41 Black Flowers and Plants You Can Plant in Your Garden

There’s no doubt about it; the color black is back. Although there’s always a place for pretty pastels, raunchy reds, and beautiful blue flowers in our gardens, the color black is becoming very popular indeed. Not only do black flowers and plants make other colors pop, but they also add an air of elegance and drama to our landscape. 

Black flowers and plants are not all that common, though, and it can be challenging to find a decent selection of them in garden stores. With that in mind, we’ve compiled a comprehensive list of our favorite black flowers and plants for your home and garden.

There is something here for everyone, no matter what zone you live in or what plant style you prefer. So, without further ado, let’s jump in!

Black Flowers

First, we will take a look at our favorite black flowers before diving in and taking a look at our favorite plants that are a darker shade. These flowers can add some mystery and contrast to just about any gardening space.

Black Bat Flower

Scientific name: Tacca chantieri 

Last but not least is possibly the most peculiar-looking flower on this list. The Black Bat Flower is named because it looks like a bat in flight. This is a rare orchid from the Dioscoreaceae family that is deep purple to black in color.

It has long, hanging, light-colored filaments adding to its spooky drama. This plant might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but no one can deny its intimidating elegance. 

The Black Bat Flower blooms spring through to summer. It grows outdoors in one zone, zone 11, but it can also be an indoor plant. It requires warm subtropical to tropical climates and humidity. But as a native of the damp shadows in jungles in Asia, it needs partial shade to remain healthy. 

It also has a partner that blooms with the inverse color, blooming with large white petals and black accents.

Dark Dimension

Scientific name: Hyacinthus 

The Dark Dimension Hyacinth is the darkest hyacinth available. The tubular, bell-shaped stems give way to deep purple to black star-shaped flowers. This hyacinth averages 10 to 20 buds per stalk, and it does a fantastic job of making other colors in your garden pop. It blooms for 2 to 3 weeks in mid-spring, and they do best in zones 4 to 8. 

Pollinators love this plant, and you too will enjoy the pleasing fragrance. If you plant them outside, plant them along walkways where you can enjoy the aroma. When outdoors, plant in groups of at least 5 for maximum effect. They do well in containers too, and can also be grown indoors. Bringing the floral fragrance and dark beauty into your home. 

Hello Darkness

Scientific name: Iris germanica

Hello Darkness is one of the darkest perennial Iris flowers that can live both outdoors and indoors. Each bulb produces up to 3 upright stems that hold 6 to 7 purple to black flowers. The petals are a mixture of erect and fall, bearded on the fall, and crimped for extra textural interest. It is a tall flower that reaches up to 37 inches in height with narrow leaves. 

Hello Darkness blooms in late spring through to early summer. The full or sheltered sun is needed, or a bright sunny window ledge if potting up indoors. When indoors, it blooms for longer. The leaves are semi-evergreen, and it has won many prestigious awards. It is hardy in zones 3 to 9 and needs sandy, well-drained soils. 

Arabian Night

Scientific name: Dahlia

This impressively showy plant has won plenty of prestigious awards and has captured the heart of many gardeners. The blooms are profuse, deep red to black in color, with almost perfectly aligned incurved petals. They measure up to 4 inches wide, commanding attention in any space. For best effects, plant at least 5 together. 

The more you pick Dahlia, the more they grow. So be sure to top your vase for an indoor show as well as creating more blooms outside. They bloom from July through to the first frost. There are 20,000 different varieties of Dahlia, and this is one of the darkest. Arabian Night is from the Decorative Dahlia series, which produces double Dahlias. Hardy in zones 8 to 11. 

Blacknight

Scientific name: Alcea rosea

Blacknight is a robust perennial, old garden favorite. It is more commonly known as Hollyhock, and it produces tall spikes covered in dark purple to black single blooms. The flowers grow up to 4 inches wide, and they bloom from the bottom of the spike upwards. The throat is bright yellow in color. This contrasting beauty attracts hummingbirds, butterflies, and many more pollinators. 

