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Corokia virgata Frosted Chocolate

Corokia ‘Frosted Chocolate’ (Corokia virgata ‘Frosted Chocolate’) is a standout New Zealand native shrub prized for its fine, wiry branches and unusual chocolate-bronze foliage dusted with an attractive silvery sheen. Whether you're creating a contemporary garden, wildlife corridor, or simply seeking a low-maintenance hedge that brings year-round interest, this Korokio cultivar is a top choice. On this page, discover expert advice on identifying, growing, and making the most of Corokia virgata frosted chocolate in your NZ garden.

Corokia 'Frosted Chocolate'

Corokia 'Frosted Chocolate', commonly known as Korokio, is a hardy, NZ native shrub with lovely foliage and an interesting form. It grows as a mass of wiry, tangled, silver-grey branches carrying small, brown-green leaves. Small, star-like, mildly fragrant, yellow flowers are produced in summer and followed by small, red-orange berries. This evergreen typically grows to 2 metres tall and 1 metre wide, and can be trimmed as necessary. Corokia 'Frosted Chocolate' is commonly trimmed into a hedge but works well in mixed plantings, used as a backdrop for smaller plants, or planted to border an entrance.

Corokia Frosted Chocolate showcasing its lush green and brown foliage.
  • Suited to regions:
    All regions
  • Plant type:
    Shrubs
  • Height:
    2.00 m
  • Spread:
    1.00 m
  • Flowering time:
    Summer
  • Tolerances:
    Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy, Wind
  • Garden uses:
    Hedging, Living areas, Ponds, Pool areas, Topiary
  • Garden styles:
    Alpine, Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Formal, Frontyard, Mediterranean, Modern, Native, Riparian
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Corokia 'Frosted Chocolate'

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Striking Foliage for All Seasons

Corokia virgata frosted chocolate commands attention with its distinctive slender branches and small, leathery, dark bronze leaves, beautifully "frosted" with a silver-grey shimmer. The bushy, upright habit reaches around 1.5–2 metres tall, making it perfect as a formal or informal hedge, a background shrub, or as striking contrast in mixed borders. In spring, small yellow star-shaped flowers appear, followed by bright red berries that provide winter food for birds.

Drought Tolerant and Hardy

This selection of Corokia virgata is known for its toughness. Once established, Corokia virgata frosted chocolate tolerates dry conditions, coastal winds, and frosts, thriving in full sun or part shade. Its ability to handle a range of soils—so long as they’re well-draining—makes it a versatile landscaping solution nationwide.

How to Use Corokia virgata frosted chocolate in Your Garden

Whether you want a modern formal screen or a looser, natural effect, Corokia virgata frosted chocolate fits seamlessly into so many garden designs:

Planting and Care Tips

To get the most from your Corokia virgata frosted chocolate, plant in a sunny to partly shaded spot with good drainage. Water regularly during establishment, but once mature this plant is very low-care. Light pruning in late winter to early spring helps keep your Corokia in great shape, whether clipped as a hedge or left in a natural form.

Explore More Corokia and Shrub Companions

If you're building a collection, discover other outstanding Corokia varieties such as Corokia 'Geenty's Green', Corokia Bronze King, Corokia Mangatangi, Corokia Sunsplash, and Corokia Emerald And Jade. Looking for compatible shrubs for diverse structure and year-round colour? Consider partnering with Viburnum Newport (Doublefile Viburnum), Myrsine auriculata, Lavandula angustifolia 'Rosea', Fuchsia 'Sparky', or Lavender 'Pretty Polly'.

Why Choose Corokia virgata frosted chocolate?

Few shrubs combine sculptural habit, unique foliage, and robust hardiness quite like Corokia virgata frosted chocolate. Whether as a dramatic feature or a dependable backdrop, it’s a plant that delivers striking looks and easy care throughout the year—perfect for both new and established Kiwi gardens.


Contact us

Whether you need assistance finding the plant you’re looking for or you simply want to know more about who we are and what we do, we invite you to get in touch with us today. A member of The Plant Company team will get back in touch as soon as possible.

Think you know our range? Corokia 'Mangatangi' and Avocado 'Reed' are just the beginning — check out Olive 'J5', Hebe 'Sandra Joy', and Dysoxylum spectabile (New Zealand Mahogany).
–The Plant Company

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