Call us: 0800 843 752Free shipping for orders $150 or over
Gift Vouchers

black rose bush

A black rose bush is an eye-catching addition for New Zealand gardens, admired for its dramatic, almost mystical beauty. While true black roses do not exist in nature, certain rose varieties feature velvety deep purple, crimson, or near-black blooms, offering a stunning contrast to lighter garden colours. Black rose bushes captivate gardeners seeking a unique focal point, whether planted as a feature shrub, along a striking hedge, or in a curated rose garden. Read on to discover how to select, plant, and care for a black rose bush, and discover related plants that pair beautifully with these enigmatic blooms.

Phormium 'Black Magic' plants in a large pot and featuring elegant, dark-coloured foliage.

Phormium 'Black Magic'

5 from 1 customers

Phormium ‘Black Magic’ is a striking NZ flax prized for its deep purple black foliage and strong architectural form. This evergreen variety adds year round drama and contrast to gardens, landscapes, and commercial plantings. Hardy and adaptable, it performs well across a wide range of NZ conditions.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Flaxes
Height: 30 cm
Spread: 30 cm
Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy, Wet, Wind
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Patios, Ponds, Pool areas
Garden styles: Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Japanese, Mediterranean, Modern, Native
heuchera-northern-exposure-black--1

Heuchera 'Northern Exposure Black'

Heuchera 'Northern Exposure Black' is a dramatic perennial renowned for its intensely dark foliage that provides exceptional contrast and year round interest in the garden. The large leaves display rich near black colouring that stands out beautifully against lighter plants and garden features.

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Perennials
Height: 30 cm
Spread: 40 cm
Flowering time: Summer
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Patios, Pool areas
Garden styles: Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Mediterranean, Modern, Tropical
rhododendron-black-magic--1
Rhododendron 'Black Magic'

Rhododendron 'Black Magic' is a striking evergreen shrub renowned for its rich, dramatic flowers and glossy dark green foliage. During spring, the...

From$28.91
Camellia 'Black Magic' red flower.
Camellia Black Magic

Camellia 'Black Magic' is a dramatic evergreen shrub known for its deep red, almost black blooms and glossy green foliage. It delivers striking...

From$32.95
hebe-black-panther-1
Hebe 'Black Panther'

Hebe 'Black Panther' is a striking evergreen shrub admired for its dark purple foliage that provides outstanding year round colour and contrast...

From$22.01
Coprosma 'Black Cloud' shrub in a garden with black and green foliage.
Coprosma 'Black Cloud' (Black Coprosma)

Coprosma 'Black Cloud' is a striking evergreen shrub valued for its deep near black foliage and compact growth habit. Well suited to New Zealand...

From$16.95
echeveria-dark-prince-1
Echeveria Dark Prince

Echeveria Dark Prince is a succulent grown for its impressive colourings. It grows as a short and stout rosette of thick, dark brown-black leaves...

From$14.95
Stunning Wisteria 'Black Dragon' purple and pink flowers.
Wisteria 'Black Dragon'

Wisteria ‘Black Dragon’ is a spectacular flowering climber renowned for its double deep violet purple flowers that hang in dramatic cascading...

From$26.95
Cistus 'Brilliancy' plant with pink flowers and green foliage.
Cistus 'Brilliancy' (Rock Rose)

Cistus ‘Brilliancy’ is a vibrant evergreen shrub celebrated for its striking crimson-pink flowers, each with a yellow centre, blooming profusely in...

From$24.77
weigela-wine-and-roses-2
Weigela 'Wine And Roses'

Weigela 'Wine and Roses' is a striking deciduous shrub renowned for its rich burgundy purple foliage and masses of vibrant rosy pink trumpet shaped...

From$25.53
Ficus Black Knight growing in a pot with lush, dark foliage.
Ficus 'Black Knight'

Ficus ‘Black Knight’ is a striking indoor plant characterised by its large, glossy leaves, which range from deep green to nearly black tones. This...

