Coprosma 'Mangatangi'

An extremely compact small divariacating shrub. Maintains a compact habit. Grows up to 75cm tall and 60cm wide.

Tiny bright green leaves are produced on yellowish branchlets.
Depending on the time of year its branches and branchlets are conspicuosly yellow. When wet or if lit by the early-morning or late-afternoon sun the yellow colour of its branchlets can be quite pronounced.

Prefers full sun to partial shade. Will grow in a range of conditions but will not tolerate heavy frosts.

Always choose healthy well-grown plants. Best time to plant it is late spring to early summer. Plant in a raised bed with extra topsoil. Dig a hole in the ground twice the size of the root ball. Soak the root ball in water before putting into hole and plant at the original depth as it was in the pot. Before planting ensure that the root-ball is saturated and remove planter bag pot or wrapping with the minimum of root disturbance. Planting success is often improved on clay soils by adding extra topsoil and forming raised beds. Incorporate coarse sand bark compost or other organic material to improve soil structure. As soil is placed in the prepared hole tread firmly to bring soil in close contact with the root-ball unless the soil is very wet water thoroughly making sure that moisture penetrates to the depth of the root-ball.

The first summer and autumn after planting is critical for young plants; water thoroughly during dry periods. Mulching helps conserve moisture and suppress weeds; organic materials such as sawdust and bark contribute to soil structure as they decompose. Keep mulching material away from plant stems. Except on very fertile soils an annual light dressing (50g/m2) of general purpose fertiliser in spring is beneficial. Sprinkle evenly and work into the top 2 to 3cm of the soil taking care not to damage surface roots. This plant maintains a compact habit without the need for pruning.

Scale insect rust and thrips may occasionally be a problem. Prune out stems badly infected by thrip or scale.

Native Plant Ideas

Coprosma rhamoides 'Mangatangi' was discovered growing in the vicinity of the Mangatangi Reservoir in the Hunua Ranges southeast of Auckland and was brought into cultivation by Naturally Native Nurseries of Tauranga.