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Rainbow Surprise Mirror Plant
Coprosma 'Rainbow Surprise'
Pronunciation: kop-ROS-muh
SKU #08276
LIGHT:
Full sun, Partial sun
WATER:
Water when top 2 inches of soil is dry.
SIZE:
Moderate growing; reaches 4 to 5 ft. tall and wide.
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| Description | Glossy leaves offer an amazing rainbow of colors throughout the year. Green and cream variegated leaves tinged with gold and pink become hot pink and olive green in winter. A tidy, rounded, compact shrub for a low hedge or container plant. Evergreen. |
|---|---|
| Bloom Time | Inconspicuous; prized for foliage. |
| Deciduous/Evergreen | Evergreen |
| Special Features | Dramatic Foliage Color, Easy Care, Waterwise, Compact Form |
| Problems/Solutions | Coastal Exposure |
| Growth Rate | Moderate |
| Landscape Use | Hedge |
| Design Ideas | Good focal point with multi season interest in short range compositions. Use in shrub or mixed borders to provide structure against large leaf exotics or tropicals. Fine foundation plant for year around coverage of crawl spaces, meters and vents. Well-sized for framing art or fountains with a nest of attractive foliage. Plant as an informal hedge or barrier to separate spaces. |
| Foliage Color | Multicolored |
| Companion Plants | Fountain Grass (Pennisetum); Cordyline (Cordyline); Mandevilla (Mandevilla);Hibiscus (Hibiscus); Mondo Grass (Ophiopogon) |
| Care Instructions | Grows easily in average to poor, neutral to slightly acidic, well-drained soils. Water deeply, regularly during the first growing season to establish an extensive root system; once established, reduce frequency. Feed with a general purpose fertilizer before new growth begins in spring. For a tidy, neat appearance, prune annually to shape. |
| History | This genus of shiny leaf shrubs hails includes about 60 species scattered across the South Pacific in Australia, New Zealand, and Borneo. The genus was classified by the German, Johann Reinhold Forster in the late 18th century. It was derived from the Greek for a fetid odor, the chief distinguishing feature of some species. One of the most famous collectors of Coprosma species was I. Bauer, who traveled New Zealand in 1804-1805. This species, C. repens hails from North Island of New Zealand where its short stature is well adapted to sand dune habitats where it must keep out of the desiccating coastal winds. |
| Lore | In New Zealand, dyes are made from the inner bark of many Coprosma species which does not require a mordant. A poultice of the leaves is used to treat wounds by the indigenous peoples. Seed is ground for a coffee substitute. |
Details
| Description | Glossy leaves offer an amazing rainbow of colors throughout the year. Green and cream variegated leaves tinged with gold and pink become hot pink and olive green in winter. A tidy, rounded, compact shrub for a low hedge or container plant. Evergreen. |
|---|---|
| Bloom Time | Inconspicuous; prized for foliage. |
| Deciduous/Evergreen | Evergreen |
| Special Features | Dramatic Foliage Color, Easy Care, Waterwise, Compact Form |
| Problems/Solutions | Coastal Exposure |
| Growth Rate | Moderate |
Style
| Landscape Use | Hedge |
|---|---|
| Design Ideas | Good focal point with multi season interest in short range compositions. Use in shrub or mixed borders to provide structure against large leaf exotics or tropicals. Fine foundation plant for year around coverage of crawl spaces, meters and vents. Well-sized for framing art or fountains with a nest of attractive foliage. Plant as an informal hedge or barrier to separate spaces. |
| Foliage Color | Multicolored |
| Companion Plants | Fountain Grass (Pennisetum); Cordyline (Cordyline); Mandevilla (Mandevilla);Hibiscus (Hibiscus); Mondo Grass (Ophiopogon) |
Care
| Care Instructions | Grows easily in average to poor, neutral to slightly acidic, well-drained soils. Water deeply, regularly during the first growing season to establish an extensive root system; once established, reduce frequency. Feed with a general purpose fertilizer before new growth begins in spring. For a tidy, neat appearance, prune annually to shape. |
|---|
History
| History | This genus of shiny leaf shrubs hails includes about 60 species scattered across the South Pacific in Australia, New Zealand, and Borneo. The genus was classified by the German, Johann Reinhold Forster in the late 18th century. It was derived from the Greek for a fetid odor, the chief distinguishing feature of some species. One of the most famous collectors of Coprosma species was I. Bauer, who traveled New Zealand in 1804-1805. This species, C. repens hails from North Island of New Zealand where its short stature is well adapted to sand dune habitats where it must keep out of the desiccating coastal winds. |
|---|---|
| Lore | In New Zealand, dyes are made from the inner bark of many Coprosma species which does not require a mordant. A poultice of the leaves is used to treat wounds by the indigenous peoples. Seed is ground for a coffee substitute. |
Frequently asked questions
Does Rainbow Surprise Mirror Plant produce flowers?
