Taupata (Mirror Plant)

Coprosma repens

Not Threatened

Coprosma repens, commonly known as Taupata or Mirror Plant, is a versatile and hardy native shrub of New Zealand's coastal regions. With its glossy, leathery leaves that reflect light (giving rise to its "mirror plant" nickname), this adaptable species thrives in challenging coastal conditions. While naturally growing as a shrub or small tree, it can also be used as a ground cover or hedge, making it a valuable and multi-purpose addition to gardens, especially in coastal areas.

Taupata (Coprosma repens) showing glossy leaves and orange berries

Image credit: Wikipedia

Quick Facts

Height	1-3 meters (up to 6m in ideal conditions)
Spread	2-4 meters
Water Needs	Low to moderate
Light	Full sun to partial shade
Frost Tolerance	Moderate
Salt Tolerance	High
Growth Rate	Moderate to fast
Lifespan	Long-lived perennial

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

Garden Uses

Hedging & Screening

Taupata makes an excellent hedge or screen, especially in coastal gardens:

Dense growth habit provides good privacy
Tolerates regular trimming and shaping
Can be maintained at various heights (1-3m typical)
Wind and salt tolerance makes it ideal for coastal boundaries
Glossy foliage creates attractive formal or informal hedges
Variegated cultivars add visual interest to boundary plantings

Coastal Gardens

One of the best natives for coastal conditions:

Exceptional tolerance for salt spray and coastal winds
Thrives in sandy, poor soils
Provides shelter for less hardy plants
Stabilizes soil in coastal gardens
Attractive year-round foliage maintains garden structure
Orange berries add seasonal interest

Ground Cover

Lower-growing forms can be used as an effective ground cover:

Prostrate forms spread to cover large areas
Suppresses weeds once established
Prevents soil erosion on slopes
Tolerates foot traffic better than many ground covers
Effective for covering difficult areas in coastal gardens
Can be used under trees where grass struggles

Wildlife Garden

Provides valuable resources for native wildlife:

Orange berries attract and feed native birds
Dense foliage provides nesting sites and shelter
Flowers attract pollinators
Creates habitat for small native insects
Part of a balanced native ecosystem
Supports biodiversity in urban and suburban gardens

Maintenance

Pruning

Taupata responds well to pruning, making it versatile for different garden uses:

Hedges: Trim 2-3 times during growing season to maintain shape
Specimen Plants: Light pruning to maintain shape and remove dead wood
Ground Cover: Trim edges to contain spread and occasional thinning if becomes too dense
Rejuvenation: Can be cut back hard in late winter/early spring to rejuvenate
Timing: Best pruned in late winter or early spring before new growth starts
Tools: Use clean, sharp tools to prevent disease transmission

Fertilizing

Generally undemanding but benefits from occasional feeding:

Apply slow-release native plant fertilizer in spring
Avoid high-phosphorus fertilizers
Mulch annually with compost or well-rotted organic matter
Container plants need more regular feeding than garden plants
Reduce or eliminate fertilizer in poor-flowering plants to encourage fruiting
Excessive fertilizer can reduce drought tolerance

Mulching

Benefits from mulching, especially when establishing:

Apply 5-10cm of organic mulch around base, keeping clear of stems
Helps retain soil moisture and suppress weeds
Improves soil structure as it breaks down
Renew mulch annually in spring
Suitable mulches include bark, wood chips, or leaf mold
Gravel or stone mulch appropriate in coastal gardens

Propagation

Cuttings

Difficulty: Easy

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

Difficulty: Moderate

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

Difficulty: Easy

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.

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 (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.