Stalked Coprosma (Coprosma pedicellata) hero image

Stalked Coprosma

Coprosma pedicellata

Not Threatened

This native plant, known as Stalked Coprosma (scientific name: Coprosma pedicellata ), is a remarkable species endemic to New Zealand. It is characterized by its unique features, ecological role, and cultural significance. This comprehensive guide provides detailed information on its care, propagation, and importance within the New Zealand ecosystem. Understanding this plant contributes to the appreciation of our rich biodiversity and heritage, and supports conservation efforts for native shrubs .

Stalked Coprosma (Coprosma pedicellata) showing small glossy leaves and characteristic stalked berries
Image credit: Stalked Coprosma ( Coprosma pedicellata ) - photo by Wikipedia contributors, via Wikipedia

Plant Description

Coprosma pedicellata is a distinctive small to medium-sized shrub that typically grows 1-3 meters tall. It is easily recognized by its small, glossy green leaves arranged oppositely on slender branches, and most notably, its berries borne on conspicuous stalks (pedicels) - hence both its common and scientific names. The leaves are generally 10-20 mm long, oval to oblong in shape, with a leathery texture and slightly recurved margins. The plant produces small, inconspicuous flowers that are dioecious (separate male and female plants). Female plants develop translucent berries that change from green to orange or red when ripe, each sitting atop a noticeable stalk that can be 5-10 mm long. The branching pattern is often divaricating, creating a densely interlaced structure that provides excellent shelter for small birds.

Quick Facts

Coprosma pedicellata quick facts
Scientific Name Coprosma pedicellata
Height 1-3 meters
Spread 1-2 meters
Water Needs Moderate - Tolerates dry periods once established
Light Full sun to partial shade
Frost Tolerance Hardy - Tolerates moderate frosts
Salt Tolerance Good - Suitable for coastal gardens
Growth Rate Moderate to fast
Lifespan 20-40 years

Climate Best Suited to

Stalked Coprosma thrives in temperate to subtropical climates throughout New Zealand. It shows excellent adaptability to various environmental conditions, from coastal areas to inland valleys. This hardy shrub tolerates wind, salt spray, and periodic drought once established, making it particularly suitable for challenging garden situations. It performs best in areas with moderate rainfall but can adapt to drier conditions with some supplementary watering during establishment.

Regional Suitability

City suitability for Stalked Coprosma
City Climate Suitability
Auckland Excellent
Wellington Excellent - Wind tolerant
Christchurch Good - Protect from severe frosts when young
Dunedin Good
Hamilton Excellent
Tauranga Excellent
Nelson Excellent
Napier Excellent
Palmerston North Good
Invercargill Good - Shelter from cold winds

Plant Habitat

In its natural habitat, Coprosma pedicellata is found in forest margins, scrubland, and regenerating bush throughout the North Island and northern South Island of New Zealand. It commonly occurs from sea level to about 600 meters elevation, often as part of the understory in lowland and coastal forests. This adaptable shrub thrives in disturbed areas and is often one of the first woody plants to colonize cleared land. It grows alongside other native shrubs like mahoe, kanuka, and other Coprosma species, forming important successional vegetation that helps restore native forest cover. The plant shows a preference for well-drained sites but can tolerate a range of soil conditions from sandy coastal soils to heavier clay loams.

Growing Requirements

Soil Requirements

Stalked Coprosma adapts to various soil types but performs best in well-drained, moderately fertile soils.

  • Tolerates sandy to clay soils
  • Prefers slightly acidic to neutral pH
  • Good drainage essential
  • Accepts poor soils once established

Light Requirements

This versatile shrub grows well in various light conditions, adapting to both sunny and partially shaded positions.

  • Full sun for densest growth
  • Tolerates partial shade well
  • More open growth in shade
  • Better fruiting in sunnier positions

Water Requirements

Once established, Stalked Coprosma is relatively drought-tolerant but benefits from regular moisture during dry periods.

