Coprosma 'Chocolate Soldier'

Planting Conditions and Ideal Location

• Light Requirements: Prefers full sun for best foliage colour but will tolerate light partial shade. In cooler climates, full sun enhances leaf vibrancy; in very hot climates, a little afternoon shade can help prevent scorch.

• Soil Preferences: Thrives in well-drained soils—sandy or loamy types are ideal. Will tolerate poorer soils if drainage is good.

• pH Range: Adaptable to a wide range from slightly acidic to slightly alkaline (pH 6.0–7.5).

• Moisture Needs: Requires moderate watering while establishing; once mature, it is drought-tolerant but benefits from occasional deep watering in dry periods.

• Planting Time: Best planted in spring or early autumn to establish roots before extreme weather.

• Spacing: Allow 80–100 cm between plants for hedging; give more space for standalone shrubs.

• Positioning Tips: Perfect for mixed borders, coastal gardens, low hedges, and contemporary landscapes.

• Shelter Needs: Hardy in mild climates; in colder regions, protect from harsh frost or drying winter winds.

• Container Growing: Works beautifully in pots and planters with free-draining compost—ideal for patios or entrances.

Routine Care, Feeding, and Seasonal Maintenance

• Watering:

  • Keep evenly moist in the first year.

  • Once established, water deeply during prolonged dry spells.

  • Container plants require more frequent watering, especially in warm weather.

• Feeding: Apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer in spring to encourage healthy growth and vibrant leaf colour.

• Pruning:

  • Lightly trim after flowering or in early spring to maintain shape and density.

  • Remove any dead, damaged, or crossing stems as needed.

  • Can be clipped into formal hedges or left to grow naturally.

• Mulching: A 5 cm mulch layer of bark or compost in spring helps retain soil moisture and suppress weeds. Keep mulch away from the crown to avoid rot.

• Pest and Disease Resistance: Generally pest-free; may occasionally suffer from scale insects or aphids—treat promptly if noticed.

• Winter Care: Hardy to around -5°C; in colder areas, grow in a container and move to a sheltered location in winter.

• Weed Control: Keep the base weed-free to reduce competition and maintain plant health.

Ornamental Features, Seasonal Interest, and Garden Uses

• Foliage: Evergreen with glossy leaves that change seasonally—rich chocolate-brown tones with orange-red highlights in autumn and winter.

• Flowers: Small, inconspicuous blooms in spring; grown mainly for foliage interest rather than flowers.

• Form: Compact, rounded growth habit that maintains a tidy appearance without heavy pruning.

• Growth Rate and Size: Moderate growth; typically reaches 1–1.5 metres in height with a similar spread at maturity.

• Wildlife Benefits: Provides shelter for small birds and insects.

• Ornamental Value: Striking foliage colour adds year-round interest; perfect for colour contrast in planting schemes.

• Garden Design Uses:

  • Feature shrub in contemporary gardens.

  • Low-maintenance hedging or screening.

  • Coastal gardens due to salt and wind tolerance.

  • Mixed borders for seasonal colour contrast.

  • Container displays for patios and terraces.

• Seasonal Appeal: Evergreen foliage ensures year-round beauty; foliage colour deepens in cooler months for added winter interest.

• Longevity: Long-lived with minimal care, making it an excellent choice for low-maintenance gardens.

• Size
  3 Ltr pot

We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

Standard Delivery is FREE on orders over €250*

All standard deliveries will be completed within 5-7 working days via Fastway Couriers, any delay to this delivery time, the customer will be notified by One of our staff.

The in-Store delivery charge will vary compared with online, in-store delivery charge is done on a case by case basis. 

* Only mainland Ireland addresses qualify for free delivery.
 

Live Plants Delivery

Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
All live plants are despatched within 3-5 working days where possible, our couriers aim to deliver within 48 hours of despatch from our Garden Centre to allow the plant to arrive in healthy condition.
 

Click & Collect

Can’t wait for delivery? Why not try our FREE Click & Collect service? Simply make your purchase online and collect it from our store located in Croagh Co. Limerick. Our staff will contact you by phone when your order is ready for collection (Please allow 24 hours minimum). When collecting your item, call the store on 069-64084. We will then load into your car as required. This service is available in-store 9am – 6pm Monday – Saturday (No collections on Sundays)

Click here for more information about our shipping conditions.

You can pay your online order either by credit card or via Paypal.
If you have any further questions about the online order payment please contact us via ­069 640 84 or mail.