An attractive compact evergreen shrub with inconspicuous flowers but striking variegated foliage. The habit is compact and rather broad spreading; pruning is not necessary.

The common name “Mirror plant” this refers to the thick, shining leaves. In the colder parts of Europe Coprosma is frost tender but in more temperate areas of UK and comparable areas is used extensively in borders and tubs as it will survive outside.

Diseases give no problems; a sunny or semi-shaded place is ideal. The variegated dark green leaves are egg-shaped to obovate and have relatively broad pale yellow margins, on older leaves turning orange-red.

During autumn the leaves change into orange-red with green. These colours stay during winter and make ‘Rainbow Surprise’ a really spectacular plant!