Coprosma 'Karo Red' (aka Mirror Plant)

 

The date stamp on the oldest photo I have of this little tree is Jan 1,2025, so I will use that as an acquisition date for the Karo Red, aka Mirror Plant. I do, however, remember clearly seeing him for the first time & saying to myself that I wanted that plant on the patio..Coprosma is an evergreen shrub or small tree, with foliage that ranges from green for new, young leaves, to shades of burgundy so dark, it appears almost black.                                           

Acquisition: Jan 1, 2025 - Home Depot - $?? (I don't remember)

Jan 2025

 In addition to bringing some mid-winter color to the patio, once   potted in a tray, this specimen touted what could become a   weathered, old looking trunk, & a nice looking base. (the base of   the tree is referred to as nebari)

 One of the reasons for potting in trays instead of pots is to display   more of the tree, including the trunk & nebari..another purpose of   the tray is to begin training the to grow out & around the   tree, as   opposed to growing downward.

 

 This photo(above) shows the Karo Red after his 'first     haircut'..foliage pruned into a "pom-pom" shape..looking good.

Oct. 2025

And here he is 10 months later with some of his buddies..his foliage has grown-out..young growth is green, changing to a dark reddish color, as they age. Understanding that, you can surmise the general age of the tree by the amount of green vs red vs burgundy colors displayed.

Oct 2025

 Yesterday, I repotted my Red Coprosma..used the same training pot & held off on root pruning except for cleaning-up some exposed roots, as I wanted to minimize any trauma..this plant is recovering from being badly burned by an accidental use of full-strength fertilizer & I am treating him with "kid gloves"

The accident also affected 3 other trees; 1 dead, 1 lived but permanently disfigured, 2 others which are recovering. Lesson learned? Yes!

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