Black Roses

Black Roses (roses of black color) do not exist in nature as such, but nevertheless they are often featured in fiction with many different meanings. The flowers commonly called black roses are actually a very dark red color, such as the "Black Magic", "Barkarole", "Black Beauty" and "Baccara" varieties of roses.

Goth subculture

The black rose is ubiquitous in the Goth subculture where it may symbolize tragic romance, or merely be a fitting addition to the decorum of those with a darker æsthetic, along with the black candles, black clothes, and so on. Alchemy Gothic precedented the use of a black rose, also between the teeth of a skull, as its trade mark and explore the myth and lore of its elusive form. Thus, to Goths, the black rose is incorporated both in the literary realm, as well as in the real world. White roses may be dyed black, but usually they will be fake, as those used at funerals.

Language of Flowers
In the 19th century, the Language of flowers became popular. In this code, black roses signify death, hatred, or farewell, but can also mean the overcoming of a long hard journey. They were often used at funerals. A single black rose might be sent by a close friend and or loved one leaving for a war or on a journey from which he did not expect to return. An alternate meaning is 'slavish devotion', since a true black rose is impossible to produce.