Coprosma Karo Red
Coprosma ‘Karo Red’
Overview
Coprosma ‘Karo Red’ is a compact, glossy NZ native shrub valued for its vibrant red-tinged foliage and tidy year-round form. This hardy, easy-care variety provides striking colour contrast in modern landscapes, coastal gardens and low-maintenance plantings.
Key Features
Foliage:
Small, glossy leaves with deep green bases and rich red to burgundy tones developing in cooler months. Naturally shiny foliage provides strong visual impact.
Flowers / Fruit:
Insignificant small flowers; may produce small berries. Mainly grown for its ornamental foliage.
Form & Habit:
Bushy, compact, rounded shrub with dense branching. Maintains a naturally tidy shape.
Growth Rate:
Moderate.
Cultural & Ecological Value:
Excellent tolerance to salt, wind, and coastal exposure. Provides shelter and structure for native insects and small birds.
Mature Size
| Attribute | Size |
|---|---|
| Height | 80–100 cm |
| Spread | 80 cm |
| Form | Compact, rounded shrub |
Ideal Growing Conditions
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Light | Full sun to part shade (best colour in full sun) |
| Water | Low to moderate; drought tolerant once established |
| Soil | Free-draining soils; tolerates sandy or coastal conditions |
| pH Range | Neutral to slightly acidic |
| Frost Tolerance | Hardy; tolerates light frosts |
Landscaping & Garden Uses
-
Colour contrast shrub in borders and mixed native plantings
-
Excellent for coastal and windy sites
-
Great for low hedges, mass planting or edging
-
Ideal for modern, architectural and low-maintenance gardens
Care & Maintenance
Pruning: Light trim in late winter or early spring to maintain a compact shape if desired.
Watering: Moderate during establishment; low thereafter.
Feeding: Apply a slow-release general fertiliser in spring if needed.
Pests & Diseases: Generally pest-free and resilient.
Additional Tips
Colour intensifies during cooler seasons. Plant in full sun for strongest red tones.
Fun Fact / Botanical Insight
Coprosmas are known as “mirror plants” due to their naturally glossy leaves—an adaptation that helps reduce moisture loss and withstand harsh coastal winds.
Why Choose Coprosma ‘Karo Red’?
A dependable, colourful NZ native shrub that combines toughness with year-round ornamental value—perfect for coastal, urban, and modern garden designs.
Pot Size:
These are our standard size in 7cm square pots.
Pot Size:
Standard Pot = 7cm Square
Large Pot = 9cm Square
Extra Large Pot = 1.5L Round
Use this guide to see how many plants of your selected pot size fit into a half or full carton.
Standard Pot = 25 plants per Carton
Large Pot= 10 plants per Carton
Extra Large Pot = 5 plants per Carton
Urban- $16.55 per Carton Rural- $23.85 per Carton
Standard Pot = 50 plants per Carton
Large Pot= 25 plants per Carton
Extra Large Pot = 10 plants per Carton
Urban- $16.55 per Carton Rural- $23.85 per Carton
Product Size:
The photo next to the ruler shows an example of the plant for sale (cm's) to give an indication of the size. Please note that the photo is for reference only; the size and appearance of the plant may vary.
Please Note:
Shipping charge applies. Available for immediate dispatch only, while stocks last.
