Noteworthy CharacteristicsVery dark red, almost black, flowers. Dark green, glossy foliage.

CareTolerant of a variety of sites, but prefers an open site in full sun. Best in moderately fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil. Plant in late fall or early spring, when the ground is not frozen. Remove suckers from rootstock as soon as they appear.

PropagationRoot softwood cuttings from first flush of bloom to summer; root hardwood cuttings in autumn. Bud in summer. Sow seed in containers in autumn.

ProblemsSusceptible to aphids, leafhoppers, spider mites, scale insects, caterpillars, sawfly larvae, cane borers, Japanese beetles, rose stem girdlers, thrips, rose chafers, rose midges, rose slugs, and leaf cutting bees. Rabbits and deer can also cause damage. Prone to black spot, rust, powdery mildew, dieback, canker, crown gall, viruses, and downy mildew