Coprosma

rainbow colours on coprosma rainbow surprise

Coprosmas used to be considered a bit boring with their small shiny green leaves. There have recently been some new hybrid varieties with leaves of various colour combinations.

Multi-Coloured Coprosmas

There is a rather gaudy multi-coloured variety which is named "Rainbow Surprise" - it is a mixture of reds, greens and lolly pink, and is rather jolly. I'm not totally sure if I like it, but I'm trying several plants out. They'll certainly brighten up the winter borders.

My favourite Coprosma is a more subtle combination of pinks and reds, and I have this planted in several borders as well as a fine specimen in a pot on the house decking. It looks particularly good near pink and red roses.

Coprosmas in Pots

Some of my coloured Coprosmas live in pots, very happily, and they survive winter on the decking. I also have pruned one very heavily, and although it's been slow to regrow, all is now well.

Pink Coprosma

I am surprised that more gardeners don't grow these beautiful small New Zealand hybrid Coprosmas - they are particularly easy to have in a mixed border, and will accept a big pruning session without too much sulking. I suspect it is quite difficult to kill one!

Frost Warning

It is possible that the smaller plants could get frost damaged. This happened to one of mine which was growing in an unsheltered new garden area. That particular winter was rather frosty, though. Since then I've always treated my Coprosmas as half-hardy.