I'm up for a trade. I'm in Arizona, so we'll have to do it before it gets too hot here, but not too cold in other parts of the country....it's a small window some years, but I've done it before. The variegation on the edges of the leaves is very thin but it's the same color pink as the blooms. Pretty.

The two together don't sound to great but I grew Hot Cocoa when I lived in Fl.(Winter Haven and Port St. Lucie) This is one of those roses that benefits GREATLY when grafted onto fortuniana root stock. I had one own root, one on Dr Huey and then one on fortuniana. The one own root was a pathetic little thing and the one on Dr Huey wasn't much better. The one on fortuniana was a beautiful 5' tall bush covered in fantastic foliage from top to bottom with those uniquely beautiful blooms that covered the plant. I'm pretty sure Nelson Roses (blue pots) carries it. Check with your local nursery. Or use your computer and go to Nelson Roses web site and find the closest nursery that they stock. I know how you feel about Hot Cocoa. The first time I saw it I went "blawh". Then it's unique color grew on me and it became a wonderful rose in my garden. It's one of those colors that you either end up loving or one you call, "liver on a stick".

Thanks guys. I have decided not to plant one. My husband remembered his boss planted one years ago where they used to work so we went and had a look. It's huge already (it's no more than 14 years old) and it has big roots that are lifting the bitumen. I think I'll give it a miss. Beautiful tree though. Donna.

Thanks, all! I'll give it a shot. I hadn't really been thinking about mini's but then I bought this cute little garden ornament in an antique mall.... So, I was thinking it needs something small near/around it.... so, I was perusing the small/mini hosta at Made in the Shade's website and thought Baby Doll was really appealing. One thing leads to another, doesn't it? I'm hoping it will tolerate some sun for a while - about 1/2 day - moisture won't be a problem. Any hosta I plant will have to be able to tolerate some sun. Even my "shady" places have some strong sun exposure for at least part of every day. Eventually, the trees will provide some more protection. BTW - here's the cute little statue/birdbath in the garage, with my potted hostas sleeping above: