Chocolate-Scented and Chocolate-Colored Plants for a Zone 6 Rooftop Garden

Creating a "chocolate garden" on a rooftop adds a delicious sensory twist to container gardening. In Zone 6, where winters are cold and containers need extra protection, plant selection is key. Here are six standout choices that deliver genuine chocolate fragrance, deep cocoa color, or both—all suited to full-sun rooftop conditions unless noted.

Top Picks for a Rooftop Chocolate Garden

1. Chocolate Flower (Berlandiera lyrata)

By day, it resembles a small-flowered blanket flower (Gaillardia). By night, it releases a rich, bittersweet cocoa scent—like dark Hershey's chocolate. Grows 12 inches tall. Perennial in Zone 6 with winter protection.

2. Chocolate Cosmos (Cosmos atrosanguineus)

Deep maroon, velvety blooms exude a light chocolate fragrance at dusk. Tuberous perennial; lift containers and store in a cool, dark place over winter (treat like dahlias).

3. Chocolate Mint (Mentha × piperita 'Chocolate')

Leaves smell unmistakably like peppermint patties. Vigorous, 100% edible, and perfect for containers (keeps it from spreading). Overwinter in a protected spot or bring indoors.

4. 'Hot Chocolate' Flowering Tobacco (Nicotiana 'Hot Chocolate')

Grown for its striking dark blooms more than fragrance. In Zone 6, treat as an annual or overwinter indoors. Night-fragrant, with a sweet, subtle scent.

5. Chinese Tree Peony (Paeonia delavayi)

A splurge: deep maroon, "high-calorie" spring blossoms on a woody shrub. Challenging in containers but spectacular. Needs large pot, excellent drainage, and winter insulation.

6. Black Calla Lily 'Hot Chocolate' (Zantedeschia 'Hot Chocolate')

Exotic, near-black blooms with a dramatic chocolate look (no fragrance). Tender rhizome; lift and store frost-free over winter.

Container Tips for Rooftops

• Use large, insulated pots (fiberglass, double-walled resin) to buffer root temperature swings.
• Incorporate water-retentive crystals and slow-release fertilizer at planting.
• Group pots to create a windbreak and microclimate.
• Plan for winter: move tender plants to an unheated garage or basement (35–45°F).

Mix and match for a season-long chocolate experience—fragrant foliage, night-scented blooms, and deep, decadent color.