Coprosma repens
Coprosma repens
Coprosma repens is a hardy coastal shrub native to New Zealand, known for its glossy green leaves and orange berries. It is widely used for hedging and shelter in exposed coastal gardens, and its resilience makes it a popular choice for difficult sites. The plant provides important habitat and food for native birds and insects. native trees
Image credit: Coprosma repens (Coprosma repens) Photo via Wikipedia
Quick Facts
| Scientific Name | Coprosma repens |
|---|---|
| Height | Up to 6 m (20 ft) as a shrub or small tree |
| Spread | 2–4 m (6–13 ft) wide, can be wider as a hedge |
| Water Needs | Low once established; moderate during establishment |
| Light | Full sun to partial shade |
| Frost Tolerance | Moderate (down to -3°C to -5°C; protect young plants from severe frost) |
| Salt Tolerance | Very high (excellent tolerance for coastal salt and wind) |
| Growth Rate | Fast (especially in coastal conditions) |
| Lifespan | Long-lived (several decades with good care) |
Climate Best Suited To
Taupata is native to coastal areas throughout New Zealand, where it thrives in exposed, salt-laden environments. It is naturally adapted to mild, temperate climates with moderate rainfall but has proven remarkably adaptable to various conditions in cultivation. Its natural coastal habitat has equipped it with excellent tolerance for wind, salt spray, and sandy or poor soils.
Regional Suitability
| City | Climate Suitability |
|---|---|
| Whangārei | Ideal |
| Auckland | Ideal |
| Hamilton | Ideal |
| Tauranga | Ideal |
| Rotorua | Ideal |
| Gisborne | Ideal |
| New Plymouth | Ideal |
| Napier | Ideal |
| Whanganui | Ideal |
| Palmerston North | Ideal |
| Wellington | Ideal |
| Nelson | Ideal |
| Christchurch | Ideal |
| Dunedin | Moderate |
| Invercargill | Moderate |
Growing Requirements
Soil Requirements
Taupata is remarkably adaptable to various soil conditions:
- Tolerates poor, sandy soils
- Prefers well-draining conditions
- pH range from slightly acidic to alkaline (6.0-8.0)
- Tolerates coastal, salt-laden soils
- Can grow in rocky or gravelly soils
- Moderate fertility requirements
Light Requirements
This versatile shrub adapts to various light conditions:
- Thrives in full sun, especially in coastal areas
- Tolerates partial shade
- More compact growth in full sun
- May become leggy in deep shade
- Leaf color and glossiness most pronounced in good light
- Variegated cultivars need more light to maintain coloration
Water Requirements
Taupata is drought-tolerant once established:
- Moderate watering during establishment (first 1-2 years)
- Drought-tolerant once established
- Prefers occasional deep watering over frequent light watering
- Avoid waterlogged conditions
- More water needed in containers than in ground
- Reduce watering in winter, especially in cooler regions
Temperature Tolerance
This coastal native has good temperature adaptability:
- Thrives in mild, temperate climates
- Tolerates heat well
- Moderate frost tolerance (-3°C to -5°C)
- Young plants more frost-sensitive than established ones
- Protect from severe frosts, especially when young
- Excellent tolerance for coastal conditions
Uses & Significance
Garden Uses
- Hedging and screening in coastal gardens
- Ground cover for erosion control
- Container planting for patios and decks
- Wildlife gardens for attracting birds
Ecological Value
- Stabilizes coastal soils and dunes
- Provides food and shelter for native birds and insects
- Important pioneer species in restoration projects
Seasonal Care
- Spring: Prune to shape, apply mulch, and fertilize if needed.
- Summer: Water young plants during dry spells; established plants are drought tolerant.
- Autumn: Remove dead or damaged branches, check for pests.
- Winter: Minimal care required; monitor for frost damage in colder regions.
Spring
- Prune to encourage bushy growth and remove any winter damage.
- Apply a layer of mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.
- Fertilize with a balanced slow-release fertilizer if growth is slow.
Summer
- Water young or newly planted Taupata during extended dry periods.
- Established plants are drought tolerant but benefit from occasional deep watering.
- Monitor for pests such as scale insects and treat if necessary.
Autumn
- Remove any dead, diseased, or damaged branches.
- Check for signs of fungal diseases after wet weather and remove affected leaves.
- Collect seeds from ripe berries for propagation.
Winter
- Minimal care required; Taupata is hardy in most regions.
- Protect young plants from severe frosts with frost cloth if necessary.
- Plan new plantings for early spring.
Pruning
Prune Coprosma repens in late winter or early spring to maintain shape and encourage bushiness. Regular trimming is recommended for hedges. Remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches. Hard pruning can rejuvenate older plants.
