A tray full of ‘Hot Cocoa’ rose petals from spent blooms on my kitchen counter. Passing by, I pause for aromatherapy. This rose is especially fragrant. Recently, I shared an over-abundance of the organic petals with two friends. One planned rose petal tea.

‘Hot Cocoa’ is variously described in glowing language. The coloration seems to vary with the season. My rose is on a final October fling this week.

“Stunning displays of silk-like blooms, their petals shaded chocolately orange to dark red with a deep rusty orange reverse.” (Jackson & Perkins)

“A chocolate-brown infused with smoke and hints of purple…or perhaps a russet-influenced brick-red. (Wayside Gardens)

"Brownish-orange floribunda washed with smoke on the top and a deep rusty orange on the underside. How about “smoky chocolate orange?”  Perhaps "cinnamon brown with a purply cast.” (All American Rose Selections)

'Hot Cocoa’ in my street-side garden.