Rose Hot Chocolate Standard

• Originally developed for its unique chocolate fragrance and deep burgundy colouring that resembles rich hot chocolate. The scent becomes more pronounced in warm weather conditions.
• Features a compact, bushy growth habit reaching 1-1.5 metres tall and wide, making it perfect for smaller gardens and container growing. Produces clusters of double blooms continuously.
• Beloved by gardeners for its unusual colour palette and intoxicating fragrance that attracts beneficial insects while creating a sensory garden experience. Low maintenance once established.
• Exhibits excellent disease resistance compared to older rose varieties and adapts well to various Australian climate zones from temperate to subtropical regions.

• Water deeply twice weekly during active growth, reducing to weekly in winter - check soil moisture 5cm down before watering. Avoid wetting foliage to prevent disease.
• Position in full sun location receiving minimum 6 hours direct sunlight daily for best flowering and plant health. Protect from strong afternoon sun in hottest climates.
• Plant in well-draining, organic-rich soil with pH 6.0-7.0 - add compost and aged manure before planting. Mulch around base to retain moisture.
• Feed monthly with rose-specific fertiliser from September to March, supplementing with Epsom salts quarterly. Cease feeding in winter months.
• Prune in late winter removing dead, diseased and weak growth - cut back by one-third for shape. Deadhead spent blooms regularly to encourage continuous flowering.
• Ensure good air circulation around plant and water at soil level rather than overhead. Apply preventive fungicide spray if black spot is problematic in your area.

• Provide full sun with at least 6 hours direct sunlight daily for optimal flowering and disease resistance. Morning sun is particularly important for drying dew from leaves.
• Water deeply twice weekly during growing season, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings. Reduce frequency in winter but never let soil become bone dry.
• Maintain moderate humidity around the plant by mulching well and avoiding overhead watering. Good air circulation prevents fungal issues.
• Thrives in temperatures between 15-28°C and tolerates light frost once established. Protect from hot afternoon sun in extreme summer heat.
• Prune in late winter, deadhead regularly during growing season, and apply rose fertiliser monthly from spring to autumn.

• Aphids cluster on new growth and buds - spray with insecticidal soap or encourage beneficial insects like ladybirds. Check regularly during spring flush periods.
• Black spot appears as dark spots on leaves in humid conditions - improve air circulation and water at soil level. Remove affected foliage promptly.
• Thrips cause silvery leaf damage and distorted flowers - use blue sticky traps and beneficial predatory mites. Monitor closely during hot, dry periods.
• Root rot develops from waterlogged soil - ensure excellent drainage and reduce watering frequency. Plant in raised beds if soil is heavy clay.