coprosma robusta in groups for shelterbelts, or use it as a wildlife-friendly backdrop to highlight feature shrubs and groundcovers. Water regularly during establishment, then let nature take over—its drought tolerance and pest resistance make it a low-maintenance addition to any landscape.

For best results, mulch around the base to conserve moisture and suppress weeds, especially during your plant’s early years. Prune lightly to encourage bushy growth or to maintain hedges.

Landscape Uses and Companion Plants

Coprosma robusta makes a stunning foil for contrasting textures and colours in your planting scheme. Pair it with other architectural natives like Cordyline terminalis or combine with groundcovers such as Coprosma Hawera (Sand Coprosma) for a layered effect. For a vibrant shrub border, add glossy-leaved varieties such as Coprosma Margarita (Mirror Bush) or Coprosma 'Mini Mac'.

Looking to extend the interest in your native garden? Try incorporating related species like Coprosma repens (Mirror Plant) for coastal plantings or the delicate Coprosma virescens (Mikimiki) for a finer-leaved alternative. Mix with colourful exotics like Azalea 'Louie Williams' or Hydrangea Fireworks for year-round blooms.

Benefits of the Coprosma robusta Tree

As well as offering shelter and food for birds and insects, the Coprosma robusta tree helps stabilise soil, making it valuable for revegetation and erosion control projects. Its rapid growth and resilience provide an instant effect in new gardens, while its subtle beauty and native heritage make it a foundation plant for any NZ landscape enthusiast. Complement it with flowering natives like Leptospermum Wiri Donna or bird-magnet species such as Banksia Bird Song.

Whether you’re designing a lush native shelterbelt, supporting wildlife, or establishing a hard-working hedge, the Coprosma robusta tree brings easy-care structure and enduring charm to gardens across New Zealand.


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.

Corokia Mangatangi and Avocado 'Reed' are classic choices, but adventurous gardeners will enjoy Hebe Orphan Annie, Hibiscus 'Isobel Beard', and Aesculus hippocastanum Baumannii.
–The Plant Company

Explore Garden Inspiration

Sign up to receive a free $10 Voucher You won’t be bombarded with emails, just titbits of quality information from time to time Sign up
Free shipping on orders over $150!

Join our community of happy customers.

4.9

429 Google reviews