Blacknight provides architectural height and a dramatic backdrop, best placed towards the rear of your garden or border. It blooms in mid to late summer and is hardy in zones 3 to 9. It is self-seeding and spreads quickly, forming colonies. Blacknight requires medium moisture soil and full sun, although it appreciates partial shade in hotter climates. 

Blackout 

Scientific name: Viola cornuta

This herbaceous perennial blooms from spring through to fall. Providing your garden with extended seasonal interest. The blooms are true black in color, with a yellow and purple eye, adding contrasting drama to any landscape. The pretty flowers sit atop up to 10 inches of green foliage. They produce a charming scent, adding to its elegant presence. 

Blackout Violas prefer partial shade, although they can tolerate full sun in cooler climates. They need moist but fertile, well-drained soil. Violas make excellent additions to rock gardens, borders, containers and are ideal for ground cover. It does best in zones 6 to 10. These dainty flowers are sensitive to frost and many diseases, so they require extra protection. 

Queen of Night

Scientific name: Tulipa

The Queen of Night Tulip is one of the most beautiful black flowers around. It is maroon to black in color, making it the darkest tulip available. The discreet foliage is a rich green. Tulips are a reminder of spring, and they add a graceful addition to any garden. These perennials bloom in the late spring. Tulips consist of tall, single stems that hold one cup-shaped flower. 

Tulips are easy to grow and look tremendous in flower beds when planted in groups. Place with other colored tulips or in color blocks for an impressive display. They also make great cutting flowers for the home. Queen of Night is delicate and needs protection from excessive winds, wet weather, and various pests. They like the full sun and are hardy in zones 3 to 8. 

Black Velvet

Scientific name: Petunia 

Black Velvet Petunia is a relatively new hybrid developed in 2010, so it might not be as easy to find compared to others. The blooms are blacker than black, appealing to those looking for gothic containers and dramatic landscapes. The petals feel like velvet, hence its name, and the flowers sit on light green foliage. 

Black Velvets bloom in late spring well into autumn, and they are tender perennials that need protection from frosts, winds, and heavy rain. Slugs and pests love these plants, so be sure to prevent this. This plant does best in zones 9 to 11, and they need plenty of sun too. 

Midnight Ruffles

Scientific name: Helleborus

The Midnight Ruffles goes by another name, the Lenten Rose. It’s also well known more commonly as hellebore. It is a stunning double flower that has plentiful ruffled petals with contrasting yellow stamens. This showy cup-shaped flower is black to deep purple in color, and the foliage is evergreen and light in color. It blooms in early spring through to summer and holds its color well. 

It makes an ideal partner for shady woodland gardens or to fill spaces under trees and tall shrubs where most other flowers would not survive.  They reach up to 22 inches tall and need rich, humusy, well-drained soils. It is hardy in zones 4 to 9. Helleborus do not like to be disturbed when mature, so be sure to plant them where you intend to keep them for many years to come. 

Penny Black

Scientific name: Nemophila menziesii 

This dainty annual is a low-growing but spreading plant that is an ideal addition to rockeries, borders, and planting en masse. It also trails well in hanging baskets. The foliage is bushy and bright green which makes its blooms pop even more. The flowers measure 2cm across. There are five scalloped petals, deep purple in color. But with the white edging and center, the flowers appear black in color. 

Penny blacks are truly ground-hugging, making them ideal for containers with other taller plants. They prefer full sun and partial shade with well-drained soil. They bloom from June through to August and are generally trouble-free. 

Black Baccara

Scientific name: Rosa 

This hybrid tea rose is the darkest rose available, even more so than the Black Magic Rose. It is a deep maroon to black in color depending on the light that contrasts nicely with the dark, glossy leaves. This rose has around 45 petals, making it very complete and striking. They tend to be grown outdoors, but they also make excellent cutting flowers thanks to their vase longevity.   

