How to Grow Chocolate Coprosma
Wikimedia Commons
Chocolate Coprosma
Coprosma repens 'Chocolate'
shrubChocolate Coprosma is a striking evergreen shrub prized for its deep burgundy to chocolate-brown foliage that maintains its dramatic color year-round. Native to New Zealand, this compact cultivar is ideal for adding rich color contrast to landscape designs. It produces small, inconspicuous flowers followed by colorful berries in some conditions.
When should you plant Chocolate Coprosma in your zone?
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Example Chocolate Coprosma timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Chocolate Coprosma
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 Chocolate Coprosma
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Chocolate Coprosma dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 9b-11; frost-tender, best in warm climates
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Get my Chocolate Coprosma timeline →Growth Stages
Establishment
6-12 weeksYoung plant with initial chocolate-colored foliage; small, developing branch structure
Water regularly to establish deep roots; provide afternoon shade in very hot climates; mulch base but keep away from stem
Vegetative Growth
Spring through early summerPlant fills out with dense foliage; chocolate color deepens and becomes more uniform; no flowers present
Light pruning to shape; maintain consistent watering schedule; fertilize monthly with balanced fertilizer during growing season
Flowering
Late spring to early summer, 2-4 weeksTiny, cream to pale yellow flowers appear along stems; often inconspicuous among foliage
Minimal care needed; flowers do not require special attention; pollination by insects
Fruiting
Summer through fall, 8-12 weeksSmall, glossy berries develop; colors range from orange-red to dark purple, depending on growing conditions and cross-pollination
Plant multiple specimens nearby for cross-pollination if berry production desired; maintain regular watering
Dormancy/Maintenance
Fall through early spring, 4-6 monthsPlant growth slows in winter; foliage color remains deep chocolate; structure well-established
Reduce watering; cease fertilizing; light pruning only if needed; protect from frost and freezing winds in borderline zones
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; remove heavily infested leaves; improve air circulation
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Horticultural oil spray in dormant season; manually remove with brush; prune affected branches
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Yellow sticky traps; spray undersides of leaves with neem oil or insecticidal soap; encourage beneficial insects
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Increase humidity; spray with water to dislodge; use miticide if severe; avoid over-fertilizing
Uses
Ornamental Landscaping
HouseholdChocolate Coprosma is prized for adding dramatic color contrast to gardens, borders, and container displays. Its deep burgundy foliage remains vibrant year-round, making it an excellent choice for tropical and subtropical landscapes. [source]
Cut Foliage Arrangements
CraftThe distinctive chocolate-colored stems and foliage are valuable in flower arranging and floral design, providing rich color and texture to mixed bouquets and landscape installations. [source]
Bird and Pollinator Habitat
WildlifeThe small flowers attract pollinators including bees and butterflies, while the berries (when produced) provide food for birds. The dense foliage offers shelter and nesting sites. [source]
Hedge and Screen Planting
HouseholdIts compact growth habit and dense foliage make Chocolate Coprosma ideal for creating colorful privacy hedges, screens, and windbreaks in warm climates. [source]
Container and Specimen Planting
HouseholdThe striking foliage color makes it a focal point in pots, planters, and as a standalone specimen plant on patios, decks, and entryways. [source]
Harvest Tips
No harvesting required. For ornamental purposes, prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape and density. Remove dead or frost-damaged branches in spring. Cut stems can be used in floral arrangements.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Chocolate Coprosma is native to New Zealand, where the genus Coprosma comprises over 60 species, many with vibrant foliage colors.
- 🌱 The plant's name 'Coprosma' derives from Greek words meaning 'dung smell,' referring to the unpleasant odor of the berries in some species, though this cultivar's berries are less pungent.
- 🌱 In its native habitat, Coprosma species are often among the first plants to colonize disturbed areas, making them pioneer plants in forest regeneration.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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