25 Dark Flowers and Plants to Add Drama to Your Garden

As pretty as pastel snapdragons and periwinkle bluebells can be, sometimes gardeners crave something a bit different in their garden designs.

Purple-black colored calla lilies — For gardeners with an edgier style, dark or Gothic gardens may be just the thing.

Themed gardens come in all styles and are becoming increasingly popular in the gardening world. From moon gardens planted with bright white flowers that dazzle in the moonlight to scent gardens redolent with the sweet aromas of heirloom roses and night-blooming jasmine, there are countless garden styles to choose from. And one particularly alluring garden variety is the dark or “gothic” garden.

This garden style may not be for everyone, but if you like an edgier feel or you want to accentuate your classic Victorian home, darker plants and flowers may be for you. In this guide, we’ll introduce you to a wide range of nearly black flowers and plants that will add drama and creative flair to any landscape design.

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25 dark flowers and plants to add drama to your garden

Dark purple violas — Dark flowers come in all shapes and sizes.

From tall trees to petite blooms perfect for planters, there are lots of dark flowers and plants to choose from. Below, we’ll introduce you to our top 25 favorite dark plants for window boxes, inground beds, and other ornamental designs.

1. ‘Onyx Odyssey’ Hellebore

Dark purple Onyx Odyssey hellebore — Hellebores bloom very early in the spring and come in all colors, including this dark purple variety.

Plant name:	‘Onyx Odyssey’ Hellebore
Light requirements:	Sun to shade, part sun preferred
Watering requirements:	Moderate
Notable features:	Early bloomer; pollinator favorite
Growing zone:	Zones 4 to 9

Also known as Lenten Roses for their bloom time, hellebores flower in early spring, long before most other flowering plants. This makes hellebores a good choice for pollinator gardens, as they provide food for early emerging pollinators. These colorful plants come in a wide range of hues, but ‘Onyx Odyssey’ is a lovely dark hellebore choice.

This cultivar has such dark flowers that they appear almost black, which can look even more eye-catching when they bloom through the snow! Cup-shaped flowers feature double blooms and make wonderful cut flowers too. Just keep in mind these plants are toxic to cats and dogs.

2. ‘Molly Sanderson’ Viola

Molly Sanderson viola variety — Molly Sanderson Viola is a cold-hardy, long blooming dark flower.

Plant name:	‘Molly Sanderson’ Viola
Light requirements:	Full sun to part shade
Watering requirements:	Moderate
Notable features:	Early bloomer; cold weather hardy; easy to grow
Growing zone:	Zones 3 to 8

Violas are very easy to grow plants, and they’re small space friendly. Sprouting quickly from seed, these plants only grow a few inches tall and can easily be kept in container planters. But if you’re on the hunt for a dark bloom to accent your gothic Victorian window boxes, ‘Molly Sanderson’ is the cultivar to look for.

‘Molly Sanderson’ has dark purple, near-black petals that are soft to the touch and make pretty pressed flowers too. Like other violas, ‘Molly Sanderson’ is cold hardy, and can bloom from early summer through fall.

3. ‘Black Baccara’ Rose

Deep, dark red Black Baccara rose — Black Baccarra rose blooms in flushes all season long, from spring through fall.

Plant name:	‘Black Baccara’ Rose
Light requirements:	Full sun
Watering requirements:	Moderate
Notable features:	Excellent cut flowers; attracts butterflies
Growing zone:	Zones 6 and up

‘Black Baccara’ is a hybrid tea rose with gorgeous, velvety petals in a deep crimson hue. Flowers are large, measuring about 3” across, and have a dusky color to them. These roses are elegant when planted near other dark plants, like the ‘Black Beauty’ elderberry.

Bushes grow up to 6’ high, while flowers appear on the tips of long and sturdy stems that are ideal for cut flowers. ‘Black Baccara’ blooms in flushes from spring through fall.

4. ‘Sophistica Blackberry’ Petunia

Black-red Sophistica Blackberry pertunia — Sophistica Blackberry petunia is a long-season, cold hardy plant.

Plant name:	‘Sophistica Blackberry’ Petunia
Light requirements:	Full sun
Watering requirements:	High to moderate
Notable features:	Cold weather hardy; good for hanging baskets
Growing zone:	Zones 9 to 11; grown as annuals in cooler locations

Like violas, petunias are low-maintenance plants that are cool weather hardy and can bloom from spring through fall. While they are often planted in containers and inground beds, petunias’ sweeping foliage is well adapted to hanging baskets as well.

