10 Types of Black Roses Varieties and Meaning

Do Black Roses Really Exist? What are the names of best black rose varieties? Discover everything in this enlightening post.

Several years ago, I saw a picture of a black rose on Pinterest and asked myself–Are black roses real? All my life, I have grown many rose cultivars but never saw one like that. Then I decided to explore this topic further and write an article to help all our readers, the more I dug, the more I realized–no real black rose has been discovered yet.

Most are just deep, dark shades of crimson, red, or purple. For rosarians and those of you who are new to growing roses and searching for black roses, I created this list of 10 Types of Black Roses; this has shades of almost black roses. Some I have seen in my life, and some I found on rose-selling websites. I can say these are must-haves for your rose collection as they are rare, close to black, and beautiful.

Most Stunning Types of Black Roses

As I penned above, these roses do not have the typical ‘Black’ color you might be imagining. You’ll rather find them in a deeper-than-usual color tone, which gives them that somewhat black hue when looked at from certain angles. 

1. Black Cherry Rose

Size: 3 to 4 feet wide and tall

Growth Habit: Upright

This beautiful floribunda rose derives its name from nearly black flower buds and huge, dark red flowers. It is deep, burgundy, or red in color with no scent and is around 3-4 inches wide. It is heat tolerant and grows better in warmer climates and also has a long vase life as a cut flower.

2. Black Baccara Rose

Size: 2 to 3 feet wide and 2.5 to 4.5 tall

Growth Habit: Upright and Bushier

This hybrid tea rose was developed in the 2000’s. Though it has no fragrance, it looks stunning with dark, nearly black buds and takes a beautiful deep crimson shade when it blooms. It is suitable for the USDA Zones 6 to 10 and blooms throughout the growing seasons but prominently from late spring to summer.

3. Black Velvet Rose

Size: 3 to 4 feet wide and up to 6 feet tall

Growth Habit: Bushy

If I have to pick one, this one is my favorite because of its scent; this rose is popular in the perfume industry as well due to its fragrance. It has a deep burgundy hue with a dark, velvety appearance, and it blooms every year from summer to fall.

4. Black Magic Rose

Size: 2 to 4 feet wide and 3 to 6 feet tall

Growth Habit: Upright

The buds of this hybrid tea rose variety are perfectly black, and it is often used in this form to give the appearance of a black rose. It looks lovely with its deep red velvety petals and beautiful dark green foliage. As it is cold tolerant, it can be grown down to USDA Zone 4 with some protection in winter.

5. Black Jade Rose

Size: 1 to 2 feet wide and 2 feet tall

Growth Habit: Compact and Bushier

Now, meet a miniature variety that is good to grow in containers, front of flower beds and garden borders. Black Jade rose is a deep, dark crimson flower that turns black in warm climates. It is also popular as ‘BenBlack’ in some parts of the world.

6. Black Beauty Rose

Size: 2 to 3 feet wide and 3 to 4 feet tall

Growth Habit: Shrub-like

This large hybrid tea dark red colored rose was first introduced in France. In its bud stage, the reverse of the petals appears dark, velvety, and black-red. It grows in containers as well and is suitable for USDA Zones 6 and warmer, even up to 11 if protection from heat is provided.

7. Halfeti Black Rose

Size: 2 to 3 feet wide and tall

Growth Habit: Upright

It is a scarce flower found only in the small village of Halfeti in Turkey. Though it blooms dark red, it turns slightly black afterward and reaches a pitch-black shade at maturity due to a certain pH level of the soil there.

I found out that while it can be grown elsewhere as well but its black color comes only when grown there because of the specific pH level and micronutrients present in the soil. Amazing, isn’t it?

8. Souvenir du Dr Jamain Rose

Size: 3 to 7 feet wide and 6 to 10 feet tall

Growth Habit: Bushy and Vigorous Climber

This highly fragrant rose with velvet-black to dark violet double blooms grows as a climber, taking the support of a wall or a trellis. This flower thrives best in partial shade that helps develop its rich color. If you’re growing it, be prepared for regular pruning 😉 but it will reward with great color and fragrance.