Full sun and well-drained rich soil are required for the Black Baccara to thrive. It blooms in flushes from spring to fall, providing plenty of seasonal interest. It reaches heights of 35 to 72 inches, with multiple blooms. The ideal zones for this stunningly dark shrub are 5 to 9. 

Silver Lace Black

Scientific name: Primula 

Primroses are traditional garden favorites. This particular bloom produces black to deep-brown flowers, with a striking golden eye and a scalloped silver edging. Flowers sit on deep green velvety foliage and are very pretty perennials. They are fragrant and attract pollinators far and wide. 

They are hardy in zones 5 to 9 and prefer a moist spot, making perfect additions to the edge of streams and ponds. Silver Lace Black is delicate and needs partial shade and protection from the hot afternoon sun. They bloom from March to May and make pretty edging plants or in standalone containers. 

Black Barlow

Scientific name: Columbine

This flower was bred for cut production, but it looks terrific in the garden. The double blooms are dark plum to almost black in color and look like spikey pompoms. It is sometimes called Granny’s Bonnet and often confused with Dahlia. Black barlow is a short-lived black perennial flower but will self-seed to create colonies, so you never run out. 

It is hardy in zones 3 to 9 and likes full sun to partial shade. Black Barlow needs well-drained, rich soils and hates boggy environments. It looks great anywhere in the garden and lasts up to 2 weeks when cut. 

Black Star

Scientific name: Zantedeschia 

This is a black Calla Lilly that often steals the show in any home or garden. The uniquely trumpet-shaped flowers are deep burgundy to black in color. The stems are also the same color as the flower, adding to the drama. The foliage is bright green foliage with light speckling that is beautiful on its own. 

Black Star blooms March through to August, and it is hardy in zones 9 to 11. It does well in containers or in the flower bed as a focal point and reaches up to 24 inches. It can also be potted indoors just as long as it receives full sun. Whatever you do with this plant, just make sure it can be seen in full glory. 

Black Plants

Looking for some black plants or shrubs instead of black flowers? Next up, we look at our favorite black plants, which can have some brighter colored flowers as well. Let’s jump in!

Tropicanna Black

Scientific name: Canna lily 

Let’s kick start our list with this dramatically stunning tropical plant. This flower produces intensely rich scarlet flowers that gradually fade to orange. But it is best noted for its large dark bronzey chocolatey leaves. It blooms in mid-summer through to fall, and it looks excellent massed along hedges or walls. Alternatively, it can be potted for the patio as an ornamental focal point as it does well in containers. 

It reaches heights of up to 72 inches and spreads out 24 inches. As you might expect, this canna lily does well in tropical climates and is hardy in zones 8 to 11. It is a tender perennial that is very sensitive to frost. So if you live in cooler weather, you’ll have to dig it up before the first frost and take it indoors to replant next spring.   

Diabolo

Scientific name: Physocarpus opulifolius

This plant is a beautiful addition to any garden looking for hedges or screens, as well as mixed shrub borders. The foliage and stems are deep-purple in color, but from afar, they appear black. This gives way to profuse clusters of delicate creamy-pink flowers that look very similar to blossom. 

When the flowers die off, fall sees clusters of red berries for wildlife to feast on. And in the winter, the dark decorative exfoliating bark is revealed, which is great for winter interest. This plant is easygoing, but it does not like hot and humid summers. The best zones for this garden plant are 3 to 7, and it is a relatively hardy plant. 

Black Scallop

Scientific name: Ajuga reptans

This plant is also known as Carpet Bulge. It is a perennial flower best known for its glossy black scalloped foliage that looks fantastic all year round. Poking out the top of the dark foliage are 4 to 6 inches of short spikes that display intensely fragrant violet flowers. This creeping perennial blooms from mid to late spring. 

Black Scallop is suitable for borders, rock gardens, and containers, and more. Plus, it grows well in the shade of large shrubs or trees where grass or other plants cannot grow. This makes it an excellent option for those looking for a filler plant to brighten up dull patches. It is relatively easygoing and does well in full sun to full shade, preferring zones 4 to 10. 

