Coprosma ‘Evening Glow’

Common Names: Evening Glow Coprosma, Mirror Bush
Family: Rubiaceae
Origin: New Zealand (cultivated variety)
Plant Type: Evergreen Native Shrub

Overview

Coprosma ‘Evening Glow’ is a stunning evergreen shrub renowned for its vibrant, glossy foliage that changes colour throughout the seasons. Its attractive leaves display a striking combination of golden yellow, orange, pink and red, developing deeper, richer tones during the cooler months. With its compact, bushy growth habit and year-round colour, this hardy, low-maintenance shrub is an excellent choice for modern landscapes, colourful borders, mass plantings and decorative containers.

Key Features

• Spectacular Foliage: Glossy, variegated leaves featuring vibrant yellow, orange, pink and red tones.

• Seasonal Colour: Foliage intensifies to rich orange and red shades during autumn and winter.

• Evergreen: Provides attractive colour and structure throughout the year.

• Compact Growth: Naturally bushy habit, ideal for smaller gardens and structured landscaping.

• Coastal Tolerance: Performs well in exposed coastal environments once established.

• Low Maintenance: Requires minimal attention and responds well to light trimming.

Mature Size

Ideal Growing Conditions

Landscaping & Garden Uses

• Colourful Borders: Adds vibrant contrast alongside green foliage and ornamental grasses.

• Mass Planting: Creates bold, colourful displays in larger landscape areas.

• Low Hedging: Can be lightly clipped to form an attractive informal hedge.

• Coastal Gardens: Suitable for coastal landscapes with well-drained soils.

• Modern Landscaping: Glossy, colourful foliage complements contemporary architecture and structured planting designs.

• Containers: Excellent for patios, courtyards and decorative pots.

Care & Maintenance

Coprosma ‘Evening Glow’ is relatively easy to grow and requires little ongoing maintenance once established. Plant in well-drained soil, preferably in a sunny position to encourage the strongest foliage colour. Water regularly during establishment, particularly through dry periods. Light trimming helps maintain a compact, bushy shape and encourages fresh, colourful growth. Avoid prolonged waterlogging and protect young plants from severe frost.

Additional Tips

• Plant in full sun for the most vibrant foliage colours.

• Combine with darker green native shrubs for striking contrast.

• Apply mulch around the base to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.

• Avoid heavy, poorly drained soils.

• Light pruning can encourage denser growth and maintain a tidy appearance.

Fun Fact / Botanical Insight

Coprosma is commonly known as the mirror plant because of the exceptionally glossy surface of its leaves. The cultivar ‘Evening Glow’ is particularly prized for its seasonal colour changes, with cooler temperatures encouraging the development of brilliant orange and red foliage.

Why Choose Coprosma ‘Evening Glow’?

Coprosma ‘Evening Glow’ is an excellent choice for gardeners wanting reliable year-round colour without the need for flowering plants. Its vibrant foliage, compact growth habit and adaptability make it a versatile addition to native-inspired landscapes, coastal gardens and contemporary planting schemes. Whether planted individually, grouped in borders or used as a colourful low hedge, it provides lasting visual interest with minimal maintenance.

Pot Size

These are our standard size in 7cm square pots.