While there are lots of different petunia varieties to choose from, if you’re looking for darkly colored plants, ‘Sophistica Blackberry’ is at the top of the list. This abundant bloomer has deep crimson petals that look nearly black in lower light.

5. ‘Black Beauty’ Elderberry

Pinkish elderflowers set against dark foliage on Black Beauty elderberry — Black Beauty Elderberry will grow edible flowers and fruit, but is more commonly chosen for its looks.

Plant name:	‘Black Beauty’ Elderberry
Light requirements:	Full sun to part shade
Watering requirements:	Moderate
Notable features:	Edible fruit; attracts birds
Growing zone:	Zones 3 to 7

For a larger impact in your garden, ‘Black Beauty’ elderberry can be a great choice, as this plant grows large – maxing out at around 12’ high. While gardeners are usually familiar with elderberries, this sophisticated cultivar has richly hued, dark purple leaves for even more flair. In early summer, ‘Black Beauty’ blooms large, foamy flowers that are colored in pink and white.

As with other elderberries, this variety produces edible fruit that can be turned into syrups and other recipes. Berries are also a hit with wild birds, making this plant a good choice for pollinator gardens.

6. Black Mondo Grass

Black mondo grass plant — Yes, even ornamental grasses come in dark colors!

Plant name:	Black Mondo Grass
Light requirements:	Full sun to part shade
Watering requirements:	Moderate
Notable features:	Excellent border plant
Growing zone:	Zones 5 to 10

A perfect accent plant, black Mondo grass is hard to beat when it comes to filling in garden beds and adding striking borders along outdoor walkways. This perennial plant grows 5 to 6” high and develops dark, purplish-black leaves that are grass-like in form and arch gently toward the plant’s base.

In summer, black Mondo grass gets even more colorful when it blooms small, purple flowers that mature into purple berries in autumn. A slow grower, this plant forms mounds as it spreads, but it is appropriate for container planting too.

7. ‘Before the Storm’ Iris

Before the Storm purple-black iris — In addition to flower gardens, this nearly black iris also makes a great cut flower.

Plant name:	‘Before the Storm’ Iris
Light requirements:	Full sun
Watering requirements:	Moderate
Notable features:	Excellent cut flowers
Growing zone:	Zones 5 to 9

A variety of tall, bearded iris, ‘Before the Storm’ features dark purple, near black petals that have delightfully ruffled edges. While flowers look very pretty in garden spaces, they also work well as cut flowers if you’re interested in flower arranging. Once mature, these plants grow to about 37” high and may exude a subtle, sweet fragrance when in bloom.

As with other iris varieties, ‘Before the Storm’ will bloom in late spring to early summer. Bulbs should be divided every 3 to 5 years from July to mid-August to keep plants from getting overcrowded.

8. ‘Queen of the Night’ Tulip

Queen of the night black tulip — This almost black tulip is an early bloomer and an excellent cut flower.

Plant name:	‘Queen of the Night’ Tulip
Light requirements:	Full sun
Watering requirements:	Moderate to low
Notable features:	Excellent cut flowers; early bloomer
Growing zone:	Zones 3 to 7

Tulips are showstopping plants as it is, but ‘Queen of the Night’ takes the drama even further! These gorgeous flowers have velvety, deep purple petals that are so dark they appear black. While they look stunning on their own, ‘Queen of the Night’ is even more spectacular when interplanted with white tulips for a moon garden display.

Like other tulips, plant bulbs in autumn for late spring blooms.

9. ‘Black Magic’ Elephant Ears

Black colored elephant ears plant — For size and dramatic flair, plant Black Magic Elephant Ears.

Plant name:	‘Black Magic’ Elephant Ears
Light requirements:	Full sun to part shade
Watering requirements:	High to moderate
Notable features:	Easy to grow
Growing zone:	Zones 8 to 10; can be overwintered indoors in cooler locations

Elephant ears can be grown indoors or out and are pretty easygoing plants. ‘Black Magic’ is a very attractive variety that grows to about 6’ in height and can be planted in garden beds or containers. Like other elephant ears, this cultivar grows massive leaves that are about 2 to 3’ long, although these leaves are dark and almost velvet-like in appearance.

