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How to Grow Looking Glass Plant

Looking Glass Plant, otherwise known as Coprosma, is a tough and resilient plant originating from New Zealand. It has a glossy sheen to its foliage, adding to its popularity and toughness. An old-fashioned favourite, it has undergone many transformations and many hybrids and new cultivars are now available to the home gardener. They are suitable for many gardens, anywhere where permanent colour is desired without the need for flowers. Ideal for small scale topiary, they are remarkably tough and versatile in the garden and can be used for hedges, borders and rockeries. Well suited to dry coastal areas, to inland areas where light frosts prevail.

Full sun to light shade in cool to temperate areas

Dry tolerant once established

Well drained and sandy soils

Active growing during warmer months

How to grow looking glass plant in a garden

Step 1

Choose a sunny position with well drained soil. Enrich the soil with Yates Dynamic Lifter Soil Improver & Plant Fertiliser. If the soil is heavy or clay based, add gypsum and fork in well.

Step 2

Dig the planting hole twice as wide and to the same depth as the root-ball. Remove the shrub from the container, gently tease the roots and cut away any circled or tangled roots.

Step 3

Position in hole and backfill with soil, gently firming down

Step 4

Form a raised or doughnut shaped ring of soil around the outer edge of the plant's root zone. This helps keep water where it's needed. Always water in well after planting to settle the soil around the roots and keep the soil moist for several weeks, while the new plant establishes.

Step 5

Mulch around the base with organic mulch, like bark chips, sugarcane or pea straw, keeping it away from the base of the plant.

Step 6

Water deeply, once or twice a week during establishing. Very little watering needed once established.

Step 7

Feed every 6-8 weeks from spring to autumn with Yates Dynamic Lifter Soil Improver & Plant Fertiliser.

How to grow looking glass plant in a pot

Step 1

Choose a pot at least 200 mm wide and deep. Position in full sun to light shade. Colour will be more intense and growth more compact in a brighter position. Colour can also intensify with the onset of cooler weather.

Step 2

Fill chosen pot with quality potting mix, such as Yates Potting Mix with Dynamic Lifter. Remove the plant from the container, gently tease the roots and cut away any circled or tangled roots.

Step 3

Position in hole and backfill with potting mix, gently firming down. Water in well.

Step 4

Water deeply, once or twice a week, depending on weather conditions.

Step 5

Feed every 6-8 weeks from spring to autumn with Yates Dynamic Lifter Soil Improver & Plant Fertiliser.

Growing tips

Prune in spring to help new growth.
Regular pruning during active growing season to control the rapid growth during warmer months.
Grows well in a Mediterranean-style climate and will perform well with plants like lavender, daisy and limonium. Coprosma is grown for its colourful foliage rather that flowers, so expect a shiny and rewarding display all year! Also suitable as a mass planting in beds.