Coprosma repens literally means 'creeping dung-smell', owing to the unique fragrance of its leaves and creeping growth habit. Native to New Zealand, it's a low-growing shrub or small tree, with attractive shiny dark green leaves and orange fruit. It's a popular garden plant here in the UK, especially in coastal areas, due to its ability to withstand salt spray. Although it can grow to an eventual height of 5m, it's more often grown as a small shrub, owing to its need for protection in winter. It thrives in well-drained sandy soils.
Coprosma repens ‘Cappuccino’ has bronze-brown leaves which become a wonderful light coffee colour in winter. The leaves are thinner than other cultivars. It's a fantastic choice for a container display, slowly growing into a rounded mound.
Grow Coprosma repens 'Cappuccino' in a sheltered spot in moist but well-drained soil. It's not fully hardy, so provide frost protection or move the container indoors over winter. It doesn't require much pruning, usually only if the plant has grown too big and needs to be reduced in size.
Plant calendar
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Plant
yes
yes
Coprosma ‘Cappuccino’ and wildlife
Coprosma ‘Cappuccino’ has no particular known value to wildlife in the UK.
Is Coprosma ‘Cappuccino’ poisonous?
Coprosma ‘Cappuccino’ has no toxic effects reported.
