Hot Cocoa Rose

The Hot Cocoa rose is one of the best of the brownish looking roses, and can look absolutely spectacular in a display.

It was an AARS award winner a few years back in 2003, no doubt in part to its beautiful look. Tom Carruth over at Weeks Roses developed this beauty from a combined parentage of the Playboy, Livin Easy, and Altissimo breeds. The resulting color is described many different ways, from a russet to a brown-orange, to a cinnamon. You'll even see some shades of purple mixed in at times. Its definitely a talking piece. You may also see this listed as the Rosa Wekpaltlez.

Besides the one of a kind color, this breed also has a beautiful fragrance as well. It has large blooms and will bloom continously. The hot cocoa is also useful as a unique look for wedding flowers, especially for a brown-themed look. If planting in a garden, mixing in some pinks with it would produce a great color scheme. Some white flowers can look great as well and be the "marshmallows" for the cocoa!

From a gardening perspective, the hot cocoa grows best in full sun, but can manage in partial shade if necessary. It's extremely tough against diseases, and especially, black spot. I've seen it rated from zone 4-10 and from 5-9 depending on where you look. Its color is very dependant on the climate. Colder areas will produce a darker hue, while warmer climates will result in a lighter, more orange look. Keep that in mind if you are looking to replicate the deep "cocoa" look!