Koprosma Pacific Dawn

Coprosma 'Pacific Dawn' is a small evergreen bush with highly decorative foliage. Originating from New Zealand, it is not very hardy, but drought-resistant and highly tolerant to sea spray. Its small shiny leaves diffuse a reddish aura. They change colour throughout the seasons: edged with raspberry red, they have a green centre with chocolate brown that will be lighter in summer and darker in winter. It is a perfect bush for coastal gardens. Elsewhere, this bush with dense foliage can spend the winter protected from frost.

The genus Coprosma consists of 90 species of evergreen bushes and small trees, most native to New Zealand, belonging to the Rubiaceae family. These bushes develop extremely shiny foliage. They prefer dry and hot climates, as well as poor and well-drained soils. Hybrids and cultivars like 'Pacific Dawn' will suffer at temperatures below -3°C. Cultivation in the ground is therefore limited to coastal areas unaffected by severe frosts.

Coprosma 'Pacific Dawn' is a hybrid derived from Coprosma repens, with an erect and dense habit, reaching approximately 1.50 m in height and 1.20 m in width at maturity. Growth is rapid. It develops evergreen foliage of small opposite, lanceolate, leathery, glossy leaves whose colour evolves over the months through tones of pink, red, green, purple, and chocolate brown. Flowering takes place in late summer, with clusters of greenish stamens or stigmas on separate male and female individuals. When male plants are planted near female plants, small orange-red decorative fruits form on the latter.

Coprosma 'Pacific Dawn' can be associated with plants of contrasting foliage such as golden oregano, Berberis, or artemisias. It requires light, poor, and non-chalky soils.