Create Your Garden

54 Black Flowers and Plants: Add Drama to Your Garden

Black flowers like tulip, dahlia, hollyhock, and orchid add a mysterious elegance to gardens, offering unique drama and contrast.

Black Flowers, Aeonium, Aeonium Atropurpureum

Black flowers or plants offer a unique and dramatic appeal, contrasting vividly with brighter blooms and adding a sense of depth, mystery, and sophistication to gardens. These unusual blooms can symbolize elegance, power, mystery, and even death in certain cultural contexts. While there are no truly black flowers in nature, several plants produce deep, dark blooms in shades of purple, maroon, or burgundy that appear black in the right light.

What do Black Flowers mean?

Black flowers are often linked to mystery, elegance, power, and rebellion in floral symbolism. Unlike vibrant, cheerful colors like yellow or pink, black flowers invoke a more contemplative, serious tone. They can represent farewell, mourning, or the unknown but also symbolize rebirth, strength, and sophisticated beauty. Black flowers are often associated with gothic or avant-garde garden designs, lending an air of modernity and mystery to any floral display.

Popular Black Flowers Names

Some beloved black flower names include tulip, dahlia, hollyhock, petunia, pansy, iris, calla lily, hellebore, and orchid. These flowers come in various shades of deep purple, maroon, or near-black hues, adding a striking contrast to any garden setting.

Black Flower Bulbs and Plants

Classic and popular examples include:

Tulip (Tulipa): Black tulips are striking and popular spring flowers, often providing a bold contrast to lighter-colored blooms like daffodils. Native to the mountainous regions of Central Asia and Turkey, these tulips are cherished for their dramatic appearance, adding sophistication to garden borders and containers. They thrive in full sun, requiring at least 6 hours of light to fully develop their rich, dark hue. Tulips prefer well-drained, fertile soil and are hardy in USDA zones 3-8. Queen of Night and Uncle Tom Tulips are popular picks.

Fritillaria: Fritillaria species, native to Europe, Asia, and North America, are hardy in USDA zones 4-8, depending on the species. Known for their nodding, bell-shaped flowers, Fritillaria can display a variety of colors, including yellow, orange, purple, black, and checkered patterns, adding unique beauty to garden beds. The plant’s slender, lance-shaped foliage forms a rosette at its base, complementing its striking blooms. Fritillaria blooms from mid to late spring, with full sun to partial shade being ideal for its growth. It prefers well-drained, fertile soil and, in colder climates, requires a period of cold dormancy.

Elephant Ears (Colocasia esculenta): Elephant ears or taro, hardy in USDA zones 8-11, are tropical plants widely cultivated in Southeast Asia and tropical regions for their edible corms and ornamental appeal. Their large, heart-shaped leaves can grow up to 3 feet long, creating a lush, tropical effect in gardens. Elephant ears thrive in partial shade to full sun, with filtered sunlight being ideal. They prefer rich, moist soil and can even tolerate waterlogged conditions, making them suitable for wet areas like pond edges. In temperate regions, they can be grown as an annual or moved indoors in winter. Elephant ears are among the best foliage plants for your garden and containers.

Guide Information

Plant Type Annuals, Bulbs, Climbers, Perennials, Roses, Shrubs, Trees
Genus Calibrachoa, Cosmos, Crocosmia, Dahlia, Echinacea, Erythronium, Gladiolus, Helleborus, Hemerocallis, Lilium, Magnolia, Petunia, Primula, Rosa, Rudbeckia, Zinnia
Tulipa ‘Paul Scherer’ (Triumph Tulip)
Fritillaria camschatcensis (Chocolate Lily)
Colocasia esculenta ‘Black Magic’ (Taro)

Dahlia: Native to Mexico, dahlias, particularly the stunning black varieties, are cherished for their striking appearance in borders, cut flower gardens, and containers. With their deep, dramatic hues, black dahlias add a unique elegance to floral arrangements and landscapes. These flowers bloom from midsummer to fall, showcasing a range of shapes, from compact pompom types to the impressive dinner-plate blooms that command attention. For optimal growth and vibrant color, black dahlias thrive in full sun, requiring at least 6-8 hours of sunlight daily. They prefer rich, well-drained soil enriched with organic matter and are typically hardy in USDA zones 8-11. In cooler climates, they can be grown as annuals or lifted and stored over the winter to ensure their continued beauty. Black Jack, Chat Noir, and Nuit d’Ete are popular picks.

