Few rose variations offer the dark color and fragrant aroma of the Midnight Blue rose — a rose that looks as magical and mysterious as the time of night it’s named for. Many gardeners add these breathtaking flowers to their garden to serve as a focal point or as a way to put more color into their yard. The Midnight Blue rose is easy to care for, but it does require basic knowledge of roses in order to grow the best flowers.
In this article, you’ll learn everything you need to know about these roses, including how to care for them. If you want to have the best garden on the block, keep reading about the Midnight Blue rose.
What is the history of the Midnight Blue rose?
This shrub was originally grown in the United States by Tom Carruth in 2004. It was introduced in the United States in 2005 and the United Kingdom in 2007. It’s a fairly new rose, which makes it even more ideal for those looking for a unique rose.
Characteristics of the Midnight Blue Rose Bush
The Midnight Blue rose has a somewhat deceiving name, as it’s actually a deep, velvety black-purple with the base of the rose being lighter than the top of the petals. The flower has anywhere between 17 and 25 petals and a diameter of 2.75″ per rose once fully bloomed. The shrub grows to a maximum height of 2 to 3 feet.
These mostly thornless shrubs have semi-glossy foliage and bear roses that have a rich and spicy clove smell. Midnight Blue roses bloom in flushes, putting on a dazzling show of color several times throughout the blooming season.
When and Where to Plant
Midnight Blue roses grow best in zones 5 to 9. They’ re sun-loving plants, so plant them in areas that receive full sunlight (at least 6 hours a day).
You can plant roses in the spring before temperatures are consistently above 70 degrees, or you can plant them in the fall about 6 weeks before the first frost.
Composting Your Soil
Composting soil is an important step many rose growers skip, which ultimately leads to poor flower production. You can have your soil tested, or test it at home, to make sure your soil is ideal for planting your roses (a pH of 6.0-7.0). If it falls outside of this pH level, you can compost the soil to help create a better growing environment for your Midnight Blue rose shrub.
You can use a store-bought, organic compost or make one at home with coffee grounds, egg shells, and other nutrient-dense organic matter. Mix your composting amendments approximately 15 inches deep into the soil.
Mulching Your Soil
Mulching helps retain moisture in the soil to prevent your roses from becoming dehydrated and wilting. It also helps maintain the proper soil temperature for the rose to produce beautiful, healthy flowers.
As a general rule of thumb, you should spread mulch 2 inches deep and 10 inches around the base of the shrub. Do this each spring and replace the old mulch with new to prevent bacteria from growing and harming your roses.
Watering Basics For Roses
Roses don’t do well with overwatering, but they still require a certain amount of water for blooming and to prevent wilting. Once the top 2 inches of soil is dry, it is time to water again.
Each time you water, make sure the water reaches a depth of 5 inches by placing a hose set on a trickle at the base of the rose shrub.. Do not water the leaves or stems directly because this promotes fungal foliage diseases.
An extra step you can take after watering is to use horticulture oil to prevent thrips. Use this oil underneath the leaves and on the interior portion of the rose bush.
Fertilizing Midnight Blue Roses
Fertilizing should begin in early spring, with a fertilizer that is specific for roses or with a 6-8-6 ratio. It should initially be applied when the buds start forming and applied at maximum strength and then again once roses begin blooming.
You should water heavily after spreading fertilizer as this helps to distribute the fertilizer deep into the soil.
Pruning Roses
Pruning your rose is critical to maintaining a beautiful garden and to help the plant grow to its maximum size. When pruned, a rose can grow twice as many flowers as without pruning.
The best time to prune Midnight Blue roses is in early spring, after the risk of frost has passed. Remove dead or diseased canes, any canes that cross, and cut back half (or more) of the length of all the canes. This hard pruning in spring gets the rose ready for the upcoming growing and blooming season. Remember to gather up and dispose of all debris after pruning.
Transplanting
There may come a time where you need to move your midnight blue rose bush. If this happens, use the following guidelines.
- Move the bush at the end of winter or start of spring, depending on your area. The idea is to make sure that frost is no longer a threat to your rose bush.
- Dig a new hole that has adequate space for your new flower bush and plenty of drainage. If you fill your hole with water and come back an hour or two later and is gone, it is a sign that the soil will adequately drain.
- Make sure you dig up the entire root ball, and take as many roots with you as possible. This helps to ensure your flowers continue growing well and do not suffer from any root loss.
- Mix mulch and potting soil together and place half of it in the hole you have dug. Place the flowers in the space and add the rest of the soil mixture around the roots and water the bush.
- Do not use fertilizer or any type of insecticide until you see the plant growing.
Creating Bouquets and Decorating
Midnight Blue roses make stunning bouquets and are a striking flower to decorate with. Here are some ideas and steps you can take to make the perfect midnight blue rose bouquet.
Steps for Creating the Perfect Bouquet
1. Determine your color scheme
Determining a color scheme is one of the most important parts when making a bouquet. You want to use complimentary colors, or colors that are near each other on the color wheel.
2. What area are you placing the bouquet in?
If you’re placing the bouquet in a brightly lit room, you don’t need your flowers to be quite as bright in order to stand out. However, if your bouquet is being placed in a dim or dark room, it’s best to choose brighter colors.
3. Use odd numbers
When using different flowers in your bouquet, it’s customary to use odd numbers of each flower type. In some cultures, this represents happiness and good luck. However, it looks great in virtually all colors.
4. Gather materials
To make a bouquet, you need the following materials.
- Floral tape and wires
- Flowers
- Scissors
- A vase that compliments the bouquet
5. Use flowers with tighter buds
Using these buds will ensure that your bouquet lasts longer and you will also be able to watch the buds open as time progresses. Buds that are more developed will not last quite as long.
6. Trimming
Cut the stems of your flowers evenly and at an angle. This helps the flowers look more uniform and helps the stems take in water.
Trimming off thorns and excess leaves also keeps your bouquet looking neat and fresh.
7. Arrange
Arrange your flowers on a flat surface prior to putting them in a vase or wrapping them together to ensure you have the best arrangement to suite your style and space.
Where to Buy…
Midnight Blue Rose Bouquets
If you can’t find a Midnight Blue rose bouquet in your local floral shop, you can check online. There are various online florists that supply these stunning bouquets.
Midnight Blue Rose Shrubs
These are a very unique flower and can be difficult to find in local nurseries or garden centers. If you can’t find one locally, you can check online at different gardening sites.
Seeds and Supplies
Midnight blue rose seeds and other gardening supplies can be found at your local store or through an online retailer.
Wraping Up the Midnight Blue Rose
If you’re looking for a rose bush to draw attention to your yard or have something beautiful to look at or smell, the midnight blue rose bush is a great addition. No matter where you grow it, it’s sure to be a favorite in your garden and to impress visitors to your garden.
Is there a Midnight Blue rose in your garden? If so, tell us about this dark and mysterious rose in the comments section below!
Excited for more rose content? Then keep reading all about these beautiful flowers, how to take care of them, and more on our roses page!