Coprosma kirkii Variegata

Coprosma x kirkii 'Variegata' is an evergreen bush with a spreading and covering habit, very ornamental throughout the year. Its dense vegetation is effective against weeds and its fine foliage, green variegated with white, gives it a very interesting silvery appearance. Perfect for covering a slope, it will also blend happily in a varied bed alongside dark foliage to create superb contrasts. With limited hardiness, it will thrive in coastal areas, as it withstands sea spray and dryness quite well. It requires non-calcareous soil and will grow equally well in full sun or light shade.

Coprosma belongs to the large Rubiaceae family, which includes 600 genera and over 10,000 species. It hosts plants from tropical climates, such as the coffee plant, and many exotic ornamentals like Ixora, as well as plants from temperate zones, such as the lovely Cushion Bush, a compact perennial with clusters of pink flowers. There are around 90 Coprosma species, often small-leaved shrubs, but also some trees with larger leaves. These plants are often native to New Zealand and Australia, as well as various islands (Hawaii, Borneo, Java...).
Coprosma x kirkii is a hybrid between two botanical species. C. repens, introduced to Europe around 1866, is not creeping but in New Zealand forms tall bushes 3 to 6 metres high, known as "mirror plants" due to the shiny foliage. C. acerosa, also from New Zealand, grows in coastal dunes and forms a ground cover up to 2 metres in diameter, with particularly fine, yellowish-green foliage and inconspicuous flowering followed by small bluish berries.
Coprosma x kirkii 'Variegata' is a horticultural selection with variegated foliage, resembling an intermediate aspect between its two natural parents. Thus, this relatively fast-growing bush has a spreading habit without being truly creeping. Generally reaching 40-50 cm in height, with an irregular aspect, it spreads up to 1.50 m in diameter. It is an excellent ground cover due to its very dense vegetation. The slender and flexible, light brown branches bear small narrow leaves, measuring approximately 3-4 cm long by 1 cm wide. The bright green colour of the leaf blade is adorned with a white edge, which, combined with the profusion of leaves, gives it a shimmering silvery appearance from a distance. In summer, it produces inconspicuous flowers, too small to be decorative, followed in autumn by slightly more visible whitish berries. Its evergreen, glossy foliage is therefore its main asset, as it maintains its silvery appearance throughout the year.

Suitable for coastal areas and mild climates, this Coprosma will thrive in well-drained slopes and allow you to create attractive contrasts within a bed. Plant it at the edge in front of dark-foliaged plants, like the 'Tuxedo' Californian Lilac, whose almost blackish purple foliage is adorned with beautiful sky-blue flowers in May. The lesser-known Grevillea rhyolitica, with green foliage and endless coral-red flowering that catches the eye in the garden, will also be a great companion. Metrosideros with their exotic-looking blooms and vibrant colours will also blend harmoniously into your scene.