Black Beauty

Scientific name: Sambucus nigra

Also known as the Black Elderberry plant, this large, upright, deciduous shrub is prized for many things. Its dark foliage contrasts beautifully with the lacy pink to purple flowers. It gives off a sweet lemony scent in early summer, and by the fall, it produces edible purple-black berries. It makes a great addition to borders and screens thanks to its height of 180 inches (15ft.) 

Black Beauty performs best in full sun to partial shade, although its foliage will be darker the more sun it receives. It needs moderately fertile, well-drained moist soil, and it is hardy in zones 4 to 8. The berries produce a refreshing drink, but it’s worth noting that they are only edible when cooked. 

Nigrescens 

Scientific name: Ophiopogon planiscapus 

Also known as Black Mondo Grass, this plant is a hardy perennial providing drama and contrast into any garden. The plant forms dense tufts of long tapering grass-like leaves that are almost jet black in color. The summer will see small bell-shaped white flowers and glossy purple berries in the fall. It is virtually disease-free. Just be sure to watch out for slugs. 

Black Mondo Grass only reaches 8 inches in height, making it ideal for borders, ground cover, and underplanting shrubs. It looks exceptionally good with caramel heuchera, other metallic-colored plants, or in the middle of bright green moss-type bedding. Nigrescens needs evenly moist soil that does not dry out to thrive. It is hardy in zones 6 to 11 and needs full to partial sun. 

Black Coral 

Scientific name: Colocasia esculenta

If you are looking for a larger-than-life, unforgettable focal point in your garden, this could be the plant that you are looking for. It’s easy to see why they are commonly referred to as Elephant’s Ears. The leaves are veiny, adding extra texture, and they infrequently produce inconspicuous blooms of yellowish-green spathe and spadix. 

They grow up to 48 inches tall and do best in the more tropical zones of 7 to 12. It is a hassle-free plant if you can provide it with the heat and plentiful moisture that it craves. The leaves thrive in direct sun, producing a darker color. It looks fabulous as a backdrop for brightly-colored blooms or in a container as a rare showstopper. 

Raven 

Scientific name: Zamioculcas zamiifolia 

This is a new variety of zamioculcas zamiifolia plants, more simplistically known as ‘ZZ’ plants. It is the only black variety to exist. The foliage develops in green but gradually transforms into black. Providing a contrasting addition to any houseplant collection. The leaves are waxy and shiny. It does best in zones 9 to 11, and it is a moderately slow grower. 

This houseplant does not like too much sun, meaning you can add a splash of black to relatively dark rooms. The roots are bulbous and protrude from the soil’s surface, and they are the plant’s natural water storage tanks to help regulate moisture. Very clever! But be sure not to overwater it because they are susceptible to rot. 

Hens and Chicks 

Scientific name: Sempervivum black

This is a mat-forming succulent that produces thick, green to black rosettes. The green leaves are adorned with black tips, which gradually darken when approaching fall. The parent plant, called the Hen, spreads in all different directions and produces offsets called Chicks. Chicks will root and become independent of the mother plant. 

This variety of hens and chicks will make a fantastic houseplant or garden plant in a rock garden. In summer, the center of the Hen blooms, producing a thick stalk that flowers showy white star-shaped flowers. Sempervivums are monocarpic, which means that they die once they flower. But the remaining chicks will continue the sempervivum cycle for you to enjoy year after year. They need full sun and are hardy in zones 3 to 8. 

Black Prince

Scientific name: Solenostemon

This is a tropical evergreen subshrub that produces toothed, almost solid-black in color, leaves. The edges of the leaves are light green in color, providing an impressive contrast, highlighting the toothed edges. This plant produces lavender-like blooms in the summer, but many gardeners prefer its appearance before it blooms. However, it provides annual interest whatever your preference. 

Black Prince is typically used as an annual bedding or container plant. Zones 10 to 12 are ideal, and it prefers full sun to partial shade. And the soil must be humus-rich, well-drained, but moist. It grows up to 30 inches tall and 24 inches wide. It is low maintenance and simple plant while still looking dark and daringly fabulous. 

