Coprosma ‘Taiko’ is a New Zealand native, prostrate, groundcover shrub valued for its year-round foliage that turns from dark green to a striking purple in winter. It features tiny, inconspicuous flowers followed by bright blue berries in autumn and is ideal for banks, rockeries, and harsh, dry, windy coastal conditions. The plant prefers full sun and well-drained soil, requiring minimal maintenance beyond occasional pruning to encourage density.
Growth Habit: A dense, vigorous, prostrate shrub with trailing branches that form a low-lying, shrubby ground cover.
Foliage: Features small, glossy, dark green leaves that develop a striking dark purple colour in the winter months.
Flowers & Fruit: Produces tiny, inconspicuous flowers in late summer or autumn, followed by bright blue berries, which are often partly concealed by the foliage.
Size: Grows to a mature height of about 30-50 cm (1-1.5 ft) and spreads to 1-1.5 m (3-5 ft) wide.
Watering: Requires regular watering, especially during the first year after planting, to establish strong roots. Once established, it becomes more drought tolerant.
Hardiness: Hardy and tolerant of a range of conditions, including dry positions, wind, and coastal spray. It will not tolerate heavy frosts.
Uses: An excellent ground cover for sloped banks, rockeries, and hard landscapes. It is also ideal for erosion control and native gardens.
Maintenance: Pruning in spring and autumn can be done to encourage new growth and maintain a dense, bushy plant. Mulching around the base of the plant helps to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.
