Coprosma x repens ECLIPSE

The Coprosma repens 'Eclipse' is a very attractive small bush, with evergreen foliage predominantly purple, ornamental throughout the seasons. It is marginally hardy outside of the south and coastal areas with mild winters, where it shows tolerance to sea spray. Elsewhere, it can easily be grown in a pot to be brought indoors in winter, as it remains compact. Its very glossy small leaves catch everyone's eye in the garden with their dark purple colour, highlighted by a pink margin of great effect. An ideal plant to create foliage contrasts in a mild climate flower bed, or to embellish a balcony further north.

The Coprosma belongs to the Rubiaceae family, rich in about 10,000 species, mainly in the tropics, with perhaps the most well-known member being the Coffee plant (Coffea), and also including ornamental plants such as the Gardenia with its intoxicating scent. Most of the approximately 90 species that make up the Coprosma genus are native to New Zealand. This is the case for Coprosma repens (formerly Coprosma baueri) introduced to Europe around 1866. Contrary to what the species name might suggest, the plant is not creeping, but in its country of origin forms a large bush, even a small tree reaching 3 to 6 m in height, with strong branches covered in reddish-brown bark. It bears opposite, oval, elongated leaves, measuring 3 to 7 cm in length, shiny dark green in colour. This shine earns it the English name "mirror plant" and gives it its ornamental character, as the flowering is relatively insignificant. The small yellowish flowers, measuring 6 mm in length, produce orange-red drupes as fruits.
The ornamental cultivars found on the market are much more compact. This is the case for Coprosma 'Aldawn' ECLIPSE which forms a dense clump of 0.50 m to 1 m in all directions, rarely reaching 1.50 m in height. Its initially erect habit widens over time to take on an irregular, spreading cup shape, with a somewhat natural appearance, however contradicted by its colour and the glossiness of its leaves, ultimately giving it an exotic look. Its oval leaves with rounded tips are slightly undulate and oppositely arranged in pairs. Their texture is slightly leathery and their smooth surface like an ice rink surprises and fascinates with its glossiness. The fairly dark purple colour of the lamina is enhanced by a fine irregularly wide margin of pinkish hue of varying intensity. In summer, the sun further intensifies these colours and the plant catches all eyes. It produces a nearly insignificant white flowering, between June and August, which cannot compete with the attractiveness of the foliage.

The Coprosma Eclipse will find its perfect spot in gardens along the Breton coast or the southern Atlantic coast, as well as in non-calcareous areas in the south. Plant it alongside other decorative foliage plants to create an ornamental flower bed all year round. The Pittosporum tenuifolium 'Golden Ball' forming a compact yellow and green ball then acid green will contrast beautifully at its side, as will the cultivar 'Irene Patterson' with white speckled leaves. In the background, the Eucalyptus 'Baby Blue' will provide a beautifully blueish backdrop with its very graphic round leaves. And to bloom your scene, opt for the Anigozanthos, or Kangaroo Paw, so named for its astonishing fluffy flowers that flourish abundantly in summer.