Coprosma hirtella
rough coprosma
Overview
Coprosma hirtella is an evergreen shrub in the coffee family, growing 3-10 feet (1-3 m) tall with an upright, open framework of branches. The opposite leaves are oval to broadly lance-shaped, 1-3 inches (2.5-8 cm) long, dull green, and rough to the touch from short stiff hairs, the source of the common name rough coprosma. Tiny greenish flowers without showy petals open in spring; male and female flowers are borne on separate plants, so only female shrubs set fruit. The fruit is a rounded, translucent drupe about 0.3 inch (8 mm) wide that ripens from orange to deep red, giving the alternative name currant bush. The fruits are edible and are taken by birds, which spread the seed. The species grows in the understorey of damp eucalypt forest, gullies, and cool mountain woodland across southeastern Australia. It needs a sheltered, moist position and can look sparse and open in dry or exposed sites. The rough foliage and red fruit suit shaded native gardens, understorey plantings, and bird-attracting borders in cool, moist climates.
Native Range
Coprosma hirtella is native to southeastern Australia, occurring in Victoria, Tasmania, New South Wales, and the highlands of southern Queensland. It grows in moist eucalypt forest, fern gullies, and cool mountain woodland.Suggested Uses
Grown in shaded native gardens, understorey plantings, and bird-attracting borders in cool, moist climates. The translucent red fruit and rough foliage suit fern gullies and woodland-edge beds. A need for shelter and moisture limits its use in hot, dry, or exposed gardens.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height3' - 10'
Width/Spread3' - 6'
Bloom Information
Flowering occurs in spring, when small greenish flowers without petals open along the stems. Male and female flowers grow on separate plants, so only female shrubs produce fruit. Translucent orange-to-red drupes ripen through summer and autumn.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
dull greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 2-6 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grow Coprosma hirtella in part shade to filtered light on moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter, with a pH between 5.5 and 7.0. Water regularly in dry spells, as the shrub grows naturally in damp, sheltered gullies. Shelter from hot afternoon sun and drying wind keeps the foliage dense. Grow both male and female plants if fruit is wanted, since the sexes are on separate shrubs. Mulch over the root zone conserves moisture and cools the roots.Pruning
Prune lightly in late winter to shape the shrub and remove straggly or dead growth. Cutting back leggy stems encourages denser branching. Pruning is otherwise minimal in a sheltered, moist position.Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 5 gallons