Inconspicuous; prized for foliage.
Is Rainbow Surprise Mirror Plant evergreen or deciduous?
Rainbow Surprise Mirror Plant is Evergreen.
What are the special features of Rainbow Surprise Mirror Plant?
Rainbow Surprise Mirror Plant is Dramatic Foliage Color, Easy Care, Waterwise, Compact Form.
Is Rainbow Surprise Mirror Plant resistant to pests or animals?
Coastal Exposure
How fast does Rainbow Surprise Mirror Plant grow?
Rainbow Surprise Mirror Plant has a Moderate growth rate.
Where can I use Rainbow Surprise Mirror Plant in my landscape?
Rainbow Surprise Mirror Plant is suitable for: Hedge.
How can I use Rainbow Surprise Mirror Plant in my garden design?
Good focal point with multi season interest in short range compositions. Use in shrub or mixed borders to provide structure against large leaf exotics or tropicals. Fine foundation plant for year around coverage of crawl spaces, meters and vents. Well-sized for framing art or fountains with a nest of attractive foliage. Plant as an informal hedge or barrier to separate spaces.
What color is the foliage of Rainbow Surprise Mirror Plant?
Rainbow Surprise Mirror Plant has Multicolored foliage.
What plants grow well with Rainbow Surprise Mirror Plant?
Good companion plants for Rainbow Surprise Mirror Plant include: Fountain Grass (Pennisetum); Cordyline (Cordyline); Mandevilla (Mandevilla);Hibiscus (Hibiscus); Mondo Grass (Ophiopogon).
How do I care for Rainbow Surprise Mirror Plant?
Grows easily in average to poor, neutral to slightly acidic, well-drained soils. Water deeply, regularly during the first growing season to establish an extensive root system; once established, reduce frequency. Feed with a general purpose fertilizer before new growth begins in spring. For a tidy, neat appearance, prune annually to shape.
What is the history of Rainbow Surprise Mirror Plant?
This genus of shiny leaf shrubs hails includes about 60 species scattered across the South Pacific in Australia, New Zealand, and Borneo. The genus was classified by the German, Johann Reinhold Forster in the late 18th century. It was derived from the Greek for a fetid odor, the chief distinguishing feature of some species. One of the most famous collectors of Coprosma species was I. Bauer, who traveled New Zealand in 1804-1805. This species, C. repens hails from North Island of New Zealand where its short stature is well adapted to sand dune habitats where it must keep out of the desiccating coastal winds.
Retailers Near You
No Retailers found within 100 miles of your zipcode
About Us
We have been pioneers and craftsmen in the art of growing plants for 100 years. Since our founding in Southern California by Harry E. Rosedale, Sr. in 1926, we have been absolutely dedicated and obsessed with quality.
We have been pioneers and craftsmen in the art of growing plants for nearly 100 years. Since our founding in Southern California by Harry E. Rosedale, Sr. in 1926, we have been absolutely dedicated and obsessed with quality.