Coprosma Karo Red
Coprosma ‘Karo Red’
Overview
Coprosma ‘Karo Red’ is a compact, glossy NZ native shrub valued for its vibrant red-tinged foliage and tidy year-round form. This hardy, easy-care variety provides striking colour contrast in modern landscapes, coastal gardens and low-maintenance plantings.
Key Features
Foliage:
Small, glossy leaves with deep green bases and rich red to burgundy tones developing in cooler months. Naturally shiny foliage provides strong visual impact.
Flowers / Fruit:
Insignificant small flowers; may produce small berries. Mainly grown for its ornamental foliage.
Form & Habit:
Bushy, compact, rounded shrub with dense branching. Maintains a naturally tidy shape.
Growth Rate:
Moderate.
Cultural & Ecological Value:
Excellent tolerance to salt, wind, and coastal exposure. Provides shelter and structure for native insects and small birds.
Mature Size
| Attribute | Size |
|---|---|
| Height | 80–100 cm |
| Spread | 80 cm |
| Form | Compact, rounded shrub |
Ideal Growing Conditions
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Light | Full sun to part shade (best colour in full sun) |
| Water | Low to moderate; drought tolerant once established |
| Soil | Free-draining soils; tolerates sandy or coastal conditions |
| pH Range | Neutral to slightly acidic |
| Frost Tolerance | Hardy; tolerates light frosts |
Landscaping & Garden Uses
-
Colour contrast shrub in borders and mixed native plantings
-
Excellent for coastal and windy sites
-
Great for low hedges, mass planting or edging
-
Ideal for modern, architectural and low-maintenance gardens
Care & Maintenance
Pruning: Light trim in late winter or early spring to maintain a compact shape if desired.
Watering: Moderate during establishment; low thereafter.
Feeding: Apply a slow-release general fertiliser in spring if needed.
Pests & Diseases: Generally pest-free and resilient.
Additional Tips
Colour intensifies during cooler seasons. Plant in full sun for strongest red tones.
Fun Fact / Botanical Insight
Coprosmas are known as “mirror plants” due to their naturally glossy leaves—an adaptation that helps reduce moisture loss and withstand harsh coastal winds.
Why Choose Coprosma ‘Karo Red’?
A dependable, colourful NZ native shrub that combines toughness with year-round ornamental value—perfect for coastal, urban, and modern garden designs.
Pot Size:
These are our standard size in 7cm square pots.
Original: $5.95
-65%$5.95
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Description
Coprosma ‘Karo Red’
Overview
Coprosma ‘Karo Red’ is a compact, glossy NZ native shrub valued for its vibrant red-tinged foliage and tidy year-round form. This hardy, easy-care variety provides striking colour contrast in modern landscapes, coastal gardens and low-maintenance plantings.
Key Features
Foliage:
Small, glossy leaves with deep green bases and rich red to burgundy tones developing in cooler months. Naturally shiny foliage provides strong visual impact.
Flowers / Fruit:
Insignificant small flowers; may produce small berries. Mainly grown for its ornamental foliage.
Form & Habit:
Bushy, compact, rounded shrub with dense branching. Maintains a naturally tidy shape.
Growth Rate:
Moderate.
Cultural & Ecological Value:
Excellent tolerance to salt, wind, and coastal exposure. Provides shelter and structure for native insects and small birds.
Mature Size
| Attribute | Size |
|---|---|
| Height | 80–100 cm |
| Spread | 80 cm |
| Form | Compact, rounded shrub |
Ideal Growing Conditions
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Light | Full sun to part shade (best colour in full sun) |
| Water | Low to moderate; drought tolerant once established |
| Soil | Free-draining soils; tolerates sandy or coastal conditions |
| pH Range | Neutral to slightly acidic |
| Frost Tolerance | Hardy; tolerates light frosts |
Landscaping & Garden Uses
-
Colour contrast shrub in borders and mixed native plantings
-
Excellent for coastal and windy sites
-
Great for low hedges, mass planting or edging
-
Ideal for modern, architectural and low-maintenance gardens
Care & Maintenance
Pruning: Light trim in late winter or early spring to maintain a compact shape if desired.
Watering: Moderate during establishment; low thereafter.
Feeding: Apply a slow-release general fertiliser in spring if needed.
Pests & Diseases: Generally pest-free and resilient.
Additional Tips
Colour intensifies during cooler seasons. Plant in full sun for strongest red tones.
Fun Fact / Botanical Insight
Coprosmas are known as “mirror plants” due to their naturally glossy leaves—an adaptation that helps reduce moisture loss and withstand harsh coastal winds.
Why Choose Coprosma ‘Karo Red’?
A dependable, colourful NZ native shrub that combines toughness with year-round ornamental value—perfect for coastal, urban, and modern garden designs.
Pot Size:
These are our standard size in 7cm square pots.
