This shrub has many upright stems that form a compact rounded bushy habit. It has glossy green oval-shaped leaves that may be variegated and the greenish white funnel-shaped flowers appear in a cluster during summer but are inconspicuous.

Hardiness zones 9 to 11

Coprosma repens is naturally found on the North Island of New Zealand growing along the coastal cliffs or in the adjoining scrubland.

It prefers a well drained moderately fertile moist sandy soil in an open sunny position and is salt, wind, frost and drought tolerant.

The Looking Glass Plant is tough and is grown for its foliage. It is used for coastal regions for dune stabilisation or planted along borders for screening. It is also grown in tubs or trimmed to form a hedge. It establishes in 2 to 3 years and is moderately long lived. There are many cultivars available with varying leaf colour. ID 401

Coprosma(ko-PROS-ma) repens(REE-penz)

Coprosma`: from Greek kopros+ osme- dung smell (refers to the foul smell of C. foetidissima); 'repens`: creeping (refers to the spreading lower branches).

Rubiaceae (ROO-bee-AY-see-ee)
Coffee and Madder Family