How to Grow Black Baccara Rose

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Black Baccara Rose

Rosa × 'Black Baccara'

flower

Black Baccara is a hybrid tea rose prized for its exceptionally dark, nearly black-red blooms with velvety petals. This dramatic rose is popular in floristry and ornamental gardens for its sophisticated color and long-stemmed flowers. It is a modern cultivar bred specifically for the cut flower industry and garden display.

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Example Black Baccara Rose timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

  1. Plant Black Baccara Rose

    Around Apr 17

    Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.

  2. Tend & protect

    Late spring–summer

    Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.

  3. First Black Baccara Rose blooms

    Around Jun 16

    ≈ 60 days after planting

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Black Baccara Rose dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

☀️
Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily (8+ hours ideal for best color)
💧
Water: Deep, consistent watering 1-2 inches per week; water at soil level to keep foliage dry and prevent disease. Increase frequency in hot, dry climates.
📏
Spacing: 24 inches
📅
Days to maturity: 60-90 days to first bloom from bare-root planting; established roses bloom repeatedly
🌱
Planting depth: Plant grafted roses at soil line with graft union 1-2 inches above ground in cold climates; 1-2 inches below in hot climates

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy soil rich in organic matter
pH: 6.0-6.5
Amendments:
compost aged manure perlite or sand for drainage rose-specific fertilizer

Growing Zones

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Thrives in zones 6b-9b; best in zones 7-8

6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a 9b

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Growth Stages

1

Establishment

4-6 weeks

New canes emerge with young foliage; plant focuses on root development and establishing branch structure.

Water regularly, avoid heavy fertilizing for 4-6 weeks. Support new growth and remove any early flower buds to redirect energy to establishment.

2

Vegetative Growth

6-8 weeks

Plant develops robust canes with glossy, deep green foliage; branching increases and plant fills out.

Apply balanced fertilizer monthly. Prune lightly to shape plant and encourage lateral branching. Monitor for pests and disease.

3

Bud Formation

2-3 weeks

Terminal buds form at cane tips; buds are typically borne singly (hybrid tea characteristic) and develop the distinctive dark-red color.

Maintain consistent moisture and apply bloom-promoting fertilizer (higher in phosphorus). Remove any diseased or malformed buds.

4

Flowering

1-2 weeks per bloom; repeat blooms throughout season

Large, double blooms with 30-40 velvety petals open to reveal the characteristic deep burgundy-black color; flowers may last 1-2 weeks on plant or longer in arrangements.

Deadhead spent blooms above a 5-leaflet leaf to encourage reblooming. Keep foliage dry. Avoid overhead watering to protect petals.

5

Rest/Dormancy (winter)

3-4 months depending on climate

In cold climates, plant prepares for winter with reduced growth and possible defoliation after hard frost.

Prune in early spring (not fall). Mound soil or apply mulch in zones 6-7 to protect graft union. Reduce watering in dormancy.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Avoid planting near:

clematis honeysuckle fennel other aggressive vines

Common Pests

  • Spray with water jet, use insecticidal soap, or apply neem oil. Encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs.

  • Increase humidity through overhead misting (early morning). Use miticide if severe. Ensure adequate watering to reduce stress.

  • No cure; remove infected plants immediately. Avoid overhead watering. Control mite populations with miticide.

  • Remove infected leaves promptly. Improve air circulation. Apply fungicide (sulfur or triazole-based). Water at soil level only.

  • Improve air circulation and reduce humidity. Apply fungicide (sulfur or baking soda spray). Remove affected foliage.

  • Hand-pick in early morning, use pheromone traps away from rose, or apply pyrethrin-based insecticide.

Uses

🍳

Ornamental garnish

Culinary

Black Baccara petals can be used as an exotic edible garnish for gourmet dishes and desserts, adding dramatic visual appeal. Ensure blooms were grown without non-organic pesticides before consuming. [source]

🎨

Floral arrangements and cut flowers

Craft

Black Baccara is among the most prized roses in the floral industry for high-end arrangements, bouquets, and wedding designs. The deep color and long stems make it ideal for dramatic centerpieces and formal occasions. [source]

🏠

Perfumery and fragrance

Household

Black Baccara roses have a classic rose fragrance that can be dried and used in potpourri, sachets, and homemade rose water. The petals retain fragrance well when properly dried. [source]

🦋

Pollinator attraction

Wildlife

While bred for appearance rather than nectar production, Black Baccara still attracts bees and other beneficial insects, supporting pollinator populations in the garden. [source]

💊

Traditional herbal use

Medicinal

Rose petals have been used in traditional medicine for skin health and mild digestive support. Petals can be infused into tea or used in skincare preparations. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

Cut blooms in early morning when fully hydrated, cutting at a 45-degree angle above a 5-leaflet leaf. Remove lower leaves from stem. Place immediately in cold water with flower food. Black Baccara blooms last 1-2 weeks in a vase, making it excellent for cut flowers. For garden display, deadhead spent blooms to encourage continuous reblooming throughout the growing season.

Fun Facts

  • 🌱 Black Baccara was bred in France by Meilland in 2000 and remains one of the darkest rose cultivars ever developed, with blooms so dark they appear almost black in dim light.
  • 🌱 Despite its dramatic appearance, Black Baccara requires slightly more care than some other hybrid teas due to susceptibility to black spot fungus, making it a rose for dedicated gardeners.
  • 🌱 The name 'Baccara' references a card game, reflecting the rose's sophisticated and dramatic character; it's a favorite among florists for luxury arrangements that command premium prices.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

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