Zwarktop 

Scientific name: Aeonium 

This is another succulent that can be grown both indoors and outdoors. It produces large rosettes that measure 8 inches across. The leaves are glossy and fleshy. When grown in the full sun, the leaves appear black, adding spectacular drama to your garden. Whereas if they are grown in part shade, the color is reddish-purple. They have a green center adding contrast to their coloring. 

In the spring, it produces short golden stalks of small, star-shaped flowers. The aeonium is also monocarpic, meaning that it dies after flowering. However, it may take several years for the plant to flower, giving you many years of enjoyment. If you want to keep this plant in the home, you need to provide it with the sunniest spot in the house. It is hardy in zones 9 to 11. 

Black Taffeta 

Scientific name: Heuchera

Sometimes known as Obsidian Coral Bells, this is an evergreen perennial. The foliage consists of large, frilly, silky black leaves. Slim white stems rise in the late spring to early summer, producing bell-shaped, light pink flowers. The flowers tower above the foliage for a theatrical show. Spent flowers should be removed to encourage reblooming. 

Black Taffeta produces mounds of cover that reach up to 12 inches tall. It does best in part shade, in fertile, humusy soil, and is hardy in zones 4 to 9. It attracts pollinators and is relatively pest and disease-free, making it easy to care for. Black Taffeta looks great in beds, rock gardens, borders, and woodland gardens. It can be planted in containers too. 

Chocoholic 

Scientific name: Cimicifuga

This yummy-sounding plant is also known as Black Snakeroot. It is a late-season blooming perennial providing interest for all seasons. The foliage is intensely dark and bronzey, hence its name. In late summer, the plant produces arching stems with delicate mauve-pink bottlebrush flowers. The flowers gradually lighten over time and create a subtle fragrance. 

Chocoholic will mature into a thick clump after 3 years and grow as tall as 59 inches. It thrives in moist woodland environments and makes a fantastic addition to borders or containers. Shade is much preferred, but it can tolerate the sun in cooler climates. Zones 4 to 9 are ideal for this plant. 

Desert Dragon 

Scientific name: Mangave

This is a plant for people who love unusual and spooky-looking additions. It is a rare hybrid of the Manfreda and Agave and a tender perennial, best known for its twisty ground-hugging leaves. The leaves are minty green in color, but it is heavily dotted with dark purple to black spots. It makes a great focal point or addition to any border. 

It grows up to 8 inches tall and 24 inches wide, which should be considered when planting by an edge. Desert Dragon requires the full sun, and it is hardy in zones 9 to 11. Its soil should be average and well-drained. This might make an excellent option for those unsure of welcoming an all-black plant into their life. One thing is for sure, it is interesting to look at in every season. 

Purple Ruffles 

Scientific name: Ocimum basilicum 

Sure, this plant might be called Purple Ruffles, but it is so deep in color that it often looks black. It is a biennial, or annual herb noted for its sweet basil flavor, with cinnamon and licorice undertones. The leaves are dark, shiny, and ruffled. Gardeners use this as more than just a herb. It is used as an ornamental plant for beds and borders or in containers on the patio. 

In the summer, small spikes develop, bringing tubular white to pink flowers arranged in whorls. It grows up to 24 inches tall, producing lots of leaves for the kitchen, which can be harvested at any time of the year.Purple Ruffles needs well-drained fertile soil, and it does well in the sun. It does best in zones 2 through to 11. 

Chinese Jade 

Scientific name: Sinocrassula yunnanensis

This succulent resembles little hedgehogs. It produces clumps of upright habit rosettes, and the leaves are pointy, fleshy, dark green to almost black. They make ideal indoor plants for those looking to add wonderful texture to their succulent collection. Mix it with other succulents or keep it alone; the choice is yours. 

