Roses have long been a symbol of love, but the meaning can vary widely depending on the color. Roses come in a rainbow of colors, but black and white roses are particularly unique and carry very specific meanings. Black roses signify death or farewell, while white roses indicate purity and innocence. The contrast of black and white roses together can signify unity or enduring love through all difficulties. Let’s explore the history, symbolism, and meaning behind black roses, white roses, and black and white roses together.
What Does a Black Rose Mean?
A black rose has a very different meaning than roses of other colors. Black is strongly associated with death and farewells, which is clearly reflected in the symbolism of the black rose. Here are some key facts about the meaning behind black roses:
Death and Farewell
The black rose is most commonly associated with death, grief, and sorrow. It can be used at funerals and memorials to signify the loss of a loved one. Black roses express farewell and are a sign of parting ways.
Darkness and Mystery
The color black also represents mystery and darkness. Black roses can symbolize the unknown or unseen. They convey a sense of mystery and allure.
Rebirth
While associated with death, black roses also have a positive meaning of rebirth and renewal. They represent the cycle of life and can express renewal after difficult times.
Transitions
Black roses can mark transitions or changes, like moving on from grieving or starting a new chapter. They acknowledge the end of one phase and the beginning of another.
Unattainability
Since black roses do not occur naturally, they also represent that which cannot be attained. The black rose is an unattainable dream or love. It signifies longing for the impossible.
Vengeance and Hatred
In less positive contexts, black roses can also symbolize vengeance, hatred, or revenge. The dark color conveys hostility and anger.
What Does a White Rose Mean?
White roses have very uplifting and positive meanings. The white rose glorifies new beginnings, purity, and innocence. Here are some symbolic meanings associated with white roses:
Purity and Innocence
White is the color associated with purity, virginity, and innocence. A white rose expresses these virtues. It conveys pure love and is the perfect gift for a sweetheart.
New Beginnings
The color white represents a fresh start and new opportunity. White roses mark a new chapter such as an engagement, graduation, or the start of any new phase.
Spirituality
In many cultures and religions, white roses represent spirituality and devotion. They are used in religious ceremonies and decorations.
Secrecy
White roses imply secrecy or confidentiality. They convey hidden meanings and messages. The white rose asks “to keep a secret” or “seal my confidence”.
Remembrance
White roses are used at weddings and memorials to signify remembrance. Brides often carry white roses which eventually get preserved in memory books or shadow boxes. White roses are left on graves in memory of a loved one.
Unity
The white rose glorifies unity and the coming together of two people such as at a wedding between a bride and groom. White conveys harmony and peace.
What Does a Black and White Rose Mean?
Black and white roses together hold a very symbolic meaning. The contrast between black and white represents light and dark, good and evil, waning and waxing. Let’s look closer at meanings associated with black and white roses:
Unity of Opposites
Black and white roses symbolize the union of opposites into harmony. They convey yin and yang, the balance of light and dark forces. They represent the merging of two distinct elements into one unified whole.
Enduring Love
Black and white roses declare a love so strong that it withstands all obstacles and endures through challenges and difficulties. The roses epitomize profound devotion.
Loss and Rebirth
The black and white pairing reflects transition,change, and liminality. It signifies the end of one thing and the beginning of something else, like loss and recovery.
Absorption of Darkness
A white rose with dark shades or black edges evokes the idea of darkness being absorbed into light. It suggests that positivity and grace can overcome negativity and evil.
Farewell and Reunion
Black and white roses together symbolize the pain of parting balanced with the joy of reuniting. The white reflects the joy of union, the black reflects grief of farewell.
Ying-Yang
In Eastern philosophy, yin and yang describe how seemingly opposite or contrary forces are actually complementary. Black and white roses exemplify this idea – they represent how two opposing entities unite to form a whole.
Breaking Barriers
Black and white roses denote the dissolution of boundaries and the harmonious integration of disparate pieces. They represent barriers coming down and differences vanishing.
What do Black Roses Look Like?
Black roses are striking flowers that do not exist naturally – they must be specially grown and cultivated. Here are some key facts about the appearance of black roses:
Naturally Occurring Roses
There are no truly black roses in nature. Natural roses contain pigments of other colors like red, purple, pink, yellow, and orange. But they do not produce black pigment.
Artificially Colored
Black roses sold today are usually created by artificially coloring white roses. Florists add black liquid dye or ink to turn the petals black.
Half Black Roses
Sometimes florists will only dye the outer petals, leaving the inner petals white. This creates a two-toned rose that is black on the outside and white inside.
‘Black Magic’ Roses
While not truly black, a very dark red variety of rose called ‘Black Magic’ can appear black in low lighting conditions. But in full sun they are a deep, dark burgundy red.
Texture and Shape
Aside from the dark color, black roses have all the same physical attributes as other colors. Black roses have the quintessential rose shape with layered, lush petals. The texture is smooth and velvety.
| Rose Color | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Black | Death, Loss, Farewell |
| White | Purity, Innocence, New Beginnings |
| Black and White | Unity, Enduring Love, Yin and Yang |
How to Grow Black Roses
Since black roses do not exist naturally, growing them requires some special techniques. Here are a few methods for cultivating black roses at home:
Start with Dark Roses
Seek out the darkest red or purple rose bushes you can find. These will produce blooms that are partway to black and require less dye. Recommended varieties include Black Baccara and Black Magic.
Add Fertilizer
Use a fertilizer high in phosphorous, which aids the rose in producing very dark pigments. This will deepen the color of naturally darker roses.
Protect from Light
Cover the bush with a dark bag or box, blocking light exposure. Less light results in darker blooms.
Add Black Dye
When roses bloom, cut stems and place them in black liquid dye. Re-cut stems and put in clean water. The dye will wick up the stems to the flower head.
Spray Paint
Lightly spray fully bloomed roses with black paint or ink. Avoid getting paint on the stems.
Plant Black Rose Seeds
Some retailers sell seeds for specific black rose cultivars. Planting these seeds may produce black blooms.
Growing black roses takes patience and experimentation. But with time and care, you can cultivate these striking black beauties. Consider gifting them as a romantic gesture or using them for Halloween decorations.
Where to Buy Black Roses
It can be difficult to find black roses since they are uncommon and not naturally occurring. Here are some of the best places to buy black roses:
Local Florists
Many florists will carry a small selection of black roses, especially around Halloween. Call ahead to specialty florists to check availability.
Online Flower Stores
Online retailers like 1-800-Flowers, ProFlowers, Bouqs, and Floom allow you to order black roses online for delivery.
Craft and Floral Supply Stores
Stores like Michaels and Joann’s Fabric carry black rose options, both natural and artificial. These work well for DIY floral arrangements and crafts.
Nurseries and Garden Centers
Some plant nurseries or garden stores sell black rose bushes and seeds. Gurney’s, White Flower Farm, and Breck’s are options to look into.
Farmer’s Markets
Farmer’s markets can be a good spot to find unique roses from local growers. They may offer darker varieties like Black Baccara or Black Magic.
Conclusion
Black and white roses each carry deep symbolic meaning. Black roses signify death and farewell, while white roses represent purity and new beginnings. Together, black and white roses convey unity, enduring love, and yin and yang. Since black roses don’t exist naturally, they must be specially created through dyes, paint, or breeding dark rose varieties. Black roses are an exotic alternative to standard red roses and pair beautifully with white in floral arrangements. With its stark and striking contrast, a black and white rose bouquet makes a truly unforgettable gift.