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Black Tea, bred by K. Okamoto, 1973.

This has to be one of the most peculiar of the so-called "Coffee Roses", with its odd Cinnamon-and-putty colored blooms. This is a typical Hybrid Tea in growth habit, with fairly large, well-formed blooms that are quite variable in hue. I have seen blooms of the palest coral-gray color and very dark flowers the color of fresh ground Cinnamon. This rose has some similarities to the 1969 HT 'Smoky' with perhaps better bloom form. Definitely not suited to everyone's tastes, but for collectors of the "brown" roses, this is well worth seeking out. Every year I find I am entranced by this strange beauty more and more. The color is pure magic when it is at its best, as you see here. Forget pursuing 'Leonidas'; this is the rose to have instead!

I got mine from The Uncommon Rose. Provenance: Rupert, via Supinger.

ARS merit rating: NA
Personal merit rating: 8.0.
Hardiness: Likely USDA zones 6 to 10, zone 5 with considerable protection.
Shrub size: 3 to 5 feet tall X 3 feet wide.
Fragrance: 3.5, moderately strong fragrance, at least on a fresh bloom.

Original photographs and site content © Paul Barden 2005, All Rights Reserved.