Influenced by pop culture icons like Billie Eilish and the hit Netflix series ‘Wednesday’, gardeners are embracing their dark side and cultivating haunting landscapes filled with black blooms and foliage.1
If you’re ready to create your own gorgeously ghastly garden, then here are 15 must-have black plants to check out.
1. Black Velvet Petunia (Petunia × hybrida ‘Black Velvet’)
The Black Velvet Petunia boasts blooms that are blacker than black, with velvety petals that sit atop light green foliage. Developed in 2010,(ref) this striking hybrid is a relatively new addition perfect for gothic containers and dramatic landscapes. Black Velvets bloom from late spring into autumn and thrive in zones 9 to 11.
2. Queen of Night Tulip (Tulipa ‘Queen of Night’)
Considered the darkest tulip available, the Queen of Night is a maroon to black beauty that adds an elegant touch to any gothic garden. These perennials bloom in late spring, with tall single stems each holding one graceful cup-shaped flower.
Plant in groups or with other colored tulips for an impressive display.
3. Black Scabiosa (Scabiosa atropurpurea)
Also known as the “Mournful Widow”, Black Knight Scabiosa features somber black-burgundy blooms that resemble pincushions studded with white-tipped pins.
The fragrant honey-scented flowers attract bees and butterflies to the garden. One of the most popular black flowers for Victorian-era goth gardens.
4. Black Magic Elephant Ear (Colocasia esculenta ‘Black Magic’)
Black Magic Elephant Ear, or Taro, is a spectacular foliage plant with dusty black leaves reminiscent of bat wings. These tropical beauties are frost-tender but make a striking addition along a pond edge or in boggy areas of the garden.
The magnificent sculptural leaves add an instant gothic vibe.
5. Penny Black Nemophila (Nemophila menziesii ‘Penny Black’)
The Victorians adored this wildflower for its dainty two-toned black and white blooms and airy, light green foliage. Penny Black Nemophila makes a charming gothic border plant, with pea-sized flowers that are super easy to grow.
A delightful addition to lighten up any gloomy garden.
6. Black Barlow Columbine (Aquilegia vulgaris var. stellata ‘Black Barlow’)
In spring, Black Barlow Columbine produces dark plum purple blooms that appear almost black, resembling petite starry dahlias. This short-lived variety was bred for cut flower production but will self-seed prolifically.
Grows best in full sun to part shade.
7. Chocolate Cosmos (Cosmos atrosanguineus)
The Chocolate Cosmos features deep burgundy-red to brown flowers that emit an enticing chocolate fragrance.
A tender perennial, this Mexican native blooms from summer to fall and attracts butterflies. Grow in full sun in zones 7-10 for a hauntingly beautiful and sweetly scented addition.
8. Black Mondo Grass (Ophiopogon planiscapus ‘Nigrescens’)
Known for its dramatic evergreen foliage, Black Mondo Grass forms dense tufts of almost jet black grass-like leaves. This slow-growing perennial reaches 8 to 12 inches tall, perfect as a gothic groundcover, edging plant, or for tucking into containers.
Provides striking contrast against lighter foliage and flowers.
9. Black Rose Aeonium (Aeonium arboreum ‘Zwartkop’)
Also called Zwartkop, this striking succulent produces large rosettes of glossy, dark purple to black leaves. The Black Rose Aeonium adds unique structure to rock gardens, waterwise borders, and containers, pairing beautifully with other succulents.
Thrives in full to part sun in zones 9-11.
10. Black Bat Flower (Tacca chantrieri)
One of the most bizarre and exotic black flowers, the bat flower features large, unique blossoms with whisker-like bracts that can reach 28 inches. Native to tropical regions, this unusual plant requires high humidity and filtered light.
A show-stopping conversation piece for the dedicated gothic gardener.
11. Black Hellebore (Helleborus niger)
Commonly called winter roses, hellebores bloom during the coldest months and add a touch of woodland magic to the garden. Black varieties like ‘Slaty Blue’ have a romantic Victorian quality, with dark plum to black nodding flowers.
An elegant choice for shady gothic gardens.
12. Black Hollyhock (Alcea rosea ‘Nigra’)
Stately spires of deep purple to black flowers adorn this cottage garden favorite in summer. The single, almost black blossoms of ‘Nigra’ lend a haunting air. Plant along a white gravel path or in large white planters for a modern, moody look. Hollyhocks are biennial and may need staking.
13. Black Viola (Viola cornuta ‘Molly Sanderson’)
The black blooms of ‘Molly Sanderson’ viola feature a curious dark purple sheen and bright yellow eye. This petite perennial flowers in spring and fall, with a delicate honey-like fragrance.
Tuck into containers or along borders for a bewitching pop of black.
14. Black Calla Lily (Zantedeschia pentlandii ‘Black Star’)
An elegant and exotic choice, ‘Black Star’ calla lily bears deep purple, almost black, trumpet-shaped spathes with a blackish-purple throat. Each dark blossom is surrounded by lush, spotted foliage.
Grow in containers or borders in part to full shade. Lift and store the rhizomes in colder zones.
15. Black Sweet Potato Vine (Ipomoea batatas ‘Blackie’)
While not a true black, the dark purple, deeply lobed leaves of ornamental sweet potato vine ‘Blackie’ add a cascading gothic element to containers and borders. This fast-growing annual thrives in full sun and requires little care. An effortless way to weave in dramatic dark foliage.
Source:
1. nytimes.com
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Nancy has been a plant person from an early age. That interest blossomed into a bachelor’s in biology from Elmira College and a master’s degree in horticulture and communications from the University of Kentucky. Nancy worked in plant taxonomy at the University of Florida and the L. H. Bailey Hortorium at Cornell University, and wrote and edited gardening books at Rodale Press in Emmaus, PA. Her interests are plant identification, gardening, hiking, and reading.