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coprosma tree

The coprosma tree is a versatile and attractive feature in many New Zealand gardens, prized for its vibrant foliage, adaptability, and year-round interest. Whether you’re after shelter, hedging, native restoration, or simply a splash of colour, coprosmas have something to offer. With glossy leaves, many exhibiting striking colour changes through the seasons, coprosma trees have become increasingly popular among Kiwi gardeners looking for low-maintenance, resilient plant choices. In this guide, we explore what makes coprosma trees so desirable, the top varieties to consider, and how to get the best from your planting.

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

Coprosma robusta (Karamu)

4.8 from 6 customers

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.

From $7.50

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

Coprosma 'Middlemore'

5 from 1 customers

Coprosma 'Middlemore' is a hardy New Zealand native shrub valued for its dense bright green foliage and compact rounded growth habit. Well suited to a wide range of New Zealand conditions, it is tough low maintenance and reliable.

From $17.95

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Shrubs
Height: 1.20 m
Spread: 1.00 m
Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy, Wind
Garden uses: Containers, Hedging, Living areas, Pool areas
Garden styles: Alpine, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Formal, Frontyard, Modern, Native, Rock
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...

From$17.95
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...

From$17.95
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...

From$17.95
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...

From$17.95
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...

From$11.95
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...

From$17.95
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...

From$17.95
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...

From$17.95
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...

From$7.50
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...

From$11.95
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...

From$17.95
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...

From$11.95
tree-and-shrub-fertiliser-
Tree Fertiliser (Tree Fertiliser)

Using tree fertiliser results in plants having better quality foliage, more profuse flowering, stronger stems, and a much healthier and brighter...

From$16.95
pb-60-planter-bags-
PB60 Planter Bags (Bag For Xmas Tree)

PB60 Planter Bags are a strong and practical option for growing large trees, shrubs, fruit plants, natives, and advanced nursery stock. Their...

From$169.50
pb-28-planter-bags-
PB28 Planter Bags (Christmas Tree Bag)

PB28 Planter Bags are a durable and economical option for growing large trees, shrubs, fruit plants, natives, and other mature nursery stock. Their...

From$130.50
Melia azedarach tree.
Melia azedarach (Bead Tree)

Melia azedarach (Bead Tree, White Cedar) is a graceful deciduous tree valued for its attractive fern like foliage, fragrant clusters of lilac...

From$387.55
ulmus-lobel-
Ulmus 'Lobel' (Dutch Elm Tree)

Ulmus 'Lobel' is a refined deciduous elm valued for its narrow upright form, dense green foliage, and excellent suitability as an avenue or specimen...

From$557.95
Tabebuia rosea tree with masses of pink flowers.
Tabebuia rosea (Pink Poui)

Tabebuia rosea is a spectacular flowering tree admired for its masses of soft pink trumpet shaped blooms that appear before the foliage in spring...

From$65.55
emguard-biodegradable-plant-shelter-
Tree Guards

Tree Guards provide a simple and effective way to protect young trees from animals, wind, accidental damage, and herbicide spray. They create a...

From$5.00
Dacrydium cupressinum (Rimu) tree juvenile foliage.
Dacrydium cupressinum (Rimu Tree)

Dacrydium cupressinum, commonly known as Rimu or Red Pine, is an iconic and slow-growing tree. The juvenile form features drooping branches densely...

From$99.29
palm-tree-fertiliser-1
Palm Tree Fertiliser (Palm Tree Fertiliser)

Choosing the correct Palm tree fertiliser is essential for producing better quality foliage, stronger fronds, and a much healthier and brighter...

From$16.95
fruiting-plant-fertiliser-
Fruit Tree Fertiliser (Fruit Tree Fertiliser)

Fruiting plants respond well to fruit tree fertiliser with better quality produce, higher yields, and a much healthier and brighter looking plant...

From$16.95
jute-tree-tie-1
Jute Tree Tie

Jute Tree Tie is a natural and flexible option for securing young trees to stakes while they establish. The soft material helps reduce rubbing and...

From$64.67
cloth-tree-tie-
Cloth Tree Tie

Cloth Tree Ties are a soft, flexible solution for securely supporting young trees and plants while they establish. Made from durable cloth material...

