Coprosma Pacific Sunset

Coprosma 'Pacific Sunset' is a small evergreen bush with highly decorative foliage in various shades. Originally from New Zealand, it is not very hardy, but drought-tolerant and highly tolerant to sea spray. Its lovely small shiny leaves are a deep reddish colour, as if bathed in the warm light of the setting sun. The chocolate and pink hues evolve throughout the seasons: lighter in summer, they darken with the cold. Planted in the ground, it is a perfect bush for coastal gardens. Elsewhere, this small, upright bush with dense foliage will uniquely adorn the terrace or balcony throughout the summer and will spend the winter protected from frost.

The genus Coprosma consists of 90 species of evergreen shrubs and small trees, most of which are native to New Zealand. These plants belong to the rubiaceae family, which includes, for example, woodruff, coffee, and gardenia. Recently introduced to the European horticultural market, these bushes, known as mirror plants, have extremely shiny foliage where light and colours play wonderfully. These not very hardy shrubs have a preference for dry and hot climates, as well as poor and well-drained soil, due to their origins. Hybrids and cultivars like 'Pacific Sunset' are not very hardy and suffer from temperatures below -3°C (26.6 °F). Therefore, their cultivation in the ground is reserved for coastal areas spared from severe frosts.

Coprosma 'Pacific Sunset' is a hybrid bush derived from the Coprosma repens species, among others. It has an upright and dense habit, reaching a height of approximately 1.50m (4 ft 11 in) with a spread of 1.20m at maturity. It grows rapidly and has evergreen foliage composed of small, opposite, entire, lanceolate, leathery, and shiny leaves. Their colour evolves throughout the months, displaying various shades of pink, almost scarlet red, chocolate, and green. Together, they form a kind of sparkling and multicoloured bush that is very striking. The discreet flowering occurs in late summer and consists of clusters of greenish stamens or stigmas, carried by male or female flowers on separate individuals. When male plants are planted near female plants, small, decorative fruits of orange-red colour are formed on the latter.

The Coprosma 'Pacific Sunset' is a precious-looking bush, highly ornamental when displayed in a pot on the terrace or balcony. It can be associated with other plants with green foliage (Lonicera nitida), golden foliage (golden oregano), purple foliage like Berberis, or grey foliage like artemisia, in a low hedge. This cultivation method is suitable for most regions where frost is significant in winter. This bush requires some precautions to grow in the ground: it prefers light, poor, and non-chalky soil.