A warm weather-loving plant, ‘Black Magic’ is only hardy down to zone 8. While it can be kept as an annual in cooler locations, gardeners often dig up tubers in autumn and overwinter them indoors until spring.

10. ‘Nigra’ Hollyhock

Purple black "Nigra" Hollyhock — Dark-flowering plants are nothing new--this purple-black hollyhock is an heirloom plant.

Plant name:	‘Nigra’ Hollyhock
Light requirements:	Full sun
Watering requirements:	Moderate to low
Notable features:	Easy to grow; pollinator favorite
Growing zone:	Zones 3 to 8

Hollyhocks are biennials, so they may not bloom until the second year, but they’re worth the wait! These easy-to-grow plants are usually started from seed, which can be sown indoors in spring or directly sown outdoors too. Sometimes, if you plant seeds early enough, you may even be able to get flowers the first year.

‘Nigra’ hollyhock is a popular cultivar with deep purple petals. Grown for centuries, this heirloom hollyhock has a bit of history to it, and it's popular with bees and other pollinators. Like other hollyhocks, ‘Nigra’ grows best in full sun.

11. ‘Black Beauty’ Pansy

Black beauty pansy flower — Black Beauty pansies are larger than the similar violas, but look great mixed in a planting.

Plant name:	‘Black Beauty’ Pansy
Light requirements:	Full sun to part shade
Watering requirements:	Moderate
Notable features:	Early bloomer; cold weather hardy
Growing zone:	Zones 7 to 10; grown as annuals in cooler locations

Pansies look a lot like violas, but flower heads are generally a bit bigger. For gardeners who love darkly colored beds, ‘Black Beauty’ is a classic choice. Try this plant on its own or pair it with ‘Molly Sanderson’ violas to create a playful arrangement of differently sized and textured blooms.

As with violas, pansies are cool weather hardy, and they can bloom from spring until the frosts of fall. These compact plants also thrive in containers and hanging baskets and make delicate border plants for inground beds as well.

12. ‘Diabolo’ Ninebark

Diabolo Ninebark shrub in flower — This large dark deciduous shrub also makes an excellent privacy screen.

Plant name:	‘Diabolo’ Ninebark
Light requirements:	Sun to shade
Watering requirements:	Moderate to low
Notable features:	Drought tolerant once established
Growing zone:	Zones 3 to 7

This deciduous shrub has dark, brownish-purple leaves and white flowers that bloom in clusters during the summer. Growing between 8 and 10’ high, ‘Diabolo’ makes an excellent specimen shrub when planted on its own, but it works well as a privacy hedge too if you want to group a few of them together.

Like other ninebarks, ‘Diabolo’ can handle the heat and is relatively drought resistant. That said, leaves may turn greener in hot weather or partial shade, so make sure your plant gets enough sun to support its dark, leafy growth.

13. Zantedeschia ‘Black Star’

Black Star calla lily plants in a garden — This dark calla lily lends itself well to growing in beds or containers.

Plant name:	Zantedeschia ‘Black Star’
Light requirements:	Full sun to part shade
Watering requirements:	Moderate
Notable features:	Excellent cut flowers
Growing zone:	Zones 9 to 11; can be overwintered indoors in cooler locations

A type of calla lily, ‘Black Star’, is ornamented with speckled leaves and large, chalice-shaped blooms in a crimson so deep they look black. A warm weather plant, ‘Black Star’ is only hardy to zone 7, but it can be kept as an annual in cooler locations. Rhizomes can also be dug in autumn and overwintered indoors if you want to keep your flowers coming back.

‘Black Star’ may not sprout until May, but flowers come quickly and bloom in abundance in June. These plants are just the right size for container planters and inground beds.

14. ‘Royal Purple’ Smoke Tree

Foamy, crimson blooms on a Smoke Tree — The Smoke Tree brings a bit of the ethereal to your landscape.

Plant name:	‘Royal Purple’ Smoke Tree
Light requirements:	Full sun to part shade
Watering requirements:	Moderate to low
Notable features:	Colorful specimen tree; drought tolerant once established
Growing zone:	Zones 5 to 9

Smoke trees are always dramatic-looking plants, and ‘Royal Purple’ doesn’t disappoint. This dark accent shrub features purplish-green, rounded foliage that’s adorned with sprays of foamy, crimson blooms. Flowers emerge in summer and are long-lasting for lots of garden color.

