One of the best New Zealand bred roses features this month, something a little different that has made its mark in the world of roses.
Hot Chocolate is very aptly named and is probably the best of all the roses bred in this colour range. Throughout summer, clusters of chocolate-brown blooms are borne in clusters in the garden complemented by the dark green foliage. Very easy to grow with few disease problems. It will pick well for a vase as well.
The colour fits in best with roses in the orange, bronze and apricot shades so don’t be put off that it may not fit your colour scheme.
Bred by Nola Simpson, one of New Zealand’s greatest rosarians who has done so much for roses in New Zealand and is currently Patron and President Emeritus of the New Zealand Rose Society. Hot Chocolate won the Gold Star of the South Pacific at the NZRS trial grounds in 1986 and also the Silver Star of the City of Palmerston North for best NZ amateur bred rose. An all round winner.