Lily (Lilium): Native to temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere, including parts of Asia and North America, black lilies are a striking addition to borders, cutting gardens, and containers, admired for their dramatic, long-lasting blooms and enchanting fragrance. These captivating flowers bloom from spring to fall, depending on the species and cultivar, displaying large, trumpet-shaped or bowl-shaped blossoms that showcase deep, rich colors with unique dark hues. Black lilies thrive in full sun or light shade and prefer well-drained, loamy soil enriched with organic matter to support their growth. Hardy in USDA zones 3-9, they are adaptable to a variety of climates, making them a versatile choice for gardeners. 

Calla Lily (Zantedeschia): Calla lilies, native to southern Africa, are prized for their elegant, funnel-shaped blooms that come in a variety of colors, including white, yellow, pink, orange, and black. The flowers have a spathe surrounding a yellow spadix, while the large, glossy, arrow-shaped foliage adds further appeal. Calla lilies bloom from late spring to fall, depending on the species and growing conditions. Hardy in USDA zones 8-10, calla lilies prefer full sun to partial shade and thrive in well-drained, rich soils with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. They require regular moisture during the growing season and are often treated as annuals in colder climates or grown in containers that can be moved indoors during winter. Night Cap and Odessa are popular black calla lilies.

Dahlia ‘Karma Choc’
Lilium ‘Landini’ (Asiatic Lily)
Zantedeschia ‘Night Cap’ (Calla Lily)

Explore a Stunning Variety of Flower Bulbs and Plants

Black Annual Flowers and Plants

Popular black annual flowers and plants include:

Dark Opal Basil (Ocimum basilicum): Dark Opal Basil is a stunning annual or biennial herb prized for its deep purple – almost black- leaves and aromatic flavor, making it a popular choice for culinary gardens and ornamental borders. This basil variety thrives in warm weather, producing small cerise flowers in summer that can attract pollinators. Dark Opal Basil prefers full sun, requiring at least 6-8 hours of sunlight daily for optimal growth and vibrant leaf color. It thrives in well-drained, nutrient-rich soil and benefits from regular watering to maintain even moisture. It creates a striking combination when paired with golden or orange marigolds.

Coleus (Solenostemon scutellarioides): Native to tropical regions of Asia and Africa, coleus is a versatile foliage plant that adds vibrant color and texture to garden beds, containers, and borders. With its diverse range of leaf shapes and colors, including stunning combinations of red, yellow, green, purple, or black, coleus is prized for its decorative appeal. These plants thrive in partial shade to full sun, preferring at least 4-6 hours of sunlight for optimal growth. Coleus prefers well-drained, moist soil rich in organic matter and benefits from regular watering to keep its foliage lush. Hardy in USDA zones 10-11, coleus is often grown as an annual in cooler climates, where it brings lively color to shaded areas.

Nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus): Native to South and Central America, nasturtium is an attractive and edible flowering plant often used in borders, hanging baskets, and containers, adding vibrant splashes of color to gardens. These charming flowers bloom from spring to frost, producing bright, trumpet-shaped blossoms in shades of orange, yellow, and red, as well as the unique black nasturtium, which features deep, dark flowers that add an intriguing contrast to any garden. Accompanied by round, lush green leaves, nasturtiums provide both beauty and culinary interest. Nasturtiums thrive in full sun to partial shade, requiring at least 6 hours of sunlight daily for robust growth. They prefer well-drained soil that is low in nutrients, as too much fertilizer can lead to lush foliage at the expense of flowers. Nasturtiums are hardy in USDA zones 9-11 and can be grown as annuals or perennials in cooler climates. Nasturtium are wonderful at repelling insects and are a great addition to vegetable gardens.

