Coprosma serrulata aka Coprosma Serrulata

Coprosma serrulata is an evergreen shrub in the coffee family, Rubiaceae. It comes from New Zealand’s South Island. There, it grows in mountain forests, shrubland and grassland. Its range reaches into the lower subalpine belt. Kew describes its climate as subalpine or subarctic. Plants For A Future gives a height of about 2 feet [0.6 metres]. It keeps its leaves throughout the year.

Male and female flowers grow on separate plants. Wind carries pollen between them, and the species cannot fertilise itself. Gardeners need both sexes to raise seed. The orange-red fruit measures about 0.3 inches [8 millimetres] across. People can eat it fresh or cook it. The flesh tastes sweet, though it has little flavour. Roasted seeds can serve as a coffee substitute. Plants For A Future gives its edible value a low rating.

Grow this shrub in sun or light shade. It needs moist soil that lets excess water drain away. Sandy and loamy soils suit it, though it accepts other well-drained soils. A neutral or slightly acid soil is best. Possible sites include a sunny woodland edge or a spot with dappled shade. A site beside a south-facing or west-facing wall is another option. Its small size suits places where taller shrubs would take too much room.

Reports of its cold tolerance need some care. Plants For A Future lists USDA zones 7–10, yet warns that frost can harm it. The same source favours mild parts of Britain for outdoor growing. It also reports plants surviving in an Essex garden. Give young plants cover during their first winter outside. Raise seedlings under glass for at least their first winter. Plant them out in late spring or early summer.

Seed may take more than a year to sprout, even when fresh. Sow ripe seed in a greenhouse or cold frame. Stored seed can go into a cold frame in spring. Autumn cuttings offer another way to raise plants. Use mature wood from the current season’s growth. This species can cross freely with other Coprosma species. Its wood yields a yellow dye without a mordant to fix it. Plants For A Future lists no known medicinal use or hazards. That hazard statement does not establish safety for pets.