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Coprosma ‘Chocolate Soldier’ 3lt

Name: Coprosma ‘Chocolate Soldier’ 3lt
Brand: Greenleaf Garden Center
SKU: CoprosChocSoldier3lt
Price: 13.5 EUR
Availability: InStock

€13,50

Quantity

Evergreen shrub · Rubiaceae · Glossy chocolate foliage

Coprosma ‘Chocolate Soldier’

Chocolate-toned and dangerously attractive 🔥

Family: Rubiaceae · Pot diameter: 19 cm (3 L) · Height: 40 cm

Glossy chocolate foliage
Compact rounded crown
Deeper tones in cool weather
For mild sheltered positions

Coprosma ‘Chocolate Soldier’ brings warm shades of chocolate, copper and khaki to the garden through small, glossy leaves. Light catches their surfaces and reveals different tones within the dense evergreen crown. Its upright, rounded outline adds depth beside brighter foliage and makes a distinctive container plant near an entrance. Rich colour and the gleam of individual leaves keep the display interesting between the flowering seasons of its neighbours.

As a single container specimen, beside an entrance or within mixed planting, it acts as a dark colour anchor that makes gold, silver and vivid green foliage look brighter. It is an excellent designer’s plant, yet has more than enough personality to stand completely on its own.

What makes it special

Colour, gloss and compact structure make it a consistent focal point.

A chocolate palette

Khaki, bronze and chestnut-red tones create depth and warm tonal variation within the evergreen crown.

Natural gloss

The smooth waxy leaf surface reflects light and makes the darker tones look vivid.

A compact silhouette

Dense branching builds a rounded volume and accepts light tip-pruning when the outline becomes untidy.

Why you will love it: it delivers a deep glossy palette and a crisp evergreen form without visual clutter.

In the garden & on the balconyPlacement & plant combinationsFor a bright, mild and sheltered position with freely draining soil.

Planting position

A chocolate focal point

Place it against pale stone, timber or metal so the chocolate gloss stands out. Good light deepens the tones.

Where frost occurs, keep it in a movable pot and bring it into shelter before severe cold. Protect it from cold, drying wind.

Colour & compatibility

Combinations that work

Chocolate foliage stands out beside silver, green and copper. Give Helichrysum a separate, drier watering zone and keep the group sheltered from severe frost.

Helichrysum italicum — adds silver aromatic texture and crisp contrast with the gloss
Pittosporum tobira ‘Nanum’ — provides a rounded deep-green mass with compatible light and moderate watering
Carex testacea — adds copper linear movement and shares a preference for mild coastal conditions

Care at a glance

Light

Sun to partial shade; more light deepens the colour.

Watering

Water moderately when the upper layer has dried, with full drainage.

Climate & hardiness

Sensitive to severe frost; shelter below 0 °C is prudent in a pot.

Safety

Keep it as an ornamental plant; do not consume and keep away from pets that chew plants.

Detailed careComplete care guideLight, free-draining soil, moderate watering, light pruning and frost protection.

Light

Provide abundant light. Some shade helps in extreme afternoon heat, but deep shade weakens the colour.

Watering

Water deeply and repeat when the upper layer has dried. Do not keep the root zone continuously wet.

Soil

Use a fertile organic but freely draining mix with neutral to slightly acidic pH.

Feeding

A balanced feed in spring and again in early summer supports healthy new growth.

Pruning

Tip-prune lightly whenever the outline becomes untidy. Avoid heavy pruning close to cold weather.

Winter

Before frost, move the pot beside a wall or into a bright frost-free position and reduce watering.

Development over timeFrom bronze new growth to deep chocolateTones deepen with light and cooler seasons while the crown gradually fills.

Adjustment

After repotting, a short pause may precede steady new growth.

Colour phases

Young shoots begin lighter, then acquire khaki, bronze and chocolate depth.

Mature crown

Light tip-pruning maintains the outline and encourages dense side growth.

Mature habit & dimensions

Established plant

Height 1.2 mSpread 1 m

Both views retain leaves on opposite shoots; fresh extension opens around the perimeter.

Form through time

Seasonal or developmental views

Fresh extension

Hardened foliage

What to expect after planting: a steadily fuller crown and darker tones as the plant receives sufficient light.

History & originCultivar originIn the Duncan & Davies catalogues of 1977.

Coprosma ‘Chocolate Soldier’ was already being grown by the historic Duncan & Davies nursery in New Zealand in 1977. The March catalogue offered it as a male selection, while the August catalogue described its rich chocolate-bronze foliage and upright growth.

The original selector and the year in which the cultivar arose remain unknown. The two 1977 entries nevertheless preserve a specific picture of its early commercial presence: an upright, dark-leaved evergreen shrub with the qualities that still distinguish it today.

Greenleaf for Plant NerdsScience nobody asked forBotanical details for anyone curious about what lies behind the plant’s appearance

Male flowers without fruit

Coprosma ‘Chocolate Soldier’ is a male selection. Its flowers produce pollen, while fleshy fruit develops on female plants of the genus. A female plant nearby cannot turn its own male flowers into fruit.

Stipules between the leaf stalks

Small interpetiolar stipules sit between the stalks of the opposite leaves. These structures at the node differ morphologically from a new leaf or lateral bud and help identify the genus.

Frequently asked questions

Six practical answers about position, watering and long-term growth.

01How does the chocolate colour deepen?

Abundant light and cool nights strengthen it; deep shade makes it greener.

02Is it suitable for a pot?

Yes, provided it drains freely and can be moved into shelter when frost is forecast.

03How often should it be watered?

It depends on light, wind and season. Water when the upper layer has dried.

04Is it frost hardy?

Not against severe or prolonged frost. Protect it in very cold weather.

05Does it need pruning?

Only light tip-pruning to maintain its compact rounded form.

06Can it produce berries?

No. ‘Chocolate Soldier’ is a male selection whose flowers produce pollen. A female Coprosma nearby will not make this plant produce fruit.

Coprosma ‘Chocolate Soldier’ 3lt — Care & Tips

📦 Your plant travels protected

Every order is prepared with care so your plant arrives upright, secure and safe.

Individual protection

Plants in pots with a capacity of 3 litres or more are placed in individual boxes that hold the pot securely and reduce the risk of tipping over.

Sturdy packaging

We use reinforced cardboard designed to protect against impacts and vibration during transport.

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Coprosma ‘Chocolate Soldier’ 3lt

Coprosma ‘Chocolate Soldier’ 3lt

Coprosma ‘Chocolate Soldier’

What makes it special

A chocolate palette

Natural gloss

A compact silhouette

A chocolate focal point

Combinations that work

Care at a glance

Light

Watering

Climate & hardiness

Safety

Light

Watering

Soil

Feeding

Pruning

Winter

Adjustment

Colour phases

Mature crown

Mature habit & dimensions

Form through time

Male flowers without fruit

Stipules between the leaf stalks

Frequently asked questions

Coprosma ‘Chocolate Soldier’ 3lt — Care & Tips

📦 Your plant travels protected

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