Chinese Jade is ideal for rockeries and containers outside in the right conditions. Just be sure to protect it from the frost. It prefers full sun to partial shade and needs free draining soil to be kept dry. Chinese Jade only measures up to 4 inches high, and despite its black, spiky appearance, it is more cute than sinister. It is hardy in zones 7 to 11. 

Enchanted Sunrise 

Scientific name: Begonia 

This is a versatile flower that can be planted outdoors in bedding or containers. Like most begonias, it makes a top pick for hanging baskets too. Enchanted Sunrise can also live indoors with the correct light exposure. The foliage is dark in color with lime green veins. And the blooms are corally pink with a yellow center, offering a stunning contrast. 

The begonia blooms all year round, and it reblooms too, meaning you are never without these enchanted blooms. It is evergreen, and it grows up to 36 inches. Enchanted sunrise is hardy in zones 9 to 11 and prefers partial sun to full shade. It is super easy to care for and has average water needs, making it ideal for beginners. 

Western Coneflower

Scientific name: Rudbeckia occidentalis

Here we have the Western Coneflower for those who are looking for color-minimalistic gardens. Its thick and rigid green stems grow up to 72 inches tall. In the early summer through to fall, it produces one or more brown to black cones that measure up to 2 inches. It is ringed in yellow pollen. It is favored by bees who can gather a lot of nectar from it. 

This understated perennial is often found in dewy mountain meadows native to the northwestern USA. It is hardy in zones 3 to 10 and requires full sun to thrive. Western coneflower is excellent for cottage gardens, native gardens, or as a mass border plant. It makes an attractive cut flower too for indoors. 

Black Knight

Scientific name: Echeveria affinis 

This is an indoor succulent, although it can be grown outdoors in the right conditions. They are native to Mexico and Central America and do well in hotter climates but must be brought in before the frost in cooler temperatures. It comprises thick, dark, juicy leaves that are deep purple to black in color. It is one of the darkest colored succulents around. 

They sometimes bloom coral-red flowers when grown in optimal conditions. Black Knights prefer full sun, but a little afternoon shade is a great idea to keep it looking its best if you live in scorching climates. It prefers gritty, free-draining soil and should be watered sparingly in the summer. 

Spilled Wine

Scientific name: Weigela Florida 

No one likes spilled wine unless, of course, it is this beautiful weigela shrub. It is compact and deciduous, noted for its deep dark foliage, mainly before it blooms. It blooms in mid to late spring through to fall. The blooms are profuse and bright pink, literally looking like someone has spilled wine all over it. 

Spilled Wine is easy to grow and maintain. It grows up to 36 inches tall and looks great on its own or in small groups, either in borders or containers. Spilled wine is hardy in zones 4 to 8. It attracts hummingbirds and other wildlife, but it is rarely damaged by deer. 

Polly

Scientific name: Alocasia 

Also known as the Amazonian Elephant Ear, this indoor plant is truly tropical. This alocasia variety is an evergreen perennial with very dark green leaves, edged with creamy white ribs and margins. This contrast makes the plant appear to be darker than it is. It can be grown outdoors in a suitable climate. 

It grows up to 18 inches tall and is best kept as a specimen plant indoors. Unless, of course, you are trying to recreate a tropical environment, in which case, plant them en masse if you dare. They are hardy in zones 10 to 12, and they appreciate lots of warmth and humidity. They need mostly shade to partial sun, and their soil should be organically rich and moist, bordering wet. 

Onyx and Pearls

Scientific name: Penstemon 

This plant takes its name from two gemstones. Onyx refers to the tall black foliage, and pearls refer to the dainty white flowers. The blooms provide a light scent that attracts hummingbirds and other pollinators. It is very hardy, and it tolerates drought, humidity, and disease well. Making it an ideal beginner’s plant. 

It makes a stunning focal point in all gardens, either in containers or in beds. It reaches heights of 42 inches and requires rich, well-drained soil. This plant needs a minimum of 6 hours of direct sunlight to thrive and is hardy in zones 3 to 8. It blooms early to midsummer, but the dark foliage provides continuous interest. 

