The ‘Coprosma Inferno’ is a striking evergreen shrub known for its vibrant, multi-colored foliage, providing year-round visual interest. Its intense coloration and compact growth make it a popular choice for various garden settings. This plant offers a dynamic display, with hues that intensify as seasons change.
Understanding Coprosma Inferno
‘Coprosma Inferno’, also called Mirror Plant, is a cultivar of Coprosma repens, native to New Zealand. This compact, multi-stemmed evergreen shrub features small, glossy leaves. Its foliage displays a vibrant array of colors, including dark green, lime green, yellow, orange, red, and claret.
In spring and summer, leaves show green and yellow mottling with bright red or lime-green margins. As temperatures cool in autumn and winter, red and orange hues intensify, often turning brilliant pink, deep red, or dark purple-brown, giving the plant its “Inferno” name. This shrub typically reaches 0.5 to 1.5 meters (1.5 to 5 feet) in height and spread, maintaining an upright, spreading habit. Its flowers are inconspicuous; the foliage is the primary ornamental feature.
Caring for Your Coprosma Inferno
Light Requirements
‘Coprosma Inferno’ thrives best in full sun to partial shade. Full sun encourages the most vibrant foliage coloration, enhancing its rich red and orange tones. While it tolerates partial shade, shadier conditions can lead to less vigorous growth and duller leaf color. A sheltered spot, protected from strong winds and harsh frosts, is also recommended.
Watering Needs
During its first growing season, consistent watering helps ‘Coprosma Inferno’ establish a robust root system. Once established, the plant shows some drought tolerance and requires average to evenly moist conditions. Avoid overwatering, which can cause root issues. Allow the soil to nearly dry out between waterings to prevent waterlogging. Container-grown plants may need more frequent watering than those in the ground.
Soil Preferences
‘Coprosma Inferno’ prefers well-drained soil; poor drainage can cause decline. It adapts to various soil types, including clay, loam, and sand, if they are moderately fertile and drain effectively. The ideal pH range is slightly acidic to neutral. Incorporating garden compost when planting can improve soil structure and fertility.
Fertilizing
Fertilizing ‘Coprosma Inferno’ is generally not a frequent requirement. If feeding is desired, apply a balanced, slow-release granular fertilizer in spring. A balanced NPK ratio like 10-10-10 or 14-14-14 is suitable. For container plants, a slow-release feed twice a year, in spring and mid-summer, can be beneficial.
Pruning for Shape and Health
Pruning ‘Coprosma Inferno’ is a low-maintenance task. It can be done at any time to maintain its shape, promote bushiness, and remove dead or damaged growth. Light trimming of branches that spoil symmetry can be performed in early spring. Use clean, sharp tools for precise cuts, which helps maintain plant health.
Planting and Landscape Uses
‘Coprosma Inferno’ is a versatile shrub, adding vibrant, year-round color to landscapes. Its compact size and upright growth make it suitable for various applications, including container planting. When planting in containers, using a loam-based potting compost with ample drainage is recommended.
This plant excels in mass plantings, as a low hedge, or informal screen. Its striking foliage creates visual interest and contrasts with other plant colors in mixed borders or around outdoor living areas like pools and patios. ‘Coprosma Inferno’ tolerates coastal conditions, including salt spray and wind, making it suitable for seaside gardens.
Addressing Common Challenges
While ‘Coprosma Inferno’ is a low-maintenance plant with good resistance to pests and diseases, gardeners may encounter a few common issues. Loss of vibrant foliage color often indicates insufficient light exposure. To encourage intense red and orange hues, ensure the plant receives full sun.
Leaf discoloration, such as browning or wilting, can signal improper watering. Overwatering leads to root rot, while underwatering causes drought stress. Nutrient deficiencies can also cause leaf discoloration, yellowing, or stunted growth, which a balanced fertilizer can address if needed. General plant health practices, like proper watering and light, contribute to its resilience.