Rose - Dark Desire

Common Name:
Rose ‘Dark Desire’

Description:
Rose ‘Dark Desire’ is a richly perfumed hybrid tea rose renowned for its dramatic colouring and strong disease resistance. This upright shrub produces deeply cupped blooms that open from nearly black buds into large, violet-red to burgundy roses with layers of ruffled petals. As the flowers age, they deepen into rich purple hues, creating a moody and romantic effect in the garden. With over 60 petals per bloom and a strong, complex fragrance with notes of rose, apricot, citrus, and myrrh, this rose is a sensory delight. It boasts dark green, glossy foliage that resists disease exceptionally well, making it a reliable performer in Melbourne’s climate. Flowering in repeat flushes from early spring to late autumn, it is ideal for planting in garden beds, borders, or as a feature shrub. Its award-winning reputation is backed by strong garden performance and stunning presentation.

Form:

• Shrub – Medium

Mature Size:

• Height: approximately 1.2 metres

• Width: approximately 1 metre

Aspect:

• Full Sun

• Part Shade

Flowering:

• Flowers in Spring

• Flowers in Summer

• Flowers in Autumn

Flower Colour:

• Violet-red

• Burgundy red

• Deep purple (as blooms age)

Key Attributes:

• Suitable for Pots

• Disease Resistant

• Scented flowers

• Perennial

• Suitable for cutting for vases

• Low maintenance

• Drought tolerant once established

• Frost tolerant

Toxicity:

• No known toxicity to humans or animals

Companion Plants:

• Lavender

• Salvia

• Nepeta (Catmint)

• Dianthus

• Alliums

• Ornamental grasses