How to Grow Black Magic Roses
The hybrid tea rose "Black Magic" is not actually black. Like all black flowers, it is actually a deep color approaching black. In this case, the Black Magic rose is actually a deep burgundy and looks black in some lighting. The buds are much darker so if you want the "black" effect in your arrangement, cut the flowers before they bloom. So far, a true black rose has not been created. If you need a truly black rose for an arrangement, put some black food coloring in the water after you cut your Black Magic. The stems will draw up the dye, making the plant appear closer to black.
Black Magic roses are not for the beginning rose enthusiast. They take skill, care, and a warm climate to thrive. These handsome plants, popular in bouquets and as cut flowers, grow up to six to eight feet tall so will require some space in your garden. Plant them about four feet apart for best effect.
Black Magic roses don't like the cold so be aware that you will need to provide extra care if you attempt to grow this beauty in a cold climate. As a general rule, stick to warmer zones for this plant to be successful. They are appropriate for USDA zones 7 through 10 and will not do well in zones 6 and lower as it is quite fragile. If you insist on growing Black Magic roses in cooler climates, make sure you provide plenty of mulch around the base of the plant and consider enclosing them in boxes for the winter.
Black Magic roses require well-draining soil, a lot of sun, and ample watering. When you water, you have to make sure the water gets all the way to the roots. This may take a lot of your time.
To plant, dig a hole larger than the root ball and mix in a good rose fertilizer with the soil. Put the rose in the hole and backfill into the hole with the soil and fertilizer mix. Water well to help the soil fill in around the roots and to give the rose a healthy start. Continue to fertilize with rose food at least three more times during the growing season.
Black Magic roses bloom on new growth so pruning every spring is essential. Prune your rose before the new growth starts, while the plant is still dormant, cutting out any dead or damaged wood, and working to open up the plant so that air can circulate easily around the new growth. Remember that new growth will start at buds just below the cutting site so try to cut just above an outward facing bud to avoid crowding the center of the plant.