Smoke trees prefer deep watering and full sun, but they are adaptable enough to tolerate even poor soils. Try planting ‘Royal Purple’ with ‘Diabolo’ ninebark for a garden display that is certain to impress the neighbors.

15. ‘Red Rubin’ Basil

Dark purple Red Rubin basil — This dark basil can be used as an edible but also makes an incredible dark plant for beds and arrangements.

Plant name:	‘Red Rubin’ Basil
Light requirements:	Full sun
Watering requirements:	Moderate
Notable features:	Edible; easy to grow
Growing zone:	Zones 11 and above; grown as annuals in cooler locations

Basil is usually thought of as an edible herb, but if you’re working with colorful varieties like ‘Red Rubin,’ basil can also work as an ornamental! ‘Red Rubin’ has the same growing requirements as common basil; just give it plenty of water and sun and keep it shaded from too much bright light. You can use this variety for recipes too, or allow it to flower for a showier look.

Adaptable to inground gardens and containers, ‘Red Rubin’ makes a fine accent plant and filler in planting arrangements.

16. Tricolor Beech

Dark purple tricolor beech tree — Who says trees have to be green? This dark-colored beech is stunning.

Plant name:	Tricolor Beech
Light requirements:	Shade
Watering requirements:	Moderate
Notable features:	Colorful specimen tree
Growing zone:	Zones 4 to 7

Tricolor beech may not be a black plant, but it has highly variegated leaves that add depth and contrast to any landscape design. Slightly wavy, oval leaves measure about 4” long and are highly patterned in a dusky brown and fuchsia coloring. Growing up to 40’ high, this colorful tree can create an exceptional backdrop to gothic garden designs and other darker planting arrangements.

Hardy to zone 4, tricolor beeches prefer rich, well-draining soil, and they can grow in partial shade too!

17. Black Coral Bells

Black coral bell plant has deep, dark foliage — Black coral bells can be used in planters, as border or bedding plants, and more.

Plant name:	Black Coral Bells
Light requirements:	Sun to shade
Watering requirements:	Moderate
Notable features:	Easy to grow; deer resistant
Growing zone:	Zones 4 to 9

Coral bells are well known for their colorful leaves, which come in a range of hues, including green, gold, and, of course, black! As low-growing, mounding plants, coral bells are often planted in containers, but they work as border plants and fillers in garden beds as well. In mid-summer, these plants get even showier when they bloom white flowers atop pink calyxes.

Coral bells can grow in full sun to shade, and they can even tolerate some salt, so they can be planted near roadways. They are also mostly resistant to deer and are popular among pollinators!

18. ‘Black Pearl’ Pepper

Dark Black Pearl pepper plant — Dark foliage topped with colored red pearl peppers lends an interesting contrast to a garden.

Plant name:	‘Black Pearl’ Pepper
Light requirements:	Full sun
Watering requirements:	Moderate
Notable features:	Edible
Growing zone:	Zones 9 to 11; grown as annuals in cooler locations

‘Black Pearl’ is a funky-looking plant with nearly black leaves and glossy, globular peppers that look like tiny pearls. And don’t worry; those peppers are completely edible if you want to munch on them. Just keep in mind these fiery plants are spicy, with a Scoville rating of 10,000 to 30,000 SHU (jalapenos have a SHU of around 2,000 to 8,000 for reference).

While ‘Black Pearls’ can be grown in your vegetable garden, they are often used as accent plants in container arrangements. Try planting ‘Black Pearls’ with ornamental grasses to create an interesting display that showcases plant texture and form.

19. ‘Zwartkop’ Aeonium

Zwartkop Aeonium, a dark colored succulane tplant — Between the color and shape of this plant, it almost looks fake--but it's not!

Plant name:	‘Zwartkop’ Aeonium
Light requirements:	Full sun to part shade
Watering requirements:	Low
Notable features:	Drought resistant
Growing zone:	Zones 9 to 11

If you live in a drier climate, many of the plants on this list may not work for you, as they require regular watering. But not ‘Zwartkop’ aeonium! Maintained as a short shrub, ‘Zwartkop’ grows between 3 and 4’ high and features rosettes of deep crimson leaves.

