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corokia kirkii

Corokia kirkii is a distinctive native shrub prized for its intricate branching, wiry stems, and silvery-green foliage, making it a favourite among gardeners across New Zealand. With a natural resilience to wind and drought, Corokia kirkii thrives in a wide range of landscapes—from coastal plantings to urban gardens, rockeries, and native habitat restoration projects. Its unique form provides year-round interest, while clusters of small yellow star-like flowers appear in late spring, followed by attractive red berries that entice native birds. Whether you're looking to create a structural hedge, informal screen, or an elegant focal point, Corokia kirkii adds both texture and beauty to your garden design.

Coprosma kirkii green foliage held on yellow stems.

Coprosma kirkii

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Coprosma kirkii, commonly known as Creeping Coprosma, is a hardy NZ native groundcover shrub valued for its dense, trailing habit and small glossy green leaves. This evergreen plant spreads across the ground, suppressing weeds and providing year round greenery. Naturally tough, it thrives in exposed and coastal conditions, making it ideal for low maintenance gardens, banks, and rockeries. Creeping Coprosma is both practical and attractive in NZ landscapes.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Groundcover Plants
Height: 80 cm
Spread: 2.00 m
Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy, Shade, Wind
Garden uses: Borders, Ground covering, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Patios, Ponds, Pool areas
Garden styles: Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Modern, Native, Riparian
Corokia 'Sunsplash' shrub with yellow foliage in a garden.

Corokia Sunsplash

Corokia 'Sunsplash' is a NZ native shrub grown for its impressive foliage. It features small leaves that are variegated yellow with a central splash of green and has orange-pink undertones. Small, star-shaped, yellow flowers are produced in summer and are followed by orange berries in autumn as it grows to 1.5 m tall and 1 m wide. Corokia 'Sunsplash' is commonly trimmed into a hedge but also makes a great addition to a mixed planting. It is also well suited for growing on those difficult to grow sites where a bright and cheerful plant is required.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Shrubs
Height: 1.50 m
Spread: 1.00 m
Flowering time: Spring
Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy, Wind
Garden uses: Containers, Hedging
Garden styles: Alpine, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Formal, Frontyard, Modern, Native, Rock
Small Corokia 'Bronze King' plants with colourful, bronze-coloured foliage.

Corokia Bronze King

Corokia 'Bronze King' is a handsome, NZ native shrub featuring bronze-dark green foliage that deepens in colour through winter. Small and yellow...

From$22.88
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$21.53
Corokia 'Emerald and Jade' plants with lush green foliage.

Corokia Emerald And Jade

Corokia 'Emerald and Jade' is a hardy, NZ native shrub grown for its lovely foliage and interesting form. It grows as a mass of wiry, tangled...

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Corokia contoneaster shrub.

Corokia cotoneaster

Corokia cotoneaster, commonly known as the Wire-Netting Bush, features tough, dark stems that give the plant an appearance akin to wire mesh. This NZ...

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Corokia 'Little Prince' plants with grey stems and small green leaves at The Plant Company nursery.

Corokia Little Prince

Corokia 'Little Prince' is a small and twiggy, NZ native shrub that features small, grey-brown leaves and black stems. The slim, intertwined stems...

From$20.18
corokia-pipsqueak-1

Corokia Pipsqueak

Corokia Pipsqueak is a hardy, NZ native shrub grown for its lovely foliage and interesting form. It grows as a mass of wiry, tangled, silver-grey...

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corokia-pounamu-

Corokia Pounamu

Corokia Pounamu is a NZ native shrub featuring narrow, olive-green foliage. New foliage has a layer of felt on the underside of the leaves which...

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Corokia Frosted Chocolate showcasing its lush green and brown foliage.

Corokia 'Frosted Chocolate'

Corokia 'Frosted Chocolate', commonly known as Korokio, is a hardy, NZ native shrub with lovely foliage and an interesting form. It grows as a mass...

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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...

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corokia-geentys-ghost-1

Corokia Geentys Ghost

Corokia 'Geenty's Ghost' is a hardy, NZ native shrub that grows as a mass of wiry and tangled branches bearing small, dark green leaves with a silver...

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Corokia 'Geenty's Green' hedge.

Corokia 'Geenty's Green'

Corokia 'Geenty's Green' is a hardy, NZ native shrub that bears narrow, olive-green leaves that have a silver underside. Masses of small, star-like...

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A large Corokia 'Mangatangi' hedge.

Corokia Mangatangi

Corokia 'Mangatangi' is a NZ native shrub that features fine, silver coloured foliage which gives the plant a somewhat misty look. It is adorned with...

From$22.88
Coprosma kirkii

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

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Growing Corokia kirkii

Corokia kirkii is exceptionally adaptable, flourishing in both full sun and partial shade. It is very tolerant of dry conditions once established, making it a low-maintenance choice for New Zealand gardens. Optimal growth is achieved in free-draining soils, but it can handle poor soils and coastal exposure. Regular light pruning will encourage a denser, more resilient shrub, perfect for low hedges or topiary. Additionally, Corokia kirkii is an ideal native alternative for those seeking a modern look without sacrificing ecological value.

Landscaping Uses

The structural lines and delicate foliage of Corokia kirkii make it popular for contemporary landscape designs as well as native restorations. It's frequently used for low hedges, boundary plantings, or as a sculptural specimen in mixed shrub borders. Pairing Corokia kirkii with contrasting textures creates dynamic planting combinations; consider planting alongside the bright foliage of Coprosma Goldstream (Coprosma kirkii Goldstream) or for year-round structure, introduce Cordyline Kirkii. The shrub's tolerance to trimming allows creative gardeners to shape it into tight hedges or cloud-like forms.

Companion Plants and Related Natives

Enhance your planting palette by incorporating other New Zealand natives such as Coprosma kirkii for low, spreading groundcover under the upright forms of Corokia kirkii. For added winter colour and structural variety, combine with Corokia Red Wonder, known for its reddish-bronze new growth and decorative berries. To create a habitat-friendly and visually cohesive garden, consider adding Carmichaelia kirkii, a native broom with attractive green stems and delicate flowers. These companion plants create a harmonious, nature-inspired garden that supports local wildlife.

Caring for Your Corokia kirkii

Corokia kirkii requires minimal care once established. Young plants benefit from regular watering during their first dry summers, but mature shrubs tolerate drought exceptionally well. Mulch in spring to suppress weeds and conserve moisture, and feed with a balanced slow-release fertiliser to promote healthy growth. Occasional pruning will keep your plant compact and tidy while encouraging lush new growth. With its outstanding durability and striking form, Corokia kirkii is an excellent choice for both beginner and experienced gardeners seeking long-lasting landscape value.

Looking for more inspiration with native New Zealand plants? Browse our collection of structural natives and groundcovers, and discover how Corokia kirkii can transform your garden into a thriving, beautiful space all year round.


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Start your garden with Lomandra White Sands and Azara microphylla, and add depth with lesser-known gems like Arctotis 'Mauve Delight' (African Daisy), Peperomia Jade, and Phormium 'Stripy Mist'.
–The Plant Company

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