Coprosma 'Chocolate Soldier'

Coprosma 'Chocolate Soldier': An Eye-Catching Evergreen for Your Garden

Coprosma 'Chocolate Soldier' is a striking evergreen shrub known for its unique foliage, which features rich, chocolate-brown leaves accented with vibrant red margins. This hardy plant brings a touch of elegance and sophistication to gardens, borders, and containers. With its eye-catching appearance and easy care requirements, 'Chocolate Soldier' is a fantastic choice for adding year-round interest to your landscape.

Why Choose Coprosma 'Chocolate Soldier'?

Renowned for its ornamental value, Coprosma 'Chocolate Soldier' stands out with its bold color and glossy leaves. This versatile shrub is ideal for creating low-maintenance hedges or as a focal point in garden designs. Its resilience to drought and adaptability to various soil types make it suitable for a range of garden settings, from coastal areas to urban landscapes.

Plant Characteristics

• Botanical Name: Coprosma repens 'Chocolate Soldier'
• Common Name: Chocolate Soldier Mirror Plant
• Height: 3-4 feet (90-120 cm)
• Spread: 3-4 feet (90-120 cm)
• Foliage Color: Chocolate brown with red edges
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 9-11

Planting and Care Guide

Planting and caring for Coprosma 'Chocolate Soldier' is a straightforward process. Follow these guidelines to ensure your plants thrive and maintain their stunning appearance.

Ideal Growing Conditions

• Sunlight: This shrub thrives in full sun to partial shade. It performs best with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily, which enhances the vibrant color of its foliage.
• Soil: Coprosma 'Chocolate Soldier' is adaptable to a variety of soil types, including sandy and clay soils, as long as they are well-draining. It prefers slightly acidic to neutral pH levels.
• Watering: Water regularly during the first growing season to establish strong roots. Once established, it is moderately drought-tolerant, but consistent watering during prolonged dry periods will support optimal growth.
• Spacing: Space plants 3-4 feet apart to allow for their natural spread and to promote good air circulation.

Maintenance Tips

• Pruning: Light pruning in early spring helps maintain the desired shape and encourages bushier growth. Remove any dead or damaged branches to promote overall health.
• Fertilizing: Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring to support healthy growth and vibrant foliage. Avoid excessive fertilization, which can lead to leggy growth.
• Mulching: Apply a layer of organic mulch around the base of the plant to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Mulch will also improve soil structure over time.
• Pest and Disease Control: Coprosma 'Chocolate Soldier' is generally pest-resistant. However, keep an eye out for aphids or scale insects. Treat any infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil.

Benefits of Coprosma 'Chocolate Soldier'

• Striking Foliage: The unique chocolate brown and red foliage provides year-round visual interest, making it an excellent choice for focal points or mixed borders.
• Low Maintenance: Once established, this shrub requires minimal care, making it suitable for busy gardeners or low-maintenance landscapes.
• Drought Tolerance: Its ability to withstand dry conditions makes 'Chocolate Soldier' perfect for xeriscaping and coastal gardens.
• Versatile Uses: Ideal for hedges, foundation plantings, and container gardening, this shrub adds a contemporary touch to various garden designs.

Common Issues and Solutions

While Coprosma 'Chocolate Soldier' is relatively trouble-free, be aware of the following potential issues:

• Leaf Drop: If leaves begin to drop, it may indicate overwatering or poor drainage. Ensure soil is well-draining and adjust watering practices accordingly.
• Sun Scorch: In extremely hot climates, some leaf scorch may occur. Providing partial shade during the hottest part of the day can help mitigate this issue.
• Invasive Growth: In some regions, Coprosma can spread aggressively. Monitor growth and trim back as needed to prevent unwanted spreading.

Enhancing Your Garden with Coprosma 'Chocolate Soldier'

Incorporating Coprosma 'Chocolate Soldier' into your landscape adds a bold and contemporary touch. Its stunning foliage and low-maintenance nature make it a valuable addition to any garden. By following these care guidelines, you can ensure that your Coprosma 'Chocolate Soldier' plants thrive, providing lasting beauty and interest throughout the seasons.

Discover the charm of this exceptional shrub and enjoy the unique aesthetic it brings to your outdoor space. Whether used in hedges, containers, or as standalone specimens, Coprosma 'Chocolate Soldier' will enhance your garden's appeal for years to come

• 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)

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If you have any further questions about the online order payment please contact us via ­069 640 84 or mail.