Rosa 'Black Baccara' - Hybrid Tea Rose

The 'Black Baccara' Rose, similar to the black rose, embodies a tremendous horticultural achievement and the advent of an iconic rose for generations of rose breeders in search of perfection. This large flower with a perfect shape displays a deep red colour, rich and velvety, giving the illusion of being black depending on the lighting and time of day. Initially intended for floristry due to its excellent vase life and light and delicate fragrance, this variety is now making its way into our gardens. The plant itself is a little delicate to grow. Still, its flowering is abundant and perpetual, and its colour is so exceptional that it deserves some attention from the gardener who has the chance to welcome it into their modest kingdom.

'Black Baccara' or 'Meidebenne' is a modern shrub rose related to hybrid tea roses, obtained in 2003 by the rose breeder Meilland. With a bushy and upright habit, this bush reaches about 90 cm (35in) in height and 60 cm (24in) in width at maturity, with a moderate growth rate. It produces sturdy branches that bear elegant dark green and glossy foliage, which are, unfortunately, susceptible to rose diseases. Throughout the summer, if the faded flowers are carefully removed, its gorgeous turbinated flowers, composed of about 40 petals and measuring 11 cm (4in) in diameter, emerge from spiral buds, then open into perfectly shaped roses in a mix of very dark red, garnet, purple, and black reflections. They are solitary, carried at the end of long, straight shoots from the current year or emerging from the 2-year-old stems. 

With its mysterious and perfect roses, this exceptional rose, 'Black Baccara,' is finally available to gardeners who love mythical flowers. Planted in groups of 3, it will bring a touch of wonder that will make a garden unique. Welcome in flower beds alongside purple roses ('Sissi', 'Charles de Gaulle', 'Blue Girl'); it truly deserves to be planted as a solitary specimen, not far from the house, surrounded by small grey foliage. Perennials or light annuals are traditionally the friends of roses, such as Crambe maritima, paniculate phlox, tall foxgloves, and baby's breath. It will be well showcased in front of a boxwood or yew hedge or, on the contrary, surrounded by a miniature hedge or a skillfully organised maze, as in Italian or French gardens. Above all, it is an extraordinary rose for bouquets!

Obtained by Meilland in 2003.