Floribunda rose Hot Cocoa is, simply put, one of the most beautiful roses ever. Compared to the beauty of Hot Cocoa in full-bloomed glory, many roses are merely pretenders. Some readers have taken exception to my general coolness to Hybrid Tea and Floribunda roses, and that’s perfectly okay by me. One must remember (note to self) that there is a reason roses stir such passion, and as a rose, Hot Cocoa is staggeringly beautiful. Stunning. Smoldering. Hit me in the chest, take my breath away, can’t think or speak, just as if I laid eyes the first time on a beautiful woman. It happens so rarely, but when the stars align, love truly can be at first sight.

Hot Cocoa is a Floribunda Rose and was chosen an All-American Rose Selection (AARS) in 2003. From all reports, seems to be a bit above average in disease resistance, but who cares, as I’d grow it anyway…no sacrifice too small. Hybridized by Carruth in 2002, growth is 3-4 feet and fragrance is slight. No matter, as the blooms themselves are smoldering burnt red and so deep and rich as to be lit from within.

This is not a velvety rose…it is incandescant. It is a miracle of hybridizing. Double blooms of 4-5 inches almost look like a Peony as they open. In bud, Hot Cocoa’s buds are high-centered classic rose form.

What other have to say about Hot Cocoa:
Mariana Greene - Dallas News
In the Garden - (You may have to scroll a bit…cut with Graham Thomas - tons of rose photos).