 

Ocimum basilicum ‘Dark Opal’ (Basil)
Solenostemon ‘Black Prince’ (Coleus)
Tropaeolum majus ‘Black Velvet’ (Nasturtium)

Find More Gorgeous Annual Flowers and Plants

Black Perennial Flowers and Plants

There are many perennial flowers and plants with black blooms to pick from. Here are a few examples:

Baneberry (Actaea simplex): Native to North America, baneberry is a perennial plant known for its striking clusters of white flowers in spring and distinctive red or white berries in late summer. This plant features attractive, dark green to blackish foliage that adds depth and contrast to woodland gardens and shady borders, providing aesthetic appeal and wildlife interest. Baneberry thrives in partial to full shade, requiring moist, well-drained soil enriched with organic matter for optimal growth. Its foliage is attractive throughout the growing season, but care should be taken, as the berries are toxic if ingested. Baneberry is hardy in USDA zones 4-8.

Carpet Bugle (Ajuga reptans): Native to Europe, carpet bugle is a low-growing perennial known for its vibrant foliage and spikes of blue flowers that bloom in spring. It is an excellent ground cover, often used in shady areas or as an edging plant, adding color and texture to gardens. Carpet bugle prefers partial shade to full sun and thrives in well-drained, moist soil. This hardy plant is drought-tolerant once established and is ideal for USDA zones 3-10, making it a versatile choice for various garden settings. This plant spreads via stolons (above-ground stems) and can easily overtake a garden if not kept in check, potentially making it invasive in certain situations.

Hollyhock (Alcea rosea): Native to Asia and Europe, hollyhock is a tall, stately biennial or short-lived perennial that brings a cottage garden charm with its large, showy flowers in a variety of colors, including pink, red, yellow, white, and even black. Blooming from summer to fall, hollyhocks are often used as focal points in borders or along fences. They thrive in full sun, needing at least 6 hours of sunlight per day for robust flowering. Hollyhocks prefer well-drained soil and can tolerate poor conditions. Hardy in USDA zones 3-9, they often self-seed for future generations. Hollyhock flowers are perfect for attracting bees and butterflies.

Actaea simplex (Atropurpurea Group) ‘Brunette’ (Baneberry)
Ajuga reptans ‘Black Scallop’ (Carpet Bugle)
Alcea rosea ‘Blacknight’ (Hollyhock)

False Indigo (Baptisia): Native to North America, false indigo is a hardy perennial celebrated for its striking pea-like flowers that bloom in late spring to early summer. This plant adds vertical interest to borders and native gardens, with its attractive foliage resembling indigo plants. False indigo thrives in full sun to partial shade, preferring moderately fertile, well-drained soil. It is drought-tolerant once established and attracts pollinators. False indigo is hardy in USDA zones 3-9, making it adaptable to various climates.

Garden Pink (Dianthus):  Native to Europe and Asia, dianthus encompasses a diverse group of perennials known for their charming, fragrant flowers that bloom from late spring to summer. With a wide range of species and cultivars, these delightful blossoms showcase an array of colors, including shades of pink, red, white, purple, and even black, making them popular choices for borders, rock gardens, and containers. Dianthus thrives in full sun, requiring at least 6 hours of sunlight daily for optimal flowering. They prefer well-drained, alkaline soil and exhibit drought tolerance once established, which makes them ideal for low-maintenance gardens. Hardy in USDA zones 4-9, dianthus plants are valued for their resilience and ability to attract pollinators, adding beauty and fragrance to any landscape.

Daylily (Hemerocallis): Daylilies bloom from late spring through summer, producing large, trumpet-shaped flowers in a wide variety of colors, including yellow, orange, red, purple, and even black. Their edible flowers make pretty salad toppers. Hardy in USDA zones 3-9, daylilies are native to Eurasia and are popular in borders, mass plantings, and as ground covers due to their low maintenance and vigorous growth. They thrive in full sun to partial shade, needing at least 6 hours of sunlight for best bloom performance, and prefer well-drained, fertile soil. Africa, Black Magic, Chicago Blackout, and Cinderella Dark Side daylilies feature near black flowers.

