Black Magic, close-up of the flower
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Hybrid Tea; cut-flowerTantau, 1997Red

Black Magic

TANkalcig (= TANkalgic) · also Daniel Morcombe · one of the world's best-known dark roses — a velvety 'almost black' sheen.

Variety profileGardeners' photos

Variety profile

Flowering

Repeat-flowering in flushes

Winter hardiness

−18 °C

USDA zone 7b+.

Compare reference temperatures

Plant size

130–170 × 80–100 cm
person 170 cm130–170 cm
Habit
Tall, narrow, upright bush
Dimensions
130–170 cm tall × 80–100 cm wide (in the garden); up to 215 cm in greenhouses
Support
No support needed – the bush is self-supporting (support is only needed for climbing varieties)
Shoots
Long, straight – suitable for cutting
Branching
Moderate

Flower

≈ 11 cm

30–40 petals.

Bud shape
Classic tall, pointed HT centre
Open flower
Opens slowly into a deep cup; diameter about 11 cm
Centre
Dense, spiral-shaped
Fullness
30–40 petals
Flower carriage
Exceptionally long, straight stems (up to 70 cm); flowers borne singly on each stem – a classic cut rose

Fragrance

Light

Light, sweet – this is a cut-flower rose, and scent was not a priority (breeding focused on colour and vase life).

Disease resistance

4 out of 5

Good.

Sun

Sun + partial shade

In heat the shade keeps the dark colour – in full sun it can scorch.

Foliage

Dark green, semi-glossy.

Other names

Daniel Morcombe
All characteristics in a table
Group
Hybrid Tea; cut-flower
Breeder
Tantau, 1997
Bud shape
Classic tall, pointed HT centre
Open flower
Opens slowly into a deep cup; diameter about 11 cm
Centre
Dense, spiral-shaped
Colour
Dark carmine with an almost black velvety sheen, especially on the reverse of the petals – the variety's signature trait
Fullness
30–40 petals
Flower carriage
Exceptionally long, straight stems (up to 70 cm); flowers borne singly on each stem – a classic cut rose
Flowering
Repeat-flowering in flushes
Fragrance
Light, sweet – this is a cut-flower rose, and scent was not a priority (breeding focused on colour and vase life)
Hips
Does not form clusters – the flowers are cut
Habit
Tall, narrow, upright bush
Branching
Moderate
Shoots
Long, straight – suitable for cutting
Number of thorns
Moderate – the variety is neither almost thornless nor heavily thorned
Dimensions
130–170 cm tall × 80–100 cm wide (in the garden); up to 215 cm in greenhouses
Support
No support needed – the bush is self-supporting (support is only needed for climbing varieties)
Foliage
Dark green, semi-glossy
Resistance
Good
Variations of the variety
A classic cut rose – lasts 10–14 days in a vase; synonym Daniel Morcombe

Colour scheme

Dark carmine with an almost black velvety sheen, especially on the reverse of the petals – the variety's signature trait

Rose neighbours

Astrid Gräfin von Hardenbergwine-burgundyEbb Tideplum-purpleBlue for Youлілово-сірийLions-Rosecreamy white · contrast

Perennials to plant nearby

Thunberg barberryLamb's earGypsophilaLavender ‘Munstead’

Rose neighbours

Lighter and softer-silhouetted varieties create a clear contrast with the tall dark red Black Magic.

Astrid Gräfin von HardenbergEbb TideBlue for YouLions-Rose

Companion perennials

Purple and silver foliage and white or lavender flowers highlight the dark petals without weighing down the composition.

  • Thunberg's barberry. Colour accent — burgundy-purple.
  • woolly betony. Colour accent — silver.
  • gypsophila. Colour accent — white.
  • Lavender. Colour accent — lavender.

More about the variety

Hips
Does not form clusters – the flowers are cut
Variations of the variety
A classic cut rose – lasts 10–14 days in a vase; synonym Daniel Morcombe

How to grow

Where to plant. On its own, as a cut-flower rose in a 'bouquet roses' bed; against a light background (white fence, cream wall – otherwise it sinks into green foliage).

Climate. All regions of Ukraine, with winter protection mandatory in the northern regions; zone 7b+ means the warm southern regions where no winter protection is needed.

Care. Standard care for HT – prune to 3–4 buds, regular watering, feeding; in the garden, fungal disease prevention 1–2 times per season.

About the name

Name. 'Black Magic' – a direct metaphor for its dark, mystical colour; one of the most recognisable dark roses in the world.

Breeding. Bred by Hans Jürgen Evers (Rosen-Tantau) in 1995, introduced in 1997. Parentage: Red Velvet® (HT, Evers/Tantau 1994) × Cora Marie. Patent code TANkalcig (sometimes written TANkalgic – it is the same variety).

Significance. The florists' standard dark red for bouquets; it remains one of the best-known dark roses in the world because of its exceptional stem quality (up to 70 cm), its velvety 'almost black' sheen and a vase life of 10–14 days. Synonym: Daniel Morcombe.

Frequently asked questions about Black Magic

Does Black Magic need winter protection?

The cultivar’s reference temperature is −18 °C (USDA zone 7b+). Overwintering depends on the conditions.

How many times a season does Black Magic flower?

Repeat-flowering in flushes.

How big does Black Magic grow?

130–170 cm tall, 80–100 cm wide.

Which diseases affect Black Magic?

Overall resistance: 4 out of 5. High; especially in greenhouse conditions (its main growing environment).

How much sun does Black Magic need?

Sun + partial shade; in heat the shade keeps the dark colour – in full sun it can scorch.

What does Black Magic smell like?

Light, sweet – this is a cut-flower rose, and scent was not a priority (breeding focused on colour and vase life).

Gardeners' photos and reviews

My climate

Choose a reference temperature to compare with the cultivar’s data. This is not an overwintering forecast or advice on winter protection; consider wind, moisture and the duration of frost.

Regional data are generalised. USDA describes average annual extreme minima, not a forecast; the values in the list are rounded. Check the conditions at your site. More information: Roses in Ukraine's climate.