Planting Guide
- Choose a sunny or partially shaded site with well-draining soil.
- Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball.
- Plant at the same depth as in the container, backfill, and firm gently.
- Water thoroughly after planting and mulch to retain moisture.
- Space plants 1–2 meters apart for hedges or ground cover.
Propagation
Cuttings
The most reliable method:
- Take semi-hardwood cuttings in late summer or autumn
- Select 10-15cm pieces of current season's growth
- Remove lower leaves, leaving 2-3 pairs at top
- Dip cut end in rooting hormone (optional but helpful)
- Insert into a mix of sand and peat or quality potting mix
- Keep consistently moist but not wet
- Place in bright, indirect light
- Roots should develop within 4-8 weeks
- Transplant when well-rooted
Seeds
For larger quantities:
- Collect ripe orange berries
- Extract seeds by mashing fruit and washing pulp away
- Dry seeds briefly before sowing
- Sow fresh seeds in autumn or winter
- Use a well-draining seed-raising mix
- Cover seeds lightly with fine grit or sand
- Keep consistently moist but not wet
- Germination occurs in 3-6 weeks at 18-22°C
- Transplant seedlings when they have several true leaves
Layering
For ground cover forms:
- Select a low-growing, flexible branch
- Make a small wound on the underside of the branch
- Pin the wounded section to the ground with a garden staple or stone
- Cover with soil, leaving the tip exposed
- Keep soil consistently moist
- Roots will form at the wounded area within a few months
- Once well-rooted, cut from parent plant and transplant
Cultural History
Taupata has a significant place in New Zealand's natural and cultural heritage:
Traditional Māori Uses
- Known as "taupata" or "naupata" in te reo Māori
- Berries (karamu) were occasionally eaten, though not a primary food source
- Wood used for fire-making tools
- Medicinal uses included treating skin conditions and wounds
- Leaves used in traditional steam cooking (hangi)
- Plant recognized for its resilience and coastal adaptation
Ecological Significance
- Important pioneer species in coastal ecosystems
- Provides shelter and stabilizes dunes and coastal soils
- Berries are an important food source for native birds
- Creates habitat for coastal wildlife
- Contributes to biodiversity in coastal environments
- Helps establish conditions for less hardy species to grow
European Settlement Impact
- Documented by early European botanists
- Coastal habitat reduced through development
- Recognized for its ornamental potential
- Cultivated varieties developed for garden use
- Exported to international botanical collections
- Now grown worldwide in suitable climates
Contemporary Significance
Today, Taupata is valued both for its ecological role in coastal ecosystems and as an ornamental plant in gardens. Its adaptability, salt tolerance, and attractive foliage make it popular for coastal landscaping, hedges, and as a low-maintenance shrub. Several cultivars have been developed, including variegated forms with cream or yellow leaf margins. Conservation efforts include using it in coastal restoration projects and dune stabilization.
Cultural Significance
Taupata (Coprosma repens) holds cultural value for Māori, who used its berries, wood, and leaves for food, tools, and traditional medicine. Its resilience and ability to thrive in harsh coastal environments made it a symbol of endurance and adaptability. Today, it is also valued for its role in ecological restoration and as a feature in native gardens, reflecting both traditional and contemporary appreciation.
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
- Scale Insects: May appear as small bumps on stems and leaves. Control with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap.
- Mealy Bugs: Look for white, cotton-like clusters in leaf axils and stem joints. Remove with alcohol-soaked cotton swabs or treat with insecticidal soap.
- Spider Mites: Watch for fine webbing and stippled leaves. Increase humidity and treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Disease Prevention
- Root Rot: Avoid overwatering and ensure good drainage to prevent fungal root diseases.
- Leaf Spot: Remove affected leaves and avoid overhead watering to reduce fungal spread.
- Powdery Mildew: Maintain good air circulation and avoid overcrowding plants.
Taupata is generally quite resistant to pests and diseases when grown in appropriate conditions with good air circulation and proper watering practices.
Bonus Tip
Create a stunning coastal-themed container garden by combining Taupata (Coprosma repens) (especially variegated forms) with other salt-tolerant natives like Apodasmia similis (Oioi), Festuca coxii (Blue Tussock), and Disphyma australe (New Zealand Ice Plant). Plant in a large container with excellent drainage, using a mix of potting soil and coarse sand. Position the taller Taupata at the back or center, with the other plants arranged to cascade over the edges. This combination mimics a natural coastal ecosystem while providing year-round interest through contrasting textures and forms. Perfect for beachside decks, patios, or any garden where you want to create a coastal feel with minimal maintenance.
