Mirror Plant Coprosma repens 'Picturata' (m/v)
ABOUT
Coprosma repens 'Picturata', commonly known as mirror plant, is an evergreen shrub that is known for its eye-catching foliage and lustrous appearance. The mirror plant's leaves are what define its ornamental value; they are glossy and feature a unique coloration pattern that makes the plant stand out. The leaves are oval-shaped and come to a point at the tip. They have a central green area that is surrounded by a creamy gold to yellow margin, giving them a painted or variegated look. This contrast in color creates a striking visual effect. The colors can become more intense when exposed to full sunlight, providing a vibrant display. The surface of the leaves is highly reflective, hence the name "mirror plant." This sheen adds to the plant’s decorative appeal, making it glisten in the sunlight. The growth habit of Coprosma repens 'Picturata' tends to be dense and bushy, with branches that support the leaves well, providing a nice rounded shape overall. During certain times of the year, the mirror plant may produce small, inconspicuous flowers that are not particularly showy compared to the foliage. These are followed by small berries that are also not a major feature of the plant. The visual interest of the mirror plant lies predominantly in its beautiful, glossy, and variegated leaves which make it a popular choice for gardens and landscapes where a splash of color and texture is desired.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rubiaceae.
Synonyms
Mirror Plant, Looking-glass Plant, Taupata, Shiny Leaf, Tree Bedstraw, New Zealand Laurel, Picturata.
Common names
Coprosma repens 'Picturata'
ToxicityTo humans
Mirror bush is not considered highly toxic to humans. However, it may cause mild stomach upset if ingested. In general, it is advisable to avoid eating any part of this ornamental plant.
To pets
Mirror bush is generally recognized as having a low toxicity level for pets. Nevertheless, if pets consume the plant, they might experience mild gastrointestinal upset. It is always safer to prevent pets from ingesting plants not specifically intended for their consumption.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Mixed
Height
5 feet (1.5 meters)
Spread
5 feet (1.5 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
9
Native area
New Zealand
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Appeal: Coprosma repens 'Picturata', commonly known as Mirror Plant, features glossy, variegated leaves with splashes of gold that add visual interest to gardens and landscapes.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, Mirror Plant is quite drought-resistant, making it a suitable choice for water-wise gardens or areas with low rainfall.
- Low Maintenance: It requires minimal care beyond the occasional pruning to keep its shape, making it ideal for gardeners looking for low-maintenance options.
- Adaptability: Mirror Plant can adapt to a range of soil types, although it prefers well-draining soil, allowing it to thrive in various garden settings.
- Coastal Tolerance: This plant is tolerant of salt spray, which makes it a good option for coastal gardens exposed to ocean winds.
- Year-Round Interest: With evergreen foliage, the Mirror Plant provides color and texture in the garden throughout all seasons, unlike deciduous plants that lose their leaves in winter.
- Wildlife Attraction: The dense foliage of Mirror Plant can provide shelter for birds and other small wildlife within a garden ecosystem.
- Container Gardening: Suitable for pots and planters, Mirror Plant can be used in balconies, terraces, or other spaces where ground planting isn't possible.
- Versatility in Landscape Design: Mirror Plant can be employed as a hedge, border, specimen, or foundation plant, offering flexibility in landscape design.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Mirror shrub can be used as a living privacy screen due to its dense growth habit, providing a natural barrier between properties or to obscure unsightly views.
- It is often utilized in topiary and formal garden settings because of its ability to withstand heavy pruning and shaping.
- This plant may serve as a windbreak in coastal areas, as it is tolerant to strong winds and salt spray.
- With its colorful foliage, mirror shrub can be planted in pots as ornamental patio or balcony plants, adding vibrant color to small outdoor spaces.
- Due to its reflective leaves, it can be placed strategically in gardens to add light to shaded areas or to create a subtle play of light and shadow.
- The dense foliage can be used as a noise barrier in urban gardens to help reduce traffic or neighborhood sounds.
- It can be included in sensory gardens for its texture; the glossy leaves provide a tactile experience for visitors.
- Mirror shrub can also be used in wildlife gardens, as its berries provide food for birds while the dense branches offer shelter and nesting spots.
- Landscape artists may use this plant for its contrasting foliage in color-themed gardens, especially in areas that require low-maintenance vegetation.
