Northwest Blooms · Roses
Rosa 'Hot Cocoa'
Hot Cocoa Floribunda Rose
- Rose type
- Floribunda
- Height
- 3-5 feet
- Bloom size
- Medium (2-4 in)
- Flower color
- Smoky orange, brownish-red
- Fragrance
- Moderate
About this plant
Rosa 'Hot Cocoa' is a distinctive floribunda rose, known for its remarkable bloom color-a blend of chocolate brown, smoky orange, and russet hues. The flowers deepen in cooler temperatures and lighten in warmer conditions, making this rose a true chameleon in the garden. Floribunda roses, like 'Hot Cocoa,' are bred for their ability to produce clusters of blooms continuously throughout the season, offering a dense, colorful display. Its moderate, spicy fragrance complements the dramatic look, making it both visually and aromatically appealing.
Ideal for a variety of garden uses, 'Hot Cocoa' works well in borders, rose beds, and even formal landscapes due to its bushy, upright habit. Its abundant clusters of blooms make it a standout in mass plantings, where its unique colors create eye-catching contrast. Introduced by Tom Carruth in 2002 for Weeks Roses, it quickly became popular for its disease resistance and rare color palette. This variety adds an unexpected and elegant touch to any rose collection, making it a favorite among rose enthusiasts.
Planting & care
Roses reward a sunny, open site with at least six hours of direct light, good air movement, and well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Water deeply and less often, soaking the root zone while keeping the leaves dry, and mulch with two to three inches of compost or shredded bark held back from the canes. Feed repeat-blooming roses in early spring as growth starts and again after the first flush, then prune in late winter to remove dead or crossing canes and open the center. Floribundas bloom in generous clusters, and light shaping keeps the framework rounded and full.
Where to see it
This plant can be seen at the Woodland Park Rose Garden, and the Portland International Rose Test Garden.
