Growing & using Black Jade Miniature Rose
Black Jade Miniature Rose is a soft dark red with black overtones. Newer buds and blooms appear blacker than older roses. Black Jade blooms, like many rose flowers, appear darker or “blacker” in cooler weather. Black Jade was hybridized by Frank Benardella in 1985.
Unfortunately, there is no true black or blue rose. Ralph Moore, the hybridizer of many, many miniature roses, tried his entire career of over 50 years to create both of these with no luck.
Black Jade produces rose hips that ripen in the fall. These are both decorative and have uses in crafts and make an excellent nutritious tea.
Like all roses, miniature roses are sun loving and fairly drought resistant. Plant in well drained soil and fertilize with an organic fertilizer in the spring. Dead canes can be pruned anytime but most pruning occurs in the fall when we shape the plant to the desirable height and width. All rose petals are edible, if grown organically, and make attractive garnishes for salads. They can be added after cooking to almost any dish. Whole buds can be used to decorate cakes or other confections. Before using any flower in food, a sample flower should be pulled apart and inspected for insects.
Black Jade Miniature Rose would make an excellent addition to our Edible Flower Herb Garden Six Pack.