Coprosma ‘Pina Colada’, often known as the Pina Colada Mirror Bush, is a vibrant evergreen shrub that adds color to gardens. This eye-catching plant is admired for its striking foliage and its ability to maintain visual interest throughout the year. Its unique appearance and versatility make it a popular choice for various landscape designs.
Description and Characteristics
Coprosma ‘Pina Colada’ has an upright, mounding growth habit, typically reaching 4 to 5 feet tall and 3 to 4 feet wide. Its most notable feature is its glossy, wavy-margined leaves, which display a striking yellow-gold color. The foliage is uniquely variegated, with deep red-orange edges that intensify in color during cooler weather.
The leaves often reflect light, earning it the common name “Mirror Plant” or “Looking Glass Plant.” While its flowers are inconspicuous, the vibrant and changing foliage is the primary ornamental attraction. The leaves are thick and glossy, contributing to its distinct appearance.
Planting and Growing Conditions
This shrub thrives in full sun to partial shade, though it prefers cool sun or light shade, particularly in hotter inland climates to prevent leaf scorch. It performs best in moderately well-drained soil that is neutral to slightly acidic. Amending heavy clay soils with organic material and sand improves drainage.
When planting, dig a hole twice the width of the nursery pot and ensure the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil. This plant is hardy in USDA Zones 9a through 11, tolerating temperatures down to 20-25°F. Coprosma ‘Pina Colada’ also tolerates seaside conditions and urban pollution, making it a robust choice.
Care and Maintenance
Once established, Coprosma ‘Pina Colada’ has moderate water needs and becomes relatively drought-tolerant. During the first growing season, consistent moisture is important for root development. For ongoing health, water regularly, ensuring the soil is moist but not waterlogged, as it does not tolerate standing water.
Fertilizing is beneficial, particularly for container plants. An annual application of a balanced, slow-release tree and shrub fertilizer in early spring, before new growth appears, supports vigorous growth. For container plants, apply a slow-release feed twice yearly, in spring and mid-summer. Pruning is minimal, primarily for shaping or maintaining size, and can be done between mid-spring and late summer.
Common Problems
Coprosma ‘Pina Colada’ is generally resilient to pests and diseases. However, environmental stresses can sometimes lead to problems. Overwatering, particularly in poorly draining soils, can result in root rot, causing wilting or yellowing leaves. Proper drainage prevents this.
Leaf scorch can occur in intense, hot sun, especially in inland areas, causing foliage browning or crisping. Afternoon shade can mitigate this. While cold hardy for its zones, extreme frost can damage foliage tips. For container plants in such conditions, temporary protection with horticultural fleece is beneficial.