This is a genus of about 90 species of evergreen shrub-like plants  as well as small trees, many of which are endemic to New Zealand, with others originating in Australia and the Pacific regions. Some of the shrubs have a spreading habit and others are divaricating, which means that the stems have a branching habit. They are commonly known as the Mirror bush due to the high gloss of the leaves.  

There is a Coprosma for every landscape purpose, from groundcovers to specimen shrubs, hedging and shelter. They are a very tolerant group of plants, adaptable and hardy, will grow in sun or shade and don’t mind much about their soil conditions. They are low maintenance, quick growing, hardy and will benefit from a pruning in winter. Coprosmas can be found in a variety of environments from the mountains to the coast and there’s a place for them in all ornamental designs. Many hybrids feature strong greens, bronzes, creams, pinks, apricots, bronze-blacks and mottled colours in the larger leaved species. The smaller leaved species have quirky textures and finely interwoven stems, which are sometimes a feature in themselves as they have a golden colour.  The female plants produce an abundance of berries that feed birds such as wax eyes and lizards. They create good habitats for small birds and are ideally suited to revegetation projects and school grounds. And just for some trivia, the name Coprosma means smelling like dung and refers to the smell given out by the crushed leaves of a few – not all - species! Nice dinner party conversation stoper!

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