A famous Australian-bred heritage climber raised by Alister Clark, with deep velvety crimson-maroon blooms and a strong old-rose fragrance. Vigorous and mostly spring-flowering.
At a glance
- Plant type: Climber
- Mature size: 4 m H × 2.5 m W
- Aspect: full sun
- Water: regular, moderate watering
- Frost: hardy
- Maintenance: moderate maintenance
- Origin: Exotic
About Black Boy Rose
Botanically, Rosa 'Blackboy' is a fast-growing climber in the Rosaceae family. It reaches around 4 m tall and 2.5 m wide at maturity, with deciduous foliage. Red and purple flowers appear in spring and summer.
Where to grow Black Boy Rose
Black Boy Rose suits warm-temperate, cool-temperate and Mediterranean climates and grows best in full sun. It is frost hardy and shrugs off cold winters.
Soil & planting
Black Boy Rose does best in free-draining and loamy soil. Plant into well-prepared ground, firm the soil around the roots and water deeply to settle it in.
Watering & feeding
Black Boy Rose is regular, moderate watering. A feed in spring with a balanced fertiliser keeps growth strong. In its first year, water deeply once or twice a week to settle the roots in, then taper off as it establishes.
Pruning & care
Prune Black Boy Rose after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. Overall it is moderate maintenance.
Using Black Boy Rose in the garden
Black Boy Rose earns its place for a feature or specimen planting, its fragrance and cut flowers for the vase.
Companion planting & design
For a cohesive, low-care bed, pair Black Boy Rose with other plants that enjoy the same regular, moderate watering and warm-temperate climate. Repeat it through a border to tie the planting together and give a sense of rhythm.
Good to know
It is thorny — useful as a barrier, but wear gloves when pruning.
Buying Black Boy Rose
Plant Sale lists Black Boy Rose as potted plants and bare-root stock. Stock isn't live yet — register your interest using the panel above and we'll email you the moment it is available.