  • Regular water during establishment
  • Drought-tolerant once mature
  • Avoid waterlogging
  • Mulch to retain moisture

Planting and Establishing

When planting Coprosma pedicellata , choose a site with good drainage and prepare the planting hole twice the width of the root ball. Plant in spring or autumn for best establishment. Space plants 1-1.5 meters apart for hedging or screening, or use as individual specimens in mixed plantings. Add compost or well-rotted organic matter to the planting hole, but avoid over-fertilizing as this can lead to soft, frost-tender growth. Water thoroughly after planting and maintain regular watering for the first growing season. Apply a layer of organic mulch around the base, keeping it away from the stem to prevent collar rot. Young plants benefit from light staking in windy sites until the root system is established. Protect from severe frosts in the first winter in colder areas.

Ecological Role

Stalked Coprosma plays a significant ecological role in New Zealand's native ecosystems. The berries are an important food source for native birds, particularly kereru (wood pigeons), tui, and silvereyes, which also help disperse the seeds. The dense, interlaced branching structure provides excellent nesting sites and shelter for small birds, protecting them from predators and harsh weather. As a pioneer species, it helps stabilize soil and create conditions suitable for the establishment of larger forest trees. The plant supports various native insects, including moths and beetles that feed on the foliage. Its ability to grow in disturbed areas makes it valuable for ecological restoration projects, helping to re-establish native vegetation corridors and provide food resources for native fauna throughout the year.

Uses & Significance

Garden Uses

Stalked Coprosma is valued in gardens for its hardiness, attractive foliage, and bird-attracting berries.

  • Informal hedging and screening
  • Coastal gardens and windbreaks
  • Mixed native plantings
  • Bird-attracting gardens
  • Erosion control on slopes

Ecological Value

This shrub provides multiple ecological benefits in both natural and cultivated settings.

  • Food source for native birds
  • Nesting and shelter habitat
  • Pioneer species for revegetation
  • Supports native insect populations
  • Soil stabilization

Landscaping Uses

In landscape design, Coprosma pedicellata offers versatility and reliability. Its moderate size and dense growth habit make it ideal for informal hedges and screens that don't require frequent trimming. The glossy foliage provides year-round structure and texture, while the colourful berries add seasonal interest. Use it in mixed native borders combined with flaxes, hebes, and other Coprosma species for a naturalistic effect. In coastal gardens, it serves as an excellent windbreak and salt-tolerant backdrop for more tender plants. The plant works well in wildlife gardens, providing both food and shelter for birds. Its tolerance of poor soils and dry conditions makes it suitable for low-maintenance landscaping, road verges, and restoration plantings. Consider planting both male and female plants to ensure good berry production for maximum wildlife value.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Spring

New growth period with flowering beginning in late spring.

  • Prune to shape if needed
  • Apply balanced fertilizer
  • Plant new specimens
  • Take softwood cuttings

Summer

Active growth and berry development period.

  • Water during dry spells
  • Monitor for pest issues
  • Light pruning if required
  • Mulch to conserve moisture

Autumn

Berry ripening and bird feeding season.

  • Observe bird activity
  • Collect ripe berries for propagation
  • Plant new specimens
  • Take semi-hardwood cuttings

Winter

Dormant period with minimal growth activity.

  • Protect young plants from frost
  • Avoid heavy pruning
  • Check for wind damage
  • Plan spring plantings

When to Prune and How Much

Stalked Coprosma requires minimal pruning to maintain its natural form. The best time for any necessary pruning is early spring, just before new growth begins. This timing allows the plant to recover quickly and produce new growth during the active growing season.

  • Remove dead or damaged branches anytime
  • Light tip pruning encourages bushier growth
  • Can be pruned harder for hedging purposes
  • Avoid pruning during flowering and fruiting
  • Renovate old plants by cutting back by one-third

For hedging, trim lightly 2-3 times during the growing season to maintain shape. When renovating overgrown specimens, spread heavy pruning over 2-3 years to avoid shocking the plant. Always use clean, sharp tools to make clean cuts that heal quickly.

How to Grow Stalked Coprosma

Cultivating Stalked Coprosma ( Coprosma pedicellata ) is a rewarding endeavor for any gardener interested in New Zealand's unique flora. This species can be propagated through several methods, each requiring specific conditions to ensure healthy growth and establishment. Successful propagation depends on mimicking the plant's natural environment and providing consistent care during the early stages of development.

