Coprosma "Coppershine"
- To: "'m*@ucdavis.edu'" <m*@ucdavis.edu>
- Subject: Coprosma "Coppershine"
- From: G* F* <l*@collegiate.school.nz>
- Date: Thu, 4 Mar 1999 16:30:42 +1300
"Palmer's Manual of Trees, Shrubs & Climbers"
(Australian publication used widely in NZ -
first printed 1974, I have the 1994 edition) describes
it as "a handsome, compact shrub with neat & tidy
appearance all year. Leaves ovate to elliptic,
slightly waved, 20-40 x 10-20mm, dark green
overlaid rich copper, highly polished. Excellent
low screen & colour contrast. 1.5m(h) x 1.3m(w)
(5 feet x 4 feet 4 inches)
Coprosmas are generally described in this
book as "drought tolerant, grow in almost any
soil, revel in sun or shade, withstand ocean spray,
& respond to shaping or pruning once or twice
a year."
"Coprosma is a genus of 90 species of evergreen
shrubs & small trees, of which about half are
found in New Zealand, the remainder throughout
the Pacific, Java, Borneo, Hawaii & Tasmania...
many NZ native species & cultivars are acclaimed
worldwide for landscaping adaptability, ornamental
value & easy care"
It suggests at the front of the book that
"Measurements stated throughout are intended
only as a rough guide to what may reasonably
be expected over a period of 5 to 10 years"
I planted C. "Yvonne" about 6 months ago,
(suggested to grow to a similar height) - it
was about 15-18" high, & has since almost
doubled in height. They really are the most
accommodating plants, & I can't imagine that
cold weather would faze them too much. They
certainly don't mind being trimmed, in fact
are probably all the better for it.
Hope this helps Deborah with her query
Frances Gibbons
