This Rose of the Month entry was provided courtesy of Indianapolis Rose Society member Humberto DeLuca.
Hot Cocoa is a recent floribunda introduction by Tom Carruth. There are two great characteristics about Hot Cocoa making it one of my favorites: an unusual color reminiscent of the given name and a deep, glossy green coloring in the foliage. The contrast between the flower and the foliage is a "head turner."
I grew Hot Cocoa in my previous garden in two separate locations that recieved different amounts of sunlight. I think Hot Cocoa really needs more than the minimum 6 hours of sun. One bush getting just 6 hours was nowhere as vigorous as the one in the sun all day. I don't recall seeing any black spot on this plant. I have also seen a version as a large tree rose. Hot Cocoa is a frequent bloomer and a very rewarding rose to grow.
The following information is from Helpmefind.com:
| Class: |
Floribunda / Cluster Flowered, Tree Rose, Easy-To-Love™ [Weeks]. |
| aka: |
WEKpaltlez |
| AEN: |
Hot Cocoa™ |
| Origin: |
Bred in the United States (2002) by Tom Carruth.
Introduced in the United States (2003) by Weeks Wholesale Rose Grower, Inc.. |
| Bloom: |
Russet [r] blooms. Mild, Fruity fragrance. 25 to 30 petals. Average diameter 4". Large, double (17-25 petals), ruffled bloom form. Occasional repeat later in the season. |
| Habit: |
Height of 42 inches (105 cm). Width of 4 1/2 feet (135 cm). |
| Growing: |
Zone 6 and higher. Disease susceptibility: very (above average) disease resistant. Spring Pruning: Remove old canes and dead or diseased wood and cut back canes that cross. In warmer climates, cut back the remaining canes by about one-third. In colder areas, you'll probably find you'll have to prune a little more than that. |
| Parentage: |
|
| Patents: |
United States
PPAF |