Black Magic Roses
Black Magic Roses are Dramatic in Appearance
Black Magic roses are one of the newest of the hybrid tea roses. Because of their dramatic appearance, they are gaining fans around the world. Although called Black Magic, the rose is not really black but a very dark red or burgundy color. It is still the darkest rose ever produced and at certain times of the year and in certain light, it appears to be almost black.
Black Magic roses were bred in Germany by Tantau, a company specializing in rose production. They are described as a velvety dark red, and are the result of crossing Red Velvet with Dallas roses. Black Magic roses first appeared in 1997. They are highly popular and are often sought as a rose for weddings and bridal bouquets. As such, the rose is a symbol of passion, beauty and love.
Considered to be an ultra dark rose, Black Magic roses are unusual to behold, and appeal to people who are drawn to the black rose as a symbol of death. While there is no such thing as an actual black rose, the black rose has long been characterized in fiction and film. Rose breeders have continually tried to product a darker rose.
Black Magic roses have long, sturdy stems (24-28”) and 30-40 petals which make them ideal as a cut rose. They produce one flower on each stem. The dark, garnet color is contrasted by even darker edges and has leaves that are dark green. The flowers are four to five inches in diameter. It has less fragrance than many roses.
If you want to grow Black Magic Roses, you will need to live in a warm climate. It is suited for hardiness zones 4 through 11. The rose bushes normally grow around three feet high, although there is a possibility they could grow to 5 or 6 feet high in perfect conditions. They have to have full sun and require quite a lot of care. Bare root is recommended for planting--they use fortuniana root grafting. Black Magic roses are disease-resistant, especially to powdery mildew.
Black Magic roses like well-drained soil just like all other varieties of roses. They need fertilization when planted and then at regular times during the summer. They need plenty of water that reaches down to the plant’s roots and most likely will have to be watered frequently. They require pruning in the spring before the plant awakens to a new season. With their tall stocks, it is especially important to prune so that there is air circulation inside the plant. Make sure to mulch for the winter.
If you do grow black magic roses, everyone who sees them will probably fall in love with this particular color of rose. Because of their impressive looks they are being shown more and more and consistently winning prizes for their breeders.