Coprosma virescens stems and foliage

This hardy coastal native shrub forms a dense mound of tangled wiry orange stems with tiny green foliage. Coprosma virescens is unusual looking but despite its scruffy appearance it will grow into a neat pyramid shape with little trimming or attention.

This Coprosma needs little care, provided it has good drainage, full sun and maybe a light trim occasionally

Coprosma virescens is a great contrast in a shrub bed against glossy green foliaged plants, it will make an impressive hedge either clipped tightly or just left to its own devices. Use as a shelter or screen from winds for more delicate plants in a coastal garden.

The tangled wiry growth pattern displayed by Coprosma virescens is called Divaricating. Many people believe divarication is an evolutionary adaptation to help prevent New Zealand’s only large grazing animal (the Moa) from eating them. However it is much more probable that this growth habit developed many thousands of years ago in response to a very windy, frosty and dry climate. The all important photosynthesizing leaves are protected from the elements by their own interwoven stems and branches.

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