Coprosma virescens aka Coprosma Virescens

Coprosma virescens is an evergreen shrub from New Zealand. It belongs to the coffee family, Rubiaceae. Its native range includes the North and South Islands. It grows in forest and shrubland, from lowlands into lower mountain areas. Kew places it in a subtropical climate. In gardens, it reaches about 6.6 feet [2 metres] tall. It keeps its leaves throughout the year.

The flowers are male or female, borne on separate plants. Wind carries the pollen between them. The species cannot set seed through self-pollination. Grow both sexes together if you want seed or fruit. The white fruit measures about 0.2 inches [5 millimetres] across. You can eat it raw or cook it. It tastes sweet, though it has little flavour. Plants For A Future gives its edible value one out of five. The roasted seeds can serve as a coffee substitute.

Choose moist soil that drains very well. Slightly acid to neutral soil suits this shrub. Sandy and loamy soils both work, and it tolerates other soils. Grow it in full sun or light shade. A sunny woodland edge or a site with dappled shade suits it. Plants For A Future also lists sites near south-facing or west-facing walls. It tolerates hard pruning and close clipping. This gives gardeners scope to control its size and shape.

Cold tolerance needs care when choosing a site. Plants For A Future lists USDA zones 7–10, but also warns of frost damage. Its guidance favours outdoor planting in Britain's mildest areas. It also notes a report of successful growth in an Essex garden. Give young plants their first winter under glass. Plant them out in late spring or early summer. Protect them during their first winter outside. Seeds may take more than a year to sprout, even when fresh. Autumn cuttings from mature current-season wood offer another way to raise plants.

The wood yields a yellow dye without a mordant. Plants For A Future rates this use one out of five. It lists no known medicinal uses and no known hazards. That hazard entry does not establish safety for people or pets. The same source does not flag this shrub as weedy. It can cross freely with other members of its genus.