How to Grow Big Roses Vertically (8 Great Ways)

9. Nigrette

Size: 2 to 3 feet tall and wide

Growth Habit: Short and Upright

First introduced in 1934, Nigrette is another hybrid tea rose that produces medium-size showy flowers with a black-plum to maroon shade. It also has an intoxicating fragrance and grows best in the usual slightly acidic soil like other roses.

10. Taboo Rose

Size: 2 to 3 feet wide and 3 to 6 feet tall

Growth Habit: Upright and Well-Branched

Bred in Germany in 1988 by Hans Jürgen Evers, the Taboo Rose is a unique and captivating variety with a moderate fragrance; it was introduced in the USA in 1994. If you are looking for a tall, low-maintenance, and almost thornless variety, this is the one.

Tricks Maintain the Color of Black Roses

While traditional rose care methods like proper watering, fertilization, and sun exposure are crucial, you might look for more unique ways to intensify your black roses’ colors. Here are some unconventional tips to help you achieve more vivid and deeper hues in your rose petals.

1. Coffee Grounds

• How: Sprinkle used coffee grounds around the base of the rose plant.
• Why: The acidity in coffee grounds can enhance the soil’s acidity, potentially deepening the black rose color.

2. Epsom Salts

• How: Dissolve a tablespoon of Epsom salts in a gallon of water and spray it on the leaves and blooms.
• Why: Epsom salts contain magnesium, which can promote vibrant colors and fuller blooms.

3. Banana Peel

• How: Add one banana peel to the soil near the rose plant.
• Why: Potassium helps in the formation of pigments, making the colors more vivid.

Dried Banana Peel Powder Fertilizer at Home for Any Plant

4. Eggshells

• How: Crush 1 eggshell and sprinkle it around the base of the plant.
• Why: The calcium in eggshells can strengthen cell walls, leading to more robust and vibrant petals.

5. Fish Tank Water

• How: Use water from a freshwater fish tank to water the roses.
• Why: The nutrients from fish waste can act as a natural fertilizer, potentially boosting the black rose color.
  

  ---

Black Roses Meaning

Before you close the tab and say bye, read about the black rose meaning. It’s cool 😃! Unlike the more common red roses we grow, black roses are often associated with mystery, the unknown, and the enigmatic aspects of life.

They also convey a sense of farewell or goodbye to something in the past, making these dark roses a popular choice for funerals or to signify the end of a chapter in one’s life.

If you’re interested and want to learn about more flowers that represent a goodbye, don’t miss checking out this list here!

Surprisingly, in many cultures, black roses also represent rebirth and new beginnings, as they represent the idea that even in darkness, there is potential for growth and transformation. So, while they may seem dark and mysterious, black roses convey some hope and resilience, too 😃.

Black Roses FAQs (Skip Them If You Read the Article 😁)

Black roses, often associated with mystery and elegance, are a unique addition to any garden or floral arrangement. However, they come with their own set of care requirements and questions.

1. What are Black Roses?

They are not true black but are often dark red or purple roses that appear nearly black.

2. Where can I Buy Black Roses?

Specialized nurseries, online retailers, and some floral shops offer black rose plants and cut flowers or you just copy paste the name of one of the varieties we have shared here on the Google and the list of online sellers will come.

3. What is the Ideal Soil pH for Black Roses?

Well-draining, slightly acidic soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 6.5.

4. How Much Sunlight Do They Need?

At least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily to maintain their dark pigment.

5. Can I Use Fertilizer?

• Use a balanced, slow-release or liquid fertilizer during the growing season.
• Iron supplements can enhance the dark pigmentation of the petals.

6. Do They Have Specific Pest and Disease Issues?

Like other roses, they can be susceptible to aphids, spider mites, and fungal diseases like black spots.

7. Do Black Roses Have a Scent?

Many black roses have a mild to strong fragrance, depending on the variety, you can check out above.

8. What Do Black Roses Symbolize?

They are often associated with mystery, farewell, and transformation.