Blackhawks 

Scientific name: Andropogon gerardii

This plant is dubbed Monarch of the Prairie, and it makes spectacular ornamental grass for any garden. It is favored by impatient gardeners because it comes into its prime before other grasses. The foliage starts off as purple but gradually darkens to almost black by fall. The stems are adorned with fuzzy yellow flowers. 

It is excellent for screening, acting as a backdrop for other flowers, and provides nesting materials for birds and mammals. As long as this plant has access to full sun, it adapts well to all conditions. It is hardy in zones 3 to 9. 

Black Haworthia 

Scientific name: Haworthiopsis nigra

Also known as Aloe Nigra, this slow-growing succulent is an easy-to-care-for indoor plant with stunning tiered architecture. The dark green leaves are stiff and partially folded with varying shades of gray and black. In the late spring, it produces wiry stems with multiple small white flowers. 

They only grow up to 5 inches tall. They do well on the window ledge with access to plenty of sun. It is native to South Africa and is hardy in zones 10 to 11. It can be an outdoor plant if grown in optimum conditions. 

Black-Spined Agave 

Scientific name: Agave macroacantha

This evergreen succulent does well in zones 8 to 11 outdoors or as an indoor plant in cooler climates. While the prominent color is light green, the dangerous-looking black spikes have earned this succulent a place on this list. Do not plant or place them near where humans and pets can reach them because the points are hazardous. 

They can reach 24 inches if you do not include the once-in-a-lifetime bloom. Only mature plants aged over 15 years bloom when they die soon after. The flowering spike can reach 72 inches and produces compact clusters of purple-tinged green flowers. 

Night Embers 

Scientific name: Sedum

This is a late-season bloomer, providing an extra boost of color at the end of the season. The stems and thick, glossy leaves are dark purple to black in color. The deep mauve blooms grow in the summer and burst into full bloom in the fall. It grows in a vase-like habit, making it a brilliant buddy for shorter plants. It makes ideal dried flower bouquets for inside the home. 

Its common name is Autumn Stonecrop, and in winter, the dried seed heads provide food for birds and interest. It reaches up to 26 inches in length and width. It is hardy in zones 3 to 9 and requires at least 6 hours of sun every day to thrive. 

Melanostachys 

Scientific name: Salix gracilistyla

More simply known as Black Pussy Willow. This bushy shrub boasts deep purple to black winter stems almost entirely covered in showy black catkins with red tips. It is an ornamental plant, thanks to its unusual appearance. Stems are in high demand in early spring, and they make fantastic additions to bouquets for those who want to bring them inside. 

It is hardy in zones 5 to 8 and needs full sun to look its best. Melanostachys can grow up to 120 inches, making it an ideal backdrop or screening plant. It is easy to care for, but pests love to feast on them, so be sure to prepare them. 

Black Bamboo 

Scientific name: Phyllostachys nigra 

This is a prized ornamental plant noted for its evergreen polished black canes. Do not be surprised when it starts in olive green shades. It takes 2 to 3 years to develop into black. Because the canes never develop at the same time, the contrasting green and black, with green leaves, is spectacular. 

It makes an ideal screen, accent plant, or focal point potted in a large container. Bright colored flowers look fantastic against this bamboo. One thing is for sure, at 300 inches tall (25 feet), this is not an indoor plant. It is hardy in zones 7 to 11, and it prefers full sun to partial shade. 

Final Thoughts 

Black flowers and plants are among the most uncommon in nature. But thankfully, if you are seeking a touch of gothic darkness to your garden or home, you still have plenty of choices. Each plant and flower add drama and panache to any garden or window ledge, regardless of style or size you keep. 

Some are dainty and delicate flowers, and some are hugely monstrous plants. Some look great in containers and pots, and some are ideal for screens or architectural backdrops. Whichever black flowers and plants you select from our list, be sure to meet their needs for a spooky and glamorous show. With some knowledge and care, black plants and flowers look just as incredible as their colorful counterparts.