How to Grow Evening Glow Mirror Plant
Evening Glow Mirror Plant
Coprosma repens 'Evening Glow'
shrubEvening Glow is a stunning cultivar of mirror plant featuring vibrant foliage that transitions from green to deep burgundy and orange-red tones, particularly in cooler months and bright light. This evergreen shrub is prized for its ornamental foliage and compact growth habit, making it ideal for landscapes, containers, and hedging. The plant produces small flowers followed by colorful berries when both male and female plants are present.
When should you plant Evening Glow Mirror Plant in your zone?
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Example Evening Glow Mirror Plant timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Evening Glow Mirror Plant
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Evening Glow Mirror Plant
Around Oct 14≈ 180 days after planting
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 9b-11, with best color development in zones 10-11
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Get my Evening Glow Mirror Plant timeline →Growth Stages
Establishment
4-8 weeksYoung transplant with green foliage beginning to show hints of red coloration at leaf margins
Water regularly to establish deep roots. Protect from extreme heat first season. Mulch around base to retain moisture.
Vegetative Growth
3-6 monthsPlant develops dense branching structure with foliage displaying increasing red and burgundy tones, especially on new growth
Prune lightly to encourage bushiness. Remove any weak or crossing branches. Continue regular watering.
Color Intensification
Ongoing, peaks in fall/winterMature foliage develops deep burgundy, orange-red, and purple tones throughout the plant, more pronounced in cooler seasons and with full sun exposure
Increase sunlight exposure for optimal color. Reduce fertilizer to encourage color development over soft growth. Minimal pruning needed.
Flowering & Fruiting
Spring flowering, summer fruitingSmall, inconspicuous flowers appear along stems; bright orange-red berries develop if both male and female plants are present
Plant multiple cultivars for pollination if berry production desired. Berries are ornamental and attractive to birds.
Maintenance
OngoingEstablished shrub maintains colorful foliage year-round with seasonal color intensity variations
Prune after flowering to maintain shape and size. Fertilize lightly in spring. Monitor for pests in warm climates.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Increase humidity, spray with water, use neem oil or insecticidal soap if severe
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Remove by hand, apply horticultural oil or neem oil, prune affected branches
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Isolate plant, spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap, remove with cotton swab and alcohol
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Use yellow sticky traps, spray with insecticidal soap, increase air circulation
Uses
Ornamental Landscape Plant
HouseholdEvening Glow is primarily used as an ornamental shrub in gardens, hedges, and screens. Its vibrant foliage provides year-round color, with intensified reds and purples in cooler seasons and strong light. [source]
Container & Specimen Plant
HouseholdThe compact growth habit and striking foliage make it ideal for containerization on patios, balconies, and entryways. Colored foliage plants in containers create dramatic focal points. [source]
Hedge & Screening
HouseholdCan be pruned and trained to create attractive hedges or privacy screens. The dense foliage and colorful appearance make it more visually interesting than traditional hedging plants. [source]
Pollinator & Bird Support
WildlifeSmall flowers attract pollinators including bees and insects, while the ornamental berries (when both sexes present) provide food for birds and beneficial wildlife. [source]
Floral & Foliage Arrangements
CraftColorful stems and leaves are excellent for fresh arrangements and floral design work. The unique foliage colors add visual interest to bouquets and decorative displays. [source]
Harvest Tips
This is an ornamental plant grown for foliage rather than harvest. Prune stems as desired for arrangements or to shape the plant; cut just above a leaf node. Best pruning time is late winter or after flowering.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 The common name 'Mirror Plant' comes from the glossy, reflective leaves that act like mirrors, a characteristic the Evening Glow cultivar maintains beautifully.
- 🌱 Evening Glow's dramatic color change is triggered by cooler temperatures and bright light, with the most vibrant burgundy and orange tones appearing during autumn and winter months.
- 🌱 Coprosma is native to New Zealand and Australia, where it plays important ecological roles; the genus name comes from Greek words meaning 'dung smell,' referring to the odor of some species.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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