Coprosma repens Marble Queen

Coprosma 'Marble Queen' is a small bush with evergreen foliage variegated with cream-white and extremely decorative all year round. Originally from New Zealand, it is not very hardy, but drought-resistant and very tolerant to sea sprays. Therefore, it is a perfect bush for coastal gardens or very mild climates when planted in the ground. Its pretty, shiny and tough leaves in a mixture of deep green and cream white, have a bright appearance that will illuminate a plant bed all year round. In colder regions, this small bush with an upright habit and dense foliage will adorn the terrace or balcony throughout the summer and will spend the winter protected from frost.

The Coprosma genus consists of 90 to 100 species of evergreen bushes and small trees that are mostly native to New Zealand. These plants belong to the Rubiaceae family, which includes, for example, the Coffee plant and the Gardenia. Recently introduced to the European horticultural market, these bushes, known as mirror plants, develop extremely shiny foliage where light and colours play wonderfully. From their origins, these not very hardy plants have retained a preference for dry and warm climates, as well as poor and well-drained soils. Hybrids and cultivars like this one are not very hardy and suffer from temperatures below -4°C. Therefore, their cultivation in the ground will be limited to coastal areas without severe frosts.
Coprosma 'Marble Queen' is a variety derived from the species Coprosma repens. It has an upright and dense habit, reaching a height and width of about 1.50m (4 ft 11 in) at maturity after 10 to 20 years. It develops evergreen foliage composed of small opposite, entire, ovate leaves with rounded tips. They are very tough and their texture is shiny, increasing their attractiveness. Their bright green is variegated with cream-white in an irregular margin, creating a very attractive visual effect in all seasons. This male produces small yellow flowers in summer, which are quite insignificant and consequently do not give decorative berries like the female.
Coprosma grows in neutral to acidic, light, and well-drained soil. Once well-rooted, it tolerates drought quite well. It is also resistant to wind and sea sprays.

Coprosma 'Marble Queen' is a very popular bush in New Zealand, thanks to its decorative aspect, adaptation to the local climate, and very good resistance to diseases and insects, except perhaps scale insects. Its variegation will be even more striking when combined in a bed with a purple plant, such as the Pittosporum tenuifolium Purpureum, which is also well adapted to coastal areas and has beautifully wavy dark foliage. With its greyish foliage, the Teucrium fruticans will also be a good companion, especially since its blue flowering lasts a long time. The Common Myrtle, with its beautiful dark green, glossy foliage, aromatic when crushed, is also interesting in this type of situation.