Taupata (mirror bush) Coprosma repens
Taupata (mirror bush) (Coprosma repens) is an evergreen perennial shrub in the Rubiaceae family, native to Coastal New Zealand (endemic). It grows 1–6 m (3.3–20 ft) tall and 1–3 m (3.3–10 ft) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -3 °C (27 °F). Space plants about 1.2 m (3.9 ft) apart.
Plan Taupata (mirror bush) in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Taupata (mirror bush) at a glance
| Type | Perennial shrub, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Rubiaceae |
| Mature height | 1–6 m (3.3–20 ft) |
| Mature spread | 1–3 m (3.3–10 ft) |
| Spacing | 1.2 m (3.9 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 5 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance high, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5.5–8.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -3 °C (27 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 9) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 32 °C (90 °F) |
| Flowering | from about October for 3–5 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | High |
| Pollinator value | Low |
| Edible | Yes: orange berries (bland) |
| Native to | Coastal New Zealand (endemic) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇳🇿 New Zealand, 🇦🇺 Australia, 🇺🇸 United States |
| Invasive in | Victoria and south-west Western Australia, Hawaii, California coast: check local rules before planting |
Is Taupata (mirror bush) toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
No toxicity reported in ASPCA or standard poison references.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Taupata (mirror bush)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
Questions about Taupata (mirror bush)
- How far apart should I plant Taupata (mirror bush)?
- About 1.2 m (3.9 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 1–3 m (3.3–10 ft).
- Does Taupata (mirror bush) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 5 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Taupata (mirror bush) need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is high and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Taupata (mirror bush)?
- It tolerates about -3 °C (27 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 9.
- When does Taupata (mirror bush) flower?
- From about October for 3–5 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Taupata (mirror bush) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. No toxicity reported in ASPCA or standard poison references.
- What grows well with Taupata (mirror bush)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Taupata (mirror bush). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
Notes and assumptions
- Mirror-glossy leaves shrug off salt spray; many variegated cultivars. Birds spread it into coastal bush abroad.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
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