Hybrid Coprosmas
rainbow colours on coprosma rainbow surprise
Coprosmas used to be considered boring evergreens with their small, shiny, plain green leaves. There have recently been some new hybrid varieties released with leaves of various colour combinations - much more colourful!
Multi-Coloured Coprosmas
There is a rather gaudy multi-coloured variety which is named 'Rainbow Surprise' - it is a mixture of reds, greens and lolly pink, and is rather jolly. I'm not totally sure if I like it, but I'm trying several plants out. They'll certainly brighten up the winter borders.
My favourite Coprosma is a more subtle combination of pinks and reds, and I have this planted in several borders as well as a fine specimen in a pot on the house decking. It looks particularly good near pink and red roses.
Some of my coloured Coprosmas live in pots, very happily, and they survive winter on the decking. I also have pruned them very heavily, and although slow to regrow, all is now well.
Pink and Green Coprosma Leaves
More gardeners could easily grow these beautiful small New Zealand hybrid Coprosmas - they are particularly colourful to have in a mixed border, and they will accept a big pruning session without too much sulking. I suspect it is quite difficult to kill one!
Frost Warning
It is possible that the smaller plants get frost damaged. This happened to a cream and green variegated shrub which was growing in an unsheltered new garden area. That particular winter was rather frosty, though. Since then I've always treated my Coprosmas as half-hardy.