From Seed

Propagation from seed is often the most effective way to produce a large number of Stalked Coprosma plants. Seeds should be collected when they are fully mature. Freshly collected seeds generally have higher germination rates than those that have been stored for long periods.

Collect berries when fully ripe and showing orange or red coloration. Extract seeds by macerating berries in water and washing away the pulp.

  1. Clean seeds thoroughly to remove all fruit pulp
  2. Sow immediately in seed-raising mix
  3. Cover lightly with fine sand
  4. Keep consistently moist at 15-20°C
  5. Germination occurs in 3-8 weeks

Note that you'll need both male and female plants for berry production, so grow multiple seedlings to ensure both sexes are represented.

From Cuttings

For those wishing to replicate specific characteristics of a parent plant, vegetative propagation via cuttings is the preferred method. This technique ensures that the new plants are genetically identical to the source. Semi-hardwood cuttings taken during the appropriate season usually yield the best results for this species.

Cuttings are the most reliable method for propagating Coprosma pedicellata and maintaining the sex of the parent plant.

  1. Take 8-10 cm semi-hardwood cuttings in autumn
  2. Remove lower leaves and dip in rooting hormone
  3. Insert in free-draining propagation mix
  4. Maintain high humidity with misting or covers
  5. Roots develop in 6-10 weeks

Additional Methods

Depending on the growth habit of Stalked Coprosma, other methods such as layering might also be viable options. Layering is particularly suitable for plants with low-growing or flexible branches that can be bent to ground level.

Ground layering can be successful with lower branches that can be bent to soil level without breaking.

  1. Select flexible low branch in spring
  2. Wound the underside where it touches ground
  3. Peg down and cover with soil
  4. Keep moist throughout growing season
  5. Sever and transplant following autumn

Pests & Diseases

Coprosma pedicellata is generally resistant to most pests and diseases, making it a low-maintenance choice for gardens. Scale insects occasionally appear on stems and leaves, particularly in sheltered, humid conditions - control with horticultural oil sprays if severe. Aphids may attack new growth in spring but rarely cause significant damage and can be managed with a strong water spray. In very wet conditions, root rot can occur if drainage is poor, so ensure good soil drainage at planting. Leaf spot diseases occasionally appear during prolonged wet weather but are usually not serious and resolve as conditions dry. Caterpillars of some native moths feed on the foliage but this is part of the plant's ecological role and control is rarely necessary. The plant's natural resilience means that maintaining good growing conditions is usually sufficient to prevent any serious problems.

Cultural Significance

While Coprosma pedicellata is not as prominently featured in traditional Māori use as some other Coprosma species, it was part of the broader understanding of native plants and their properties. Various Coprosma species, known collectively as karamu or similar names, were used medicinally and practically by Māori.

  • Berries occasionally eaten, though not a preferred food
  • Leaves sometimes used in medicinal preparations
  • Wood used for small implements
  • Part of the forest ecosystem knowledge system
  • Indicator of soil and environmental conditions

Bonus Tip

To maximize berry production and create a stunning display for birds, plant Stalked Coprosma in groups with at least one male plant for every 3-4 female plants. The male plants can be identified during flowering by their prominent anthers and pollen production, while female flowers are smaller and less conspicuous. Position female plants where you want the best berry display, as these are the ones that will produce the attractive orange-red fruits. The stalked berries are particularly appealing when backlit by morning or evening sun, creating a jewel-like effect that adds sparkle to the garden while providing valuable food for native birds.

Plant Conservation

Coprosma pedicellata is currently listed as Not Threatened in New Zealand, with healthy populations throughout its natural range. However, like many native plants, it faces habitat loss through urban development and agricultural intensification. The species benefits from its adaptability and ability to colonize disturbed areas, which has helped maintain stable populations. Conservation efforts focus on protecting existing forest remnants and encouraging the use of native plants in urban and rural revegetation projects. Home gardeners can contribute to conservation by growing this species, particularly in areas where it can provide food and habitat for native birds. When sourcing plants, choose nursery-grown specimens from reputable suppliers to ensure genetic diversity and avoid impacting wild populations. Including Stalked Coprosma in restoration plantings helps maintain ecological connections and supports native wildlife populations.