From$99.52
super-shield-rose-spray-1
Super Shield Rose Spray – 1 Litre

This multipurpose spray is designed to control most common pests and diseases that affect roses. That includes blackspot, aphids, rust, powdery...

From$156.96
black-polythene-1-m-wide-
1m wide Black Polythene

This polythene is 80 microns thick, very durable, and suits a host of different uses. Please enquire about larger sizes and heavier grades.

From$138.40
An informal hedge of 'Iceberg' rose plants with masses of white flowers.
iceberg-roses iceberg-roses

Rosa ‘Iceberg’, one of the world’s most popular roses, is a reliable floribunda variety producing masses of pure white, lightly fragrant blooms from...

From$38.57
black-polythene-2-m-wide-
2m wide Black Polythene

This polythene is 80 microns thick, very durable, and suits a host of different uses. Please enquire about larger sizes and heavier grades.

From$254.60
camellia-japonica-black-tie-
Camellia 'Black Tie'

Camellia 'Black Tie' is a sophisticated evergreen shrub admired for its large formal deep red blooms and glossy dark green foliage. Flowering from...

From$27.95
teucrium-fruticans-
Teucrium fruticans (Bush Germander)

Teucrium fruticans (Bush Germander) is a hardy evergreen shrub admired for its attractive silvery foliage and soft blue flowers that appear through...

From$18.95
helleborus-english-thoroughbred-
Helleborus 'English Thoroughbred Series' (Winter Rose)

Helleborus 'English Thoroughbred' is a premium evergreen perennial valued for its elegant winter and early spring flowers and attractive year round...

From$29.95
camellia-japonica-black-lace-
Camellia 'Black Lace'

Camellia 'Black Lace' is a dramatic evergreen shrub admired for its deep velvety red blooms set against glossy dark green foliage. Flowering from...

From$32.95
rose-flower-carpet-scarlet-
Rose Flower Carpet Scarlet

Rose Flower Carpet Scarlet is a ground cover rose that features masses of showy, scarlet red flowers. The flowers are complemented with glossy, dark...

From$33.81
helleborus-hot-flash-
Helleborus 'Hot Flash' (Winter Rose)

Helleborus 'Hot Flash' is a stunning evergreen perennial that delivers vibrant winter and early spring colour with its richly coloured blooms and...

From$29.95
iris-rose-queen-
Iris Rose Queen (Japanese Water Iris)

“Rose Queen” is a variety of Japanese Water Iris that produces spectacular flowers. The showy, two-tone pink blooms are borne atop sturdy stems in...

From$27.53
Purple flowers on Burgundy Iceberg Rose.
Rose 'Burgundy Iceberg'

The 'Burgundy Iceberg' Rose is a striking floribunda rose renowned for its rich burgundy purple blooms, repeat flowering, and exceptional garden...

From$38.57
climbing-rose-albertine-
Rose Albertine

Rose Albertine is a climbing rose featuring very showy, salmon-pink flowers. The highly fragrant blooms emerge in spring and continue until autumn...

From$30.29
Ribes 'Black Magnus' black currant shrub with lustrous black berries.
Ribes 'Black Magnus'

Ribes 'Black Magnus' is a vigorous and productive black currant variety prized in NZ gardens for its rich flavoured berries and strong cropping...

From$30.29
rose-flower-carpet-gold--1
Rose Flower Carpet Gold

Rose Flower Carpet Gold is a popular ground cover rose that features masses of showy, yellow flowers. Flowering begins in spring and will continue...

From$34.43
rose-raspberry-ice-5
Rose Raspberry Ice

“Raspberry Ice” is a Floribunda shrub rose that features large and showy flowers that are cream with a raspberry coloured margin. The lightly...

From$44.09
Dodonaea viscosa purpurea shrub with colourful, purple foliage growing an an informal hedge.
Dodonaea viscosa purpurea (Purple Hop Bush)

Dodonaea viscosa purpurea, commonly known as Purple Ake Ake, features lush, purple leaves which are held densely off upright stems. The foliage is...

