How to Grow Red Tip Coprosma
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Red Tip Coprosma
Coprosma repens 'Red Tip'
shrubRed Tip Coprosma is a compact, evergreen shrub prized for its vibrant red-tipped foliage that intensifies in cooler temperatures and bright light. This ornamental plant features glossy, colorful leaves that range from green with deep red margins to predominantly red depending on growing conditions. It's ideal for hedging, borders, container gardening, and landscape color accents.
When should you plant Red Tip Coprosma in your zone?
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Example Red Tip Coprosma timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Red Tip Coprosma
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 Red Tip Coprosma
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 9-11; marginally hardy in zone 8b with protection
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Get my Red Tip Coprosma timeline →Growth Stages
Establishment
4-6 weeksYoung transplant with initial growth of new shoots and root development
Water regularly to keep soil consistently moist. Provide afternoon shade in hot climates during first few weeks. Avoid fertilizing immediately; wait 2-3 weeks after planting.
Vegetative Growth
2-3 monthsRapid shoot and leaf development; foliage colors begin to emerge with red tips becoming visible
Maintain consistent moisture. Begin light feeding with balanced fertilizer every 4-6 weeks. Pinch back growing tips to encourage bushier growth if desired. Color intensity increases with more sunlight.
Establishment to Mature
3-6 monthsPlant fills out and develops fuller form; foliage colors deepen, especially red margins in cool season and bright light
Reduce watering frequency but maintain adequate moisture. Prune lightly to shape and maintain density. Color peaks in fall and winter or year-round in cool climates. Feed monthly during active growth.
Mature/Flowering
OngoingFull-sized shrub with dense foliage and vibrant coloration; produces small white to greenish flowers (often inconspicuous)
Minimal pruning needed; remove dead wood and shape as desired. Maintain regular watering schedule. Female plants may produce small red berries attractive to birds. Continue monthly feeding in growing season.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Increase humidity through regular misting. Spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap. Ensure good air circulation.
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Remove with rubbing alcohol on cotton swabs. Spray with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap. Repeat every 7-10 days as needed.
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Prune heavily infested branches. Spray with horticultural oil during dormant season or with insecticidal soap during active growth.
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Improve air circulation and reduce overhead watering. Remove infected leaves. Apply copper fungicide if severe. Avoid wetting foliage.
Uses
Foliage Color Accent
OrnamentalThe intense red-tipped foliage provides striking seasonal color that deepens in cooler temperatures and bright sunlight, making it an excellent choice for creating visual interest in mixed borders and container plantings. [source]
Hedge and Screening
HouseholdCompact growth habit and dense foliage make Red Tip Coprosma ideal for formal or informal hedging, privacy screening, and living borders in warm climates. [source]
Container and Indoor Specimen
HouseholdWell-suited to container gardening, both outdoors and indoors in bright locations. Makes an excellent focal point in mixed container plantings or as a standalone ornamental. [source]
Bird-Attracting Plant
WildlifeFemale plants produce small red berries that attract native birds and wildlife, providing food sources and landscape interest. [source]
Coastal Landscape Use
OrnamentalOnce established, this shrub is moderately salt-tolerant and wind-resistant, making it suitable for coastal gardens and exposed locations. [source]
Harvest Tips
Not harvested for yield; prune as desired for shape and density. Best time to prune is late winter or early spring. Can be cut back hard to rejuvenate overgrown plants. Remove any dead or diseased wood year-round.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 The 'Red Tip' cultivar's color intensity is a result of anthocyanin pigments that increase when the plant experiences cool temperatures and bright light—planting in full sun and allowing mild winter exposure results in the most vibrant red coloring.
- 🌱 Coprosma is native to New Zealand and Australia, where it evolved in various coastal and shrubland habitats; the genus name comes from Greek words meaning 'dung smell,' referring to the distinctive musky scent some species emit when foliage is bruised.
- 🌱 Red Tip Coprosma produces small flowers that are often overlooked due to their inconspicuous nature, but female plants set decorative red berries that persist on the plant and provide food for birds during winter months.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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