Baptisia ‘Dark Chocolate’ (False Indigo)
Dianthus chinensis heddewigii ‘Black And White Minstrels’ (Pink)
Hemerocallis ‘American Revolution’ (Reblooming Daylily)

Coral Bells (Heuchera): Native primarily to North America, coral bells are beloved for their attractive foliage and delicate flower spikes that bloom in late spring to summer. With leaves ranging in color from deep burgundy to bright lime green to jet black, they add vibrant color and texture to shady areas and borders. Coral bells thrive in partial shade and prefer well-drained, rich soil with consistent moisture. They are hardy in USDA zones 4-9 and attract pollinators, such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, making them a popular choice for wildlife-friendly gardens. They are also perfect for shade gardens. There is a wide selection of black coral bells, including Bella Notte, Black Beauty, Black Pearl, Black Taffeta, or Obsidian.

Bearded Iris (Iris germanica): Native to Europe and Asia, bearded iris is a perennial plant known for its stunning, large flowers that bloom in spring. Available in a wide range of colors, including blue, purple, yellow, black, and white, these striking blooms add beauty and elegance to borders and garden beds. Bearded iris thrive in full sun and require well-drained soil, thriving in slightly alkaline conditions. They are drought-tolerant once established and can be divided every few years to promote healthy growth. Hardy in USDA zones 3-10, bearded iris are a classic garden favorite. Some are reblooming, extending their season of interest in the garden.

Philodendron ‘Royal Queen’: This philodendron is a stunning houseplant known for its striking, almost black, burgundy foliage, transitioning to dark green as it matures. This tropical perennial is favored for its elegant appearance and air-purifying qualities, making it a popular choice for indoor spaces and offices. ‘Royal Queen’ thrives in bright, indirect light but can tolerate lower light conditions, although its growth may slow. It prefers well-drained, potting soil that retains some moisture while allowing excess water to escape. Regular watering is essential to prevent drought stress, but care should be taken to avoid waterlogging. Native to the tropical regions of South America, Philodendron is hardy in USDA zones 10-11 and typically grown as a houseplant in cooler climates, adding a touch of tropical beauty to any interior setting.

 

Heuchera ‘Black Forest Cake’ (Coral Bells)
Iris ‘Before The Storm’ (Bearded Iris)
Philodendron ‘Royal Queen’

Flax (Phormium tenax): Native to New Zealand, flax is a striking perennial known for its long, arching leaves and tall flower spikes that add architectural interest to gardens. Its foliage can vary in color, including green, bronze, black, and variegated forms, providing year-round visual appeal. Flax thrives in full sun, requiring well-drained soil that is moderately fertile. This hardy plant is tolerant of drought and coastal conditions, making it suitable for USDA zones 7-11, where it is often used in landscaping and as a focal point in garden designs.

Primrose (Primula): Popular for their early bloom time, primroses are commonly planted in borders, woodland gardens, and as ground cover, bringing a splash of color to shaded garden areas. They also work well in containers or rock gardens. Primroses bloom from early spring to fall, depending on the species, offering a variety of vibrant colors, including yellow, pink, purple, red, blue, and even black. These plants usually prefer partial shade and well-drained, moist, humus-rich soil. Hardy in USDA zones 4-8, primula is native to temperate regions worldwide.

Stonecrop (Sedum): Native to various regions around the world, stonecrop is a drought-tolerant perennial or succulent plant that thrives in rocky or poor soil conditions. With its fleshy leaves and star-shaped flowers that bloom in summer, stonecrop is often used in rock gardens, borders, and containers. These resilient plants prefer full sun and well-drained soil, making them ideal for low-maintenance gardens. Hardy in USDA zones 3-10, stonecrop is an excellent choice for xeriscaping and attracting pollinators.

