Coprosma acerosa 'Red Rocks', also known as Red Rocks Coprosma, is a low-growing, spreading shrub prized for its striking foliage and durability in various garden settings. 
 
Description:
 
Appearance: Red Rocks is a compact, mat-forming shrub with an intricate, tangled habit. Its slender, wiry stems are adorned with small, needle-like leaves that create a dense, interwoven appearance. The foliage is the highlight of this plant, with leaves that emerge a bright green but transition to rich bronze-red hues as they mature, particularly in cooler weather, giving it a vibrant, year-round interest.
Size: This cultivar remains low to the ground, typically reaching a height of 30 to 60 cm  and spreading up to 1.5 to 2 meters. Its spreading nature makes it an effective ground cover.
Flowers: Red Rocks produces small, inconspicuous greenish flowers, usually in late spring to early summer. These are followed by small, bright blue or purple berries, which add a subtle ornamental feature to the plant.
 
Growing Conditions:
 
Sunlight: Red Rocks thrives in full sun to partial shade. It develops its best foliage color and dense growth habit when planted in full sun, though it will tolerate some light shade.
Soil: This plant is highly adaptable to a variety of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and well-drained clay soils. It prefers well-drained soil and is particularly well-suited to coastal or sandy soils, where it can thrive despite challenging conditions.
Watering: Once established, Red Rocks is relatively drought-tolerant, requiring only occasional watering in dry conditions. Regular watering during its establishment phase will help it develop a robust root system.
Temperature: Red Rocks is hardy and can withstand a range of temperatures. It is frost-tolerant and handles coastal conditions well, including exposure to salt spray and wind.
Maintenance: This low-maintenance plant requires little pruning, though occasional trimming can help maintain its shape and encourage bushier growth. It is generally pest and disease-free, adding to its appeal as an easy-care landscape plant.
 
Uses in Landscaping:
 
Ground Cover: Red Rocks is an excellent ground cover for difficult areas, such as slopes, banks, or rocky outcrops. Its spreading habit helps to stabilize soil and prevent erosion.
Coastal Gardens: Its tolerance for salt and wind makes it an ideal choice for coastal gardens, where it can thrive in harsh conditions that many other plants find challenging.
Rock Gardens: The low, spreading form and colorful foliage of Red Rocks make it a perfect addition to rock gardens, where it can weave between stones and other low-growing plants.
Containers: Red Rocks can be grown in containers, where its vibrant foliage provides year-round interest. It pairs well with other drought-tolerant plants in mixed container plantings.
Erosion Control: Due to its mat-forming habit and extensive root system, Red Rocks is effective at preventing soil erosion, making it useful on slopes or in areas prone to runoff.
Mixed Borders: In mixed borders, Red Rocks provides a striking contrast to taller plants, and its changing foliage color adds seasonal interest.