- The robust nature of mirror shrub makes it suitable for use in coastal rehabilitation projects, helping to stabilize sand dunes and prevent erosion.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Mirror plant is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Mirror plant is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Resilience: Coprosma repens 'Picturata', commonly known as Mirror Plant, has a robust and hardy nature that allows it to thrive in coastal environments, symbolizing the ability to withstand and adapt to challenging conditions.
- Adaptability: The Mirror Plant is known for its adaptability to different soils and environments, representing flexibility and the ability to thrive in diverse situations.
- Reflection: With its glossy leaves that can reflect light, the Mirror Plant symbolizes self-examination and the importance of looking at oneself to find inner truth.
- Growth: The Mirror Plant's tendency to spread and grow continuously signifies personal growth and the pursuit of improvement.
WaterThe Mirror plant should be watered thoroughly, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. During the growing season, roughly from spring through summer, watering every 1 to 2 weeks should be sufficient. In the winter months, reduce the frequency to once every 3 to 4 weeks. When watering, use about 16-24 ounces for small pots or up to 1-2 gallons for larger containers, ensuring that excess water drains out to avoid waterlogging.
LightThe Mirror plant thrives best in bright, indirect light. It can tolerate some direct sunlight, but prolonged exposure to hot sun can scorch the leaves, so it's ideal to place it in a spot where it gets filtered light or direct sun only part of the day.
TemperatureThe Mirror plant prefers temperatures between 55 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It should not be subjected to temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, as it is sensitive to frost. To ensure the best growth, maintain the plant in an environment that avoids drafts and sudden temperature changes.
PruningPruning the Mirror plant promotes bushier growth and maintains an appealing shape. It's best to prune in the spring or early summer, just before the growth season begins. Prune lightly to shape the plant and remove any yellow or damaged leaves. Pruning can be done annually or as needed to remove irregular growth.
CleaningAs needed
SoilMirror Bush (Coprosma repens 'Picturata') thrives in well-draining soil with a mixture of potting soil, peat, and perlite or sand to ensure adequate drainage. It prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5.
RepottingMirror Bush should be repotted every 2 to 3 years to replenish the soil and accommodate root growth. Choose a container slightly larger than the previous one to allow room for expansion.
Humidity & MistingMirror Bush prefers moderate to high humidity levels around 50% to 70%. It thrives in a naturally humid environment or with increased humidity provided by a humidifier or regular misting.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Mirror Bush in bright, indirect light indoors and ensure high humidity.
Outdoor
Plant Mirror Bush in partial shade to full sun and shelter from strong winds.
Hardiness zone
9-11 USDA
Life cycleCoprosma repens 'Picturata', commonly known as Mirror Bush, begins its life cycle as a seed, often germinating in the spring under favorable conditions of warmth and moisture. Following germination, the seedling emerges and establishes itself with a root system and foliage, entering a phase of vegetative growth, developing the characteristic glossy, variegated leaves that may reflect light, resembling mirrors. The Mirror Bush continues to mature, developing a woody stem and a bushy form as it enters a period of vigorous growth, which can be enhanced with appropriate light conditions and soil nutrition. In its mature stage, Coprosma repens 'Picturata' may produce small, inconspicuous flowers, typically in spring or summer, followed by non-showy fruit if pollination occurs, although flowering and fruiting are not the plant's main ornamental features. The plant can be propagated through cuttings, which allows for the cycle to start anew when the cuttings take root and grow into new plants. With proper care, including pruning to maintain shape and size, the Mirror Bush can live for many years, being an evergreen that adds year-round interest to gardens and landscapes.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Mirror Plant 'Picturata' is best propagated by semi-hardwood cuttings, typically done in the later part of summer when new growth has matured slightly. To propagate, a cutting of about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) should be taken, stripping the lower leaves and possibly dipping the cut end into a rooting hormone powder to enhance root development. This cutting can then be placed in a well-draining soil mix, ensuring high humidity and consistent moisture without waterlogging, which can be facilitated by covering with plastic or placing in a propagator. Correct light and warmth are crucial, so providing a bright, indirect light and maintaining a temperature around 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit (18 to 24 degrees Celsius) will promote rooting. After several weeks, cuttings should begin to show signs of growth, indicating that rooting has likely been successful.
