Coprosma rugosa Lobster is a hardy, native evergreen, although the foliage is never green, but a distinctive lobster red.  Selected by Gardening Solutionz for its quirky texture and structured detailing, Coprosma Lobster, with its twisting, tangling branches and tiny leaves, is called a divaricating shrub.
The shrubs provide a sheltered microclimate for native butterflies, insects and lizards.  They also look good as sculptural garden specimens, mass planted, hedged or set among other low maintenance, structured plantings.  The plant's bronze-red stems go well with lime green, black and silver foliage.
"Its unusual and interesting divaricating habit almost tempts one to clip it into a topiary or challenge it some weird shape," says Megan Baker, Gardening Solutionz.
Coprosma Lobster thrives in sun or part shade, and is suited to coastal conditions.  The shrub adapts to most soil types and grows to 0.6m high by 1.2m wide.  It is available at most garden centres.

The Press - July 2007