This is a HARDY Coprosma! Ok, hardy for us anyway. Unscathed in full exposure in the McLaughlin garden during the rough winter of 08 where it took low teens without a whimper where it is a bushy 5' fine textured shrub. Mocha black green evergreen small leaves take on varying shades with the seasons. Blackish spidery witch hazel flowers merit close inspection. There aren't many woody plants bringing this color to the garden and fewer yet with any degree of hardiness.