A formula for the meaning of rose colors has been worked out over the centuries, so that you can send the right rose for a particular occasion. But what about so-called "black" roses? Do they exist and, if so, what is the meaning?
Cultivators have been working hard in trying to produce a black rose. While no jet-black rose yet exists, there are some of such a deep red as to suggest black; e.g., Rosa 'Black Magic' and, pictured above, Rosa 'Ruby Celebration.' Alternatively, some florists dry fresh roses and dye them black.
And the meaning? There is some disagreement on this point, as is to be expected, since a truly black rose does not yet even exist. Many say black represents death and can thus be used as a symbol to express vengeance towards a foe. But others interpret that more liberally, suggesting as a meaning for black roses the death of old habits, thus signaling a rebirth.