From$9.28
Liriodendron tulipifera 'Fastigiata' trees with yellow foliage in autumn.
Liriodendron tulipifera 'Fastigiata' (Tulip Tree)

Liriodendron tulipifera fastigiata, also known as the Upright Tulip Tree, is a stunning deciduous tree admired for its narrow, columnar form. It...

From$515.35
A large Beilschmiedia tawa (Tawa tree).
Beilschmiedia tawa (Tawa Tree)

Beilschmiedia tawa, commonly known as the Tawa Tree, is a tall and graceful evergreen native to New Zealand. It is admired for its straight trunk...

From$313.00
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...

OUT OF STOCK
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...

OUT OF STOCK
coprosma-autumnalis-
Coprosma autumnalis (Raurēkau)

Coprosma autumnalis, commonly known as Kanono, is a hardy New Zealand native shrub or small tree valued for its glossy green foliage and dense...

OUT OF STOCK
Coprosma 'Goldstream' plant in a garden with prostrate stems.
Coprosma 'Goldstream'

Coprosma 'Goldstream' is a vibrant evergreen shrub admired for its bright golden foliage and naturally dense compact growth habit. This colourful New...

OUT OF STOCK
Coprosma robusta (Karamu)

Did you find what you are looking for?

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

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Why Choose a Coprosma Tree?

A coprosma tree is hard to beat when it comes to versatility. Native to New Zealand, these hardy shrubs and small trees thrive in a wide range of conditions—from coastal gardens battered by wind, to sheltered urban plots. Coprosmas are evergreen, keeping your garden looking full and lush all year round. They’re also drought-tolerant once established and require little regular care. Their eye-catching foliage ranges from deep greens and bronzes, to vivid golds and limes, depending on variety.

Many gardeners choose the coprosma tree as a hedge for its dense, bushy growth, or as a feature specimen. Some species also provide valuable food and habitat for native birds, contributing to local biodiversity.

Popular Coprosma Varieties in New Zealand

With so many coprosma varieties available, you’re sure to find one that suits your garden style. For those seeking a classic native tree, Coprosma robusta (Karamu) is an excellent choice. This species is renowned for its fast growth, making it perfect for shelterbelts or native planting projects.

If low, spreading groundcover is what you need, Coprosma Hawera (Sand Coprosma) excels in coastal and exposed sites, with fine foliage that knits tightly over the ground. For bold foliage and landscape interest, Coprosma 'Middlemore' stands out, offering a compact growth habit and vibrant colour, ideal for hedges or containers.

Other notable picks include Coprosma 'Mini Mac', a tough, glossy-leaved selection popular for formal hedging, and Coprosma propinqua (Mikimiki), which is well-suited for wetland edges and riparian planting.

Growing and Caring for Your Coprosma

The coprosma tree is wonderfully easy to grow. Plant in full sun for the brightest leaf colour, though most tolerate partial shade. Well-drained soil is ideal, but coprosmas will put up with heavier clays and even poor soils. Make sure your young tree receives regular water during establishment. Once settled in, coprosmas generally fend for themselves, with only the occasional prune required to maintain shape.

Coprosmas cope well with wind and salt, so they’re an excellent option for coastal gardens. They respond well to trimming and training, which means you can use them as formal hedges or topiary.

Add Year-Round Colour and Structure

Adding a coprosma tree to your garden guarantees year-round appeal, shelter, and a touch of New Zealand’s natural heritage. Whether you favour the reliable Coprosma robusta (Karamu), ornamental Coprosma 'Middlemore', or ground-hugging Coprosma Hawera (Sand Coprosma), your garden will benefit from their beauty and resilience. Explore our extensive selection of coprosma varieties to find the perfect fit for your landscape.

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.
You’ve probably heard of our garden favourites like Rose 'Flower Carpet White' and Magnolia stellata 'Waterlily', but did you know we also grow hidden gems like Taxodium distichum 'Cascade Falls', Helleborus 'Apricot Hybrid' (Hellebore), and Macadamia 'Beaumont'?
–The Plant Company

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