From$13.95
rose-anniversary-
Rose Anniversary

Rose Anniversary is an award winning, Floribunda shrub rose that features masses of showy, soft-pink flowers. The amazing blooms emerge in spring and...

From$38.57
Helleborus orientalis with colourful pink flowers.
Helleborus orientalis (Lenten Rose)

Helleborus orientalis, commonly known as Lenten Rose, is a hardy perennial prized for its elegant winter and early spring blooms. Flowers appear in...

From$22.95
rose-violet-serenity-
Rose Simplicity Violet Serenity

“Violet Serenity” is a magnificent small, shrub rose owing to its colourful display of bright pink flowers. The showy blooms are borne as clusters...

From$35.81
rose-ann-turner-climbing-
Rose Ann Turner

Rose Ann Turner is a climbing rose that features masses of double, pink flowers. The blooms emerge in spring and continue until autumn provided the...

From$30.29
Phormium 'Black Magic'

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Camellia, Cistus, and Coprosma, or related Categories - Deciduous Climbers, Flaxes, and Groundcover Plants.

Search black rose bush

What Is a Black Rose Bush?

The term "black rose bush" typically refers to roses with exceptionally dark petals, often appearing almost black in certain light conditions. The most popular black rose bush varieties showcase rich, velvety shades of burgundy, maroon, or deep purple. One favourite in New Zealand gardens is the Rose Blackberry Nip, noted for its deeply coloured blooms and delightful fragrance. These roses are prized not just for their haunting colour, but also for their resilience and repeated flowering through the season.

Growing a Black Rose Bush in New Zealand

Success with a black rose bush begins with the right location and care. Choose a spot that enjoys at least six hours of sunlight daily. Roses love well-drained, fertile soil enriched with organic compost. Water regularly, especially during dry periods, and mulch in spring to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Black rose bushes respond well to regular pruning in winter, which encourages healthy new growth and prolific flowering.

Pair your black rose bush with contrasting plants for maximum visual drama. Silver-leafed perennials and soft pinks enhance the brooding blooms, while other dark-foliaged plants amplify the moody effect. Consider companion plants like Heuchera Northern Exposure Black (Coral Bells), which boasts near-black foliage and provides year-round intrigue beneath your rose.

Outstanding Companion and Feature Plants

A striking black rose bush truly shines alongside plants that echo or contrast with its rich hues. For a bold, contemporary look, consider pairing your rose with Canna 'Tropicanna Black'. Its dramatic dark leaves and vivid flowers create a show-stopping effect in mixed borders. Camellia Black Magic, with its deep-coloured blooms, extends the season of moody interest well into autumn and winter.

For low-maintenance structure, Hebe Black Satin offers glossy foliage and a compact shape, making it an ideal choice for garden edges or containers near your black rose bush. Grouping plants with similar cultural requirements ensures each thrives and your garden remains cohesive and healthy.

Why Choose a Black Rose Bush?

A black rose bush isn’t just a conversation piece—it’s a symbol of elegance and mystery in the garden. Its lush, dark flowers provide a striking foil to traditional reds and pinks, making every bloom feel special and unique. Whether you’re a seasoned rosarian or a beginner gardener, integrating a black rose bush alongside other moody-hued companions can transform your outdoor space into a captivating retreat.

Explore our full range of dark and dramatic plants, from Heuchera Northern Exposure Black (Coral Bells) to Rose Blackberry Nip, and create a garden that truly stands out.


Contact us

Whether you need assistance finding the plant you’re looking for or you simply want to know more about who we are and what we do, we invite you to get in touch with us today. A member of The Plant Company team will get back in touch as soon as possible.

Think you know our range? Ficus benjamina and Corokia 'Geenty's Green' are just the beginning — check out Pandorea rosea superba, Azalea 'Luci', and Helleborus 'White Hybrid' (Hellebore).
–The Plant Company

Explore Garden Inspiration

Sign up to receive a free $10 Voucher You won’t be bombarded with emails, just titbits of quality information from time to time Sign up
Free shipping on orders over $150!

Join our community of happy customers.

4.8

445 Google reviews