Mirror Bush Ignite - Coprosma repens 'Ignite'

Coprosma repens 'Ignite' is one of the most visually arresting foliage shrubs available for Australian gardens. Bred in New Zealand and protected by Plant Breeder's Rights, 'Ignite' delivers a deep, glossy red foliage colour that is more intense and vibrant than other Coprosma varieties currently on the market. The high-gloss leaf surface catches and reflects light in a way that gives the plant an almost lacquered appearance, creating a bold focal point in any garden situation from the moment it is planted.

The seasonal colour shift is one of 'Ignite's most compelling qualities. Through the warmer months the foliage holds its deep red tones, then as winter arrives the colour transitions into rich purple hues, adding a further layer of interest and ensuring the plant remains ornamentally valuable across all four seasons. Growing to 1 to 2m tall and wide, it is dense and shrub-like in habit, well suited to hedging, screening, informal borders, mass planting, and large containers where the foliage colour can be used as a deliberate design element.

Highly drought tolerant once established and very hardy in wind and coastal conditions, 'Ignite' performs well in full sun through to semi shade in loam and sandy well-drained soils. An annual slow-release fertiliser, mulch around the base, and occasional moisture during dry periods is all it needs to maintain its striking foliage colour and healthy growth year after year. Generally trouble free and low maintenance, it is one of the best foliage shrubs available for adding bold, long-lasting colour to the garden.

Key Features:

• Soil: Loam or sandy soils with good drainage. Tolerates a range of conditions once established but does not perform well in waterlogged or heavy clay positions.
• Light: Full sun to semi shade. Foliage colour is most intense in a full sun position. Tolerates semi shade well while maintaining good density and colour.
• Watering: Low once established. Keep moist during dry periods while young. Mulching around the base reduces watering needs and protects the root system through summer.
• Fertiliser: Annual slow-release fertiliser in spring. A balanced formulation suited to ornamental shrubs is appropriate. Avoid excessive nitrogen which can reduce foliage colour intensity.
• Maintenance: Low maintenance. Trim lightly to shape after the main growing season to maintain the desired hedge or border form. Generally trouble free with no significant pest or disease concerns.
• Flowering: Flowers are insignificant. Grown entirely for its exceptional seasonal foliage colour, shifting from deep glossy red in the warmer months to rich purple through winter.

For the most intense foliage colour, plant 'Ignite' in a full sun position. The deep red tones are most vivid in strong light and the contrast against the winter purple is most dramatic when the plant receives maximum sun exposure through the year. As a PBR protected cultivar, 'Ignite' represents a genuine step up in foliage colour intensity from older Coprosma selections and is worth the investment for any garden where bold, year-round colour is the priority.

At Plant Nest, we make it easy to buy plants online with delivery direct to your door. Every plant is hand-selected for quality, carefully packed, and backed by expert advice so you can grow with confidence.