The Quest for the Black Rose

Does the black rose exist or has it ever existed? In any case we can be sure that there has always been a search for the black rose, which is still continued nowadays. Black is after all the colour of magic, of the darker side of life and is therefore irrefutably attractive.Already in the early European botanical literature, references to dark roses cropped up. The further evolution can be easily traced by rose drawings, that have been spread at the end of the 18th and beginning of 19th century. Later rose collections came into existence, rose collectors became famous and since the end of the 18th century rose gardeners receive more and more recognition for their selections. Even today, some people still continue that selection - although more scientifically founded.This prestigious edition in a velvety soft cover brings the full story of the black rose, based on original research, from the oldest historical images to the most recent developments. Furthermore some prominent florists of world renown show unique creations with this noble flower.A showpiece in the library of every rose lover!

La rose noire, existe-t-elle ou a-t-elle jamais existé? Ce qui est certain, c'est que la quête de la rose noire est de tous les temps et se poursuit toujours. Chercher la rose noire, c'est comme chercher à atteindre ce qui est hors d'atteinte.Les toutes premières références à des roses de couleur foncée apparaissent très tôt dans la littérature botanique européenne et les nombreux dessins de roses qui se prolifèrent à la fin du XVIIIème et au début du XIXème siècles, nous permettent de suivre assez bien l'évolution. D'ailleurs, les premières collections et sélections de roses datent elles aussi de la même époque. L'histoire des noms des différentes roses noires est tout aussi passionnante. Chaque auteur semble avoir inventé ses propres dénominations, ce qui ne facilite guère les recherches. Le nom a d'ailleurs toujours été un argument de vente important, surtout quand il réfère à des personnages à la mode. Le terme 'noir' est à certains moments dans l'histoire devenu tellement important que seul le nom de la rose semble encore le rappeler. La tromperie n'est jamais loin. Entre-temps la science a beaucoup évolué et nous savons exactement comment il faut 'créer' la couleur noire. Nous en connaissons les défauts et les dangers. Plusieurs rosiéristes continuent à faire des sélections.

Does the black rose exist or has it ever existed? In any case we can be sure that there has always been a search for the black rose, which is still continued nowadays. Black is after all the colour of magic, of the darker side of life and is therefore irrefutably attractive.Already in the early European botanical literature, references to dark roses cropped up. The further evolution can be easily traced by rose drawings, that have been spread at the end of the 18th and beginning of 19th century. Later rose collections came into existence, rose collectors became famous and since the end of the 18th century rose gardeners receive more and more recognition for their selections. Even today, some people still continue that selection - although more scientifically founded.This prestigious edition in a velvety soft cover brings the full story of the black rose, based on original research, from the oldest historical images to the most recent developments. Furthermore some prominent florists of world renown show unique creations with this noble flower.A showpiece in the library of every rose lover!