Phormium tenax Purpureum Group (New Zealand Flax)
Primula Gold-Laced Group (Polyanthus Primrose)
Sedum ‘Plum Dazzled’ (SunSparkler Series)

Hellebore (Helleborus): Hardy in USDA zones 3-9, hellebores are native to Europe and Western Asia. Known for their early bloom time and evergreen foliage, hellebores are commonly planted in woodland gardens, shade borders, and as ground cover under trees. They bloom from late winter to early spring, producing nodding, cup-shaped flowers in shades of white, pink, purple, yellow, green, and black. They thrive in partial to full shade and prefer well-drained, humus-rich soil. Dark and Handsome and New York Night are two striking black hellebores.

Giant Wake Robin (Trillium): Native to North America, Giant Wake Robin is a perennial wildflower celebrated for its elegant, three-petaled flowers blooming in early spring. These distinctive dark purple-brown blooms emerge from a whorl of leaves, adding beauty to woodland gardens and shaded areas. Giant Wake Robin thrives in partial to full shade, preferring moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Hardy in USDA zones 6-9, this plant is a favorite among native plant enthusiasts and is regarded as one of the most impressive species within the trillium genus.

Violet (Viola): Native to Europe and North America, violets are charming perennials known for their heart-shaped leaves and delicate, fragrant flowers that bloom in spring. These versatile plants add vibrant color to borders, containers, and woodland gardens, showcasing an array of shades, including purple, blue, yellow, and white, as well as unique varieties with intricate patterns. Violets thrive in partial shade to full sun, preferring well-drained soil that retains moisture without becoming waterlogged. Hardy in USDA zones 3-9, they are often grown as ground cover and are known to attract pollinators, such as bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, making them a delightful addition to any garden landscape.

 

Helleborus ‘Midnight Ruffles’ (Hellebore)
Trillium chloropetalum var. giganteum (Giant Wake Robin)
Viola cornuta ‘Blackout’ (Horned Violet)

Columbine (Aquilegia ‘Black Barlow’): Native to North America and parts of Europe, this columbine is a stunning perennial known for its unique, deep purple to black, nodding flowers that bloom in late spring to early summer. This cultivar adds a dramatic touch to garden borders and shaded areas, attracting pollinators. Columbine thrives in partial shade to full sun and prefers well-drained, loamy soil enriched with organic matter. It is relatively low-maintenance. Hardy in USDA zones 3-9, Black Barlow is valued for its beauty and ability to naturalize in garden settings.

Black Mondo (Ophiopogon planiscapus ‘Nigrescens’): Native to East Asia, black mondo grass is a striking evergreen perennial valued for its unique black foliage and delicate, star-shaped purple flowers that bloom in summer. This plant is often used in shady borders and containers, providing contrast and texture in garden designs. Black mondo thrives in full sun to partial shade, preferring well-drained, moist soil that retains some organic matter. It is low-maintenance and drought-tolerant once established. Hardy in USDA zones 6-11, black mondo is an excellent choice for adding visual interest to shaded areas.

Western Coneflower (Rudbeckia occidentalis): Native to the western United States, Rudbeckia occidentalis is a perennial wildflower known for its tall stature and unique, large, dark brown to black central cones surrounded by yellow rays. Blooming from summer to fall, this striking coneflower adds bold color and height to borders and meadows, attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies. Western coneflower thrives in full sun and prefers well-drained, fertile soil. It is relatively low-maintenance and can tolerate drought once established. Hardy in USDA zones 3-10, this plant is often used in wildflower gardens and naturalized landscapes, bringing a touch of the wild to cultivated settings.

Aquilegia vulgaris var. stellata ‘Black Barlow’ (Columbine)
Ophiopogon planiscapus ‘Nigrescens’ (Black Mondo)
Rudbeckia occidentalis (Western Coneflower)

Discover More Perennial Flowers

Black Flowers and Plants: Succulents

Hens and Chicks (Sempervivum): Native to North Africa, Asia, and Europe, hens and chicks are hardy succulents known for their rosette-shaped leaves and ability to thrive in poor soil conditions. These charming plants are often used in rock gardens, containers, and as ground cover, producing small star-shaped flowers in summer. Hens and chicks prefer full sun and well-drained soil, requiring little water once established. Hardy in USDA zones 3-8, they are a resilient choice for gardens, making them a popular option for both novice and experienced gardeners.

