The Unusual,
Black Magic Roses.

There is definately something Gothic about Black Magic roses!

To quote the famous Alfred Noyes:

.......but what about the so called black roses? Do they convey your deepest feelings, your hidden love.They have fascinated us for generations, these black plants, even though there are over two and a half thousand of them listed. Very few of them are roses of course, but even so, this interest in the Gothic subculture connection remains strong. Perhaps it is the unusual we seek, or maybe just the new and original.

These dark colored "Black Magic" roses come from a Hybrid Tea shrub, and we see most of them as long stem cut roses in florists shops. They can be sent, overnight, from growing fields in Ecuador: very long stem, cut roses, for the more unusual floral arrangements.

The rose variety itself is TANKalcig and it actually produces dark red blooms on very long, 24 to 28 inch long stems. The bush normally grows to about three feet but can go as much as five or six feet, and is good for growing zones 4 thru 11. It uses a fortuniana root grafting, and as was already noted, it was originally bred for use by florists. The deep, dark, velvety, pointed black buds, swirl open to dark garnet red blooms of medium size, some 4 to 5 inches in diameter.

Because of it's long stems and lengthy bloom time on the stem, it is a very good "vase" rose as well as being good for bouquets, with it's delicate fragrance. Add to these points the fact that the blooms are unusually long lasting on the stem and the foliage tends to be lush dark green and you have a "florists" winner!

You can buy the plants for your garden. Jackson and Perkins carrie Black Magic roses. Bare root is recommended, but they are not the easiest to grow and do significantly better in the warmer, more arid climates. Needs full sun and careful cultivation!

If you like the very dark red, almost black roses, this is a popular one to consider, but unless you buy it online or from a florist, you will need to spend time with it. The bushes need a good warm climate and some tender loving care.

www.rose-works.com helping you get the most from your roses.

Return to Black Roses from Black Magic Roses


Return to Home Page from Black Magic Roses