Black Roses: History, Symbolism, Varieties

Roses of a darker shade – particularly an intense, virulent black – have always fascinated those with a penchant for the gothic and macabre. They have long captured the hearts of romantics, gardeners, and vampire fans and would have been all the vogue in the Victorian era, had they existed. While there are no roses that are truly black, there are several dark-hued varieties that can appear a near-black in certain lightning. 

Below is an exploration of the double-edged duality of the black rose. 

Black Roses Symbolism

The black rose has a devious history, alluding to ill-fated love, danger, mystery, and other dark-aligned forces in fiction. It’s easy to envision a trellis festooned with black roses in a noble house, perhaps to impress a lady, foreshadowing its decline or impending doom. It’s also the flower of choice of murderers and assassins, used as a dramatic calling card. 

As well as considered harbingers of death, black roses are seen as an ill omen, symbolizing hatred or revenge. Black roses were supposedly used by the Sicilian mafia to warn the receiver that their murder was imminent.

On the other hand, black roses can symbolize rebirth and new beginnings, particularly a radical transformation that brings about an end to things. Historically, they have symbolized strength, with connections to royalty and the aristocracy. 

Are Black Roses Real?

Pure black roses have achieved almost mythical status – as both a bane and a miracle. Skeptics opine that they give off the same air as a YA protagonist who claims that her bright blue hair actually grows out of her scalp that color – and they’re right. Many have attempted to emulate the black velvety darkness of black roses through sprays or dyes, but none have come close to the real thing. 

Nowadays, anyone trying to sell you genuine black roses is a fraudster (don’t be fooled by the glossy online photos). Rose aficionados may be saddened to learn that black roses are not real, though certain rose varieties can appear as such during a trick of the light. 

Even the supposed black roses of the lost city of Halfeti, situated on the picturesque banks of the Euphrates, are in fact a rich cabaret color so dark that it appears black. These black roses, known as "Karagül" in Turkish, carry their distinctive color due to the unique soil composition, containing a special pH level. A botanist believes that the famed Halfeti roses could be derived from the "Louis XIV" black rose, a rare rose grown in France and named after the king, though some have their doubts. 

That said, even dyed black roses from boutique shops will still bring a dramatic impact to the receiver. Assuming that you are not part of the mafia, your intentions of sending black roses or using them in home décor will be more altruistic. 

Near-Black Rose Varieties

While true black roses remain the provenance of myth, there are some dramatic varieties that can add gothic intrigue to the garden. For practical purposes, deep reds and maroons will appease most – excluding the most discerning. 

• Rosa Black Baccara (Hybrid Tea Rose): Cherished for its deep-red velvety petals, Rosa 'Black Baccara' preserves the elegant, classic shape of roses. The blooms are lightly fragrant, and because they absorb light, they darken when temperatures cool. 

• Backarole Rose: Backarole is a niche rose with dark, velvety petals and notable resistance to diseases, particularly black spot and mildew. Its bushy growth habit is not the most aesthetically pleasing, though it may appeal to those who seek a wild, briar rose feel. 

• Black Beauty: The Black Beauty begins its journey as inky black buds, unfurling to a vivid crimson. Its virtues are continuous flowering, a lush, velvety appearance, and repeated flushes of blooms – in greenhouses, it can bloom year long. 

• Dark Night: One of the most spectacular of hybrid tea roses, the Dark Knight rose is a true marvel, featuring contrasting creamy yellow and ruby petals. Unlike other roses that may trend toward the melancholic, it brings a more edgy, contemporary look to the garden. 

• Black Magic: The supermodel of roses, Black Magic is a graceful flower with shapely blooms 4 inches in diameter. It has good resistance to mildew, but tends to succumb to black spots. Spray with a fungicide to prevent disease. 

Growing Roses in the Garden

With the right care, roses can be grown in raised garden beds or trained to climb onto trellises. Roses thrive in well-draining, acidic soil – perlite or sand can help ensure better drainage. As it is well known that roses can be finicky to grow, it is important to prevent disease with an organic fungicide, intended to be used in your regular watering cycle. 

Water once or twice weekly, deeply at the base to prevent disease. Prune roses in early spring by removing diseased growth. Roses should be fertilized every 4 – 6 weeks during the growing season. An organic fertilizer option enriches the soil naturally.