Frank Benardella bred Black Jade in 1985 from Sheri Anne and Laguna, and the Royal Horticultural Society recognized it the same year with an Award of Garden Excellence. The name suits it well: the blooms open to a dark, saturated red with recurved petals that reveal a cluster of golden stamens, and the contrast between that red and the glossy dark green foliage is striking even at the miniature scale.

In habit it is erect and gently spreading, compact enough for containers, front-of-border groupings, or small garden pockets. The light fragrance is present without demanding attention, and flowering runs from late spring through to the first frost. Leave some spent blooms unpruned and the plant will produce rose hips as an added ornamental bonus. Powdery mildew can be an issue, so good air circulation matters. Plant in full sun in fertile, moist, well-drained soil.