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. Dig in plenty of compost before planting, water in well, and mulch to keep roots cool.
Watering & feeding
Black Boy Rose does best with regular, moderate watering. Refresh mulch and provide a modest balanced feed at the start of spring. For the first year, favour occasional deep watering over frequent shallow drinks so roots move into the surrounding soil.
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
Combine Black Boy Rose with plants that share its preference for regular, moderate watering and warm-temperate climate. Use an odd-numbered group where space allows, or repeat it at intervals through a longer bed.
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. Current stock is confirmed manually, so register interest above before planning around a specific size.
