Hot chocolate

The Hot Cocoa rose is a russet Floribunda variety developed by Tom Carruth in the United States in 2001. It was introduced to the market by Weeks Wholesale Rose Grower, Inc. in 2003 and is known for its beautiful, full russet blooms with a darker reverse and a moderate, fruity fragrance. The flowers have 25 to 30 petals and an average diameter of 3", and have a medium to large, cupped, ruffled form. They are cluster-flowered and bloom in flushes throughout the season.

The Hot Cocoa rose is a bushy, rounded plant with medium thorns or prickles and large, glossy, dark green foliage. It grows to a height of 3' to 6' (90 to 185cm) and a width of 4½' (135cm). It is suitable for growing in USDA zone 6b and warmer and is heat and rain tolerant. It is known for its disease resistance and is suitable for use in beds and borders, as a container rose, or as a cut flower. It benefits from winter protection in colder climates, and should be pruned in the spring by removing old canes, dead or diseased wood, and canes that cross. In warmer climates, cut back the remaining canes by about one-third, while in colder areas you may need to prune a little more.

The Hot Cocoa rose is the result of a cross between the seedling 'Playboy' and the variety 'Altissimo', with the pollen parent being 'Livin' Easy'. It is protected by patents in Australia, France, New Zealand, South Africa, and the United States. It was first sold in the USA in December 2003 and in Australia in September 2003. It was given the name "Nubya" in Switzerland in honor of the singer Nubya in June 2002. If you are looking for a beautiful and vibrant russet rose for your garden, the Hot Cocoa rose is worth considering.