Aeonium: Native to the Canary Islands and other parts of North Africa, Aeonium is a diverse genus of succulent plants known for their striking rosettes of fleshy leaves that can vary in color from green to purple to black. These perennials are prized for their unique growth habit and are commonly used in rock gardens, containers, and xeriscapes, adding an architectural element to landscapes. Aeonium plants thrive in full sun to partial shade, preferring well-drained soil to prevent root rot. They are relatively low-maintenance and drought-tolerant once established, requiring minimal watering during dry periods. Hardy in USDA zones 9-11, Aeonium species provide an exotic touch to gardens with their vibrant foliage and unique forms. Zwartkop, Velour and Atropupureum are popular black aeonium varieties.

Orbea Variegata (Starfish Flower): Native to South Africa, Orbea variegata is a unique succulent known for its star-shaped flowers that feature a striking pattern of cream and dark maroon. This perennial is often grown for its unusual appearance and interesting texture, making it a favorite in succulent collections and rock gardens. Orbea variegata thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-drained soil that allows for adequate airflow around its roots. It is drought-tolerant once established and requires infrequent watering. Hardy in USDA zones 9-11, this plant attracts attention not only for its captivating blooms but also for its resilience in various growing conditions.

 

Sempervivum ‘Black’ (Hens and Chicks)
Aeonium ‘Zwartkop’
Orbea variegata (Carrion Flower)

Discover More Black Succulents

Black Flowers: Orchids

Calanthe discolor: Native to Asia, Calanthe discolor is a terrestrial orchid prized for its beautiful, fragrant flowers that bloom in late spring to early summer. This orchid is often used in shaded garden spots, where its elegant blooms can be showcased. Calanthe discolor thrives in partial to full shade and prefers moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter. With its lush foliage, this orchid adds a tropical touch to gardens. It is hardy in USDA zones 6-9, although it may require protection in colder regions.

Cymbidium floribundum: Native to Southeast Asia, Cymbidium floribundum is a beautiful orchid species known for its striking clusters of long-lasting flowers that bloom in vibrant shades of reddish-brown and green. This epiphytic orchid is often appreciated for its ability to produce multiple spikes of blooms simultaneously, creating a stunning display in gardens and floral arrangements. Cymbidium floribundum thrives in bright, indirect light and prefers well-drained, nutrient-rich potting media. It requires consistent moisture but should not be waterlogged. Hardy in USDA zones 10-12, this orchid can be grown outdoors in mild climates or as a popular houseplant, adding elegance and a tropical touch to any space.

Oncidium Jungle Monarch: Prized for its irresistible fragrance, Oncidium ‘Sharry Baby’ is an evergreen, epiphytic orchid renowned for its branching spikes that can reach up to 30 inches (75 cm) in length, adorned with over 100 deep-red flowers featuring charming white tips. The incredible fragrance of these blooms has been compared to chocolate or vanilla, adding a delightful sensory experience to any space. Blooming often more than once a year when grown under optimal conditions, this dancing lady orchid can be easily cultivated in pots indoors but thrives in a shady location outdoors during the summer. Considered one of the most popular orchids in the world, this variety is an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced orchid enthusiasts, offering stunning beauty and fragrance.

 

Calanthe discolor (Japanese Hardy Orchid)
Cymbidium floribundum (Golden Margin Orchid)
Oncidium Jungle Monarch gx (Dancing Lady Orchid)

Discover More Black Orchids

Black Flowering Shrubs

Elderberry (Sambucus nigra): Native to Europe, northwest Africa, southwest Asia, and western North America, elderberry is a deciduous shrub known for its large clusters of fragrant white or pink flowers that bloom in late spring, followed by dark purple-black berries in late summer. These shrubs are often used in wildlife gardens, attracting birds and beneficial insects while providing a source of food. Elderberries thrive in full sun to partial shade and prefer moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter. They are relatively low-maintenance and can tolerate a range of soil types. Hardy in USDA zones 4-7, elderberry plants not only offer ornamental value but also have culinary uses, with the berries being used in jams, jellies, and syrups.

Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia): Native to Asia, crape myrtle is a deciduous shrub or small tree celebrated for its stunning summer blooms and vibrant fall foliage. The flowers come in various colors, including pink, red, white, and purple, creating a spectacular display that lasts for several months. Crape myrtle thrives in full sun, requiring at least 6 hours of sunlight daily to produce its most vibrant flowers. It prefers well-drained soil and is drought-tolerant once established, making it an ideal choice for low-maintenance gardens. Hardy in USDA zones 7-10, crape myrtle adds beauty and elegance to landscapes, often used as focal points or in borders. Crape myrtle is perfect for adding a splash of color in small gardens.

Smokebush (Cotinus coggygria): Native to Europe and Asia, smokebush is a deciduous shrub known for its dramatic, fluffy flower clusters that resemble puffs of smoke, creating a stunning effect in summer. The leaves range from green to purple, providing year-round interest with vibrant fall color. Smokebush thrives in full sun, preferring well-drained soil that can range from poor to moderately fertile. It is relatively low-maintenance and drought-tolerant once established. Hardy in USDA zones 5-7, smokebush is often used as a specimen plant or in mixed borders, adding texture and visual intrigue to gardens.

Sambucus nigra Black Beauty® (Elderberry)
Lagerstroemia Delta Jazz® (Crape Myrtle)
Cotinus coggygria ‘Velvet Cloak’ (Smokebush)

Delve in the World of Black Flowering Shrubs

Landscaping Ideas

Creating a striking landscape with black flowers and plants can add drama and elegance to your garden. Black plants, though rare, offer a rich contrast against lighter foliage and colorful blooms, making them stand out in unique ways. Consider incorporating Black Mondo Grass (Ophiopogon planiscapus ‘Nigrescens’) as a ground cover for its dark, nearly black foliage, which creates a stunning base layer.

Add bold Black Tulips or Queen of Night Tulips, known for their deep purple-black flowers, to beds or borders to bring a sense of mystery and sophistication. For perennials, Hellebore ‘Black Diamond’ or Black Hollyhock (Alcea rosea ‘Nigra’) can provide height and a deep, moody tone with their near-black blooms.

Pair these plants with contrasting lighter foliage like Silver Artemisia or Dusty Miller to make the dark hues pop. Incorporating plants with dark foliage like Heuchera ‘Obsidian’ or Colocasia ‘Black Magic’ also brings texture and depth to the landscape.

Use black flowers sparingly as accents, focusing on creating contrast with surrounding plants, pathways, and outdoor decor to avoid overwhelming the space. The result is a garden that feels dramatic, modern, and visually captivating.

Find Great Garden Design Ideas

Garden Examples

Bold and Delicate: A Garden of Crocosmia, Snapdragons, and Heuchera
A Pretty Planting Combination with Alliums, Poppies and Columbines
A Very Attractive Border Idea for Your Garden
A Magnificent Spring Border idea for a Joyful Display
A Sparkling Border Idea for the Mid-Late Spring Garden
An Elegant Front Garden

Recommended Guides

Stunning Blue Flowers to Enhance Your Garden’s Beauty
Plants with Purple Flowers to Add Charm to Your Garden
45 Yellow Flowers: Radiant Blooms for Every Season
White Hydrangea: 21 Best Varieties and Care
Plants with Pink Flowers to Add Romance to Your Garden
White Tulips: The Perfect Addition to Your Spring Garden
20 Best Flowers for a Thriving Vegetable Garden
How to Change Hydrangea Color to Blue, Pink, or Purple
Purple Tulips: A Touch of Royalty in Your Garden
Blue Hydrangea: Popular Varieties and Care
Blue Tulips: Are They Real or Just a Dream?
Blue Orchids: Are They Natural or Dyed?
Pink Hydrangea: 28 Best Varieties and Care
Pink Tulips: A Must-Have for Your Spring Garden
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.

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