How to Grow Coprosma 'Chocolate'
Wikimedia Commons
Coprosma 'Chocolate'
Coprosma repens 'Chocolate'
shrubCoprosma 'Chocolate' is a striking ornamental shrub native to New Zealand, prized for its deep burgundy to chocolate-brown foliage that intensifies in color with exposure to sunlight. This evergreen cultivar grows as a compact, bushy plant and produces small, inconspicuous flowers followed by ornamental berries on female plants. It's an excellent choice for adding year-round color contrast to landscape designs and container gardening.
When should you plant Coprosma 'Chocolate' in your zone?
Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.
Example Coprosma 'Chocolate' timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Coprosma 'Chocolate'
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Coprosma 'Chocolate'
Around Oct 14≈ 180 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Coprosma 'Chocolate' dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 9b-11; can be grown in zone 9a with protection
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Get my Coprosma 'Chocolate' timeline →Growth Stages
Establishment
4-8 weeksYoung transplant with initial leaf growth; foliage color may be lighter green as plant acclimates
Water regularly to keep soil moist; provide afternoon shade in hot climates during first 4-6 weeks; avoid fertilizing immediately after planting
Vegetative Growth
2-4 monthsRapid branching and leaf development; foliage begins deepening to burgundy-chocolate tones, especially with increased sunlight
Prune lightly to encourage bushier habit; maintain consistent moisture; fertilize monthly with balanced or slightly higher potassium formula
Flowering
4-8 weeks (spring to early summer)Small, greenish-white flowers appear in leaf axils; more visible on female plants; flowers are fragrant but not showy
Continue regular watering and feeding; avoid heavy pruning during bloom to allow berry set
Fruiting/Maturation
Ongoing (berries develop through summer/fall)Small, translucent berries develop on female plants; foliage reaches peak chocolate-brown coloration with full sun exposure
Maintain consistent care; berries attract birds; color intensifies in cooler months and with more sunlight
Maintenance
OngoingEstablished shrub maintaining foliage color and form year-round; responds well to pruning
Prune after fruiting or in late winter to maintain shape; feed quarterly during growing season; ensure good drainage
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Increase humidity; spray with water or neem oil; insecticidal soap in severe cases
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Prune infested branches; horticultural oil spray; neem oil applications
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Remove with rubbing alcohol on cotton swabs; insecticidal soap; neem oil sprays
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Yellow sticky traps; spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; encourage natural predators
Uses
Ornamental Foliage Color
HouseholdCoprosma 'Chocolate' provides dramatic year-round burgundy-brown foliage that serves as an accent plant in landscape designs, creating striking contrast against lighter-colored plants and architecture. [source]
Floral Arrangements and Cut Foliage
CraftThe distinctive chocolate-colored stems and foliage are highly valued by florists and crafters for modern arrangements, holiday displays, and design projects. [source]
Wildlife Habitat and Food
WildlifeThe small berries attract native birds and beneficial insects, making it valuable for wildlife gardens and supporting local biodiversity. [source]
Container and Foundation Planting
HouseholdIts compact size and rich color make it ideal for containers, borders, and foundation plantings, providing visual interest with minimal maintenance. [source]
Harvest Tips
This is an ornamental shrub, not harvested for food. Prune selectively year-round for shape maintenance; heavy pruning best done in late winter or early spring. Berries are ornamental and attract birds; leave on plant for wildlife benefit or remove if self-seeding is a concern.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Coprosma 'Chocolate' is native to New Zealand where it's called 'Mirror Plant' because its glossy leaves were historically polished and used as mirrors by Māori people.
- 🌱 The foliage color is not permanent—young growth emerges green and gradually develops the chocolate-brown pigmentation with increased sunlight exposure, a process that can take several weeks.
- 🌱 Female plants produce ornamental berries that can range from orange to translucent red, but male plants (non-fruiting) are often preferred in landscapes to prevent excessive self-seeding.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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