This desert-dwelling succulent requires minimal watering and is very easy to grow. Hardy to zone 9, ‘Zwartkop’ can also be overwintered indoors or even kept as a houseplant.

20. ‘Black Swan’ Weeping Beech

Sweeping branches on a Black Swan weeping beech tree. — In addition to dark color, this weeping beech delivers structural interest, too.

Plant name:	‘Black Swan’ Weeping Beech
Light requirements:	Full sun to part shade
Watering requirements:	Moderate
Notable features:	Structural specimen tree
Growing zone:	Zones 4 to 7

Weeping beeches have highly structural forms with long and cascading branches that move delicately in the breeze. ‘Black Swan’ is one particularly popular variety, known for its nearly black foliage. While leaves are coppery when they first emerge, they turn into a deep, greenish-purple as the season progresses.

An exceptional specimen tree, weeping beeches grow about 20’ high and can tolerate full sun to part shade.

21. ‘Blackie’ Sweet Potato Vine

Trailing vines of Blackie Sweet Potato — This dark ornamental sweet potato vine makes a lovely trailing filler plant.

Plant name:	‘Blackie’ Sweet Potato Vine
Light requirements:	Sun to shade
Watering requirements:	Moderate
Notable features:	Excellent container plant; edible tubers
Growing zone:	Zones 9 to 11; grown as annuals in cooler locations

Sweet potato vines are commonly used as “spiller” elements in container plantings, as their long vines trail easily beyond pot sides and add lots of texture. While these plants come in different colors, if you’re looking for darker leaves, the ‘Blackie’ sweet potato vine has deep purple foliage, which is sure to please.

As tender perennial plants, sweet potato vines can come back year after year in zones 9 to 11. In cooler areas, vines are usually grown as annuals, but they can also be kept as houseplants. Additionally, these plants will grow edible sweet potato tubers, although they are not as productive as other sweet potato varieties.

22. ‘Dark Dimension’ Hyacinth

Deep purple Dark Dimension hyacinth flower — Dark dimension hyacinth is another dark plant for your early spring blooming garden.

Plant name:	‘Dark Dimension’ Hyacinth
Light requirements:	Full sun to part shade
Watering requirements:	Moderate to low
Notable features:	Early bloomer; highly fragranced
Growing zone:	Zones 4 to 8

Hyacinths are cheery springtime bloomers with clusters of strongly scented flowers that appear along tall, vertical spires. While you’ll usually find hyacinths in pastel pinks and blues, if you crave an edgier aesthetic, ‘Dark Dimension’ is the hyacinth for you! This flower’s petals are technically a deep purple, but they’re so dark they look black in garden beds.

Like other hyacinths, bulbs are planted in the fall for springtime blooms. To get the most out of these flowers, try planting them near your door or in window boxes by an open window so you can smell the delicious floral fragrance!

23. ‘Black Barlow’ Columbine

Black Barlow Columbine flower up close — Black Barlow Columbine was originally developed as a cutting flower.

Plant name:	‘Black Barlow’ Columbine
Light requirements:	Full sun to part shade
Watering requirements:	Moderate
Notable features:	Excellent cut flowers
Growing zone:	Zones 3 to 9

Originally developed for cut flower arrangements, ‘Black Barlow’ has dark plum petals and downward-facing, double blooms. The airy feel of this plant is only accentuated by its delicate and fern-like foliage that moves gracefully in even the slightest breeze. Plants will usually produce about 3 to 5 flower stems in the first year but will grow more stems as plants age.

Like other columbines, ‘Black Barlow’ is sure to attract pollinators, like bees and butterflies. Naturally deer and rabbit resistant, this plant grows best in moist, well-draining soil and can adapt to sun or shade.

24. ‘Black Prince’ Coleus

Black Prince coleus plant up close — Black Prince Coleus is a reliable dark filler plant.

Plant name:	‘Black Prince’ Coleus
Light requirements:	Full sun to part shade
Watering requirements:	Moderate
Notable features:	Excellent container plant; easy to grow
Growing zone:	Zones 10 to 11; grown as annuals in cooler locations

Coleus are some of the most popular filler plants for container arrangements, and it’s no wonder why. These colorful plants have leaves that come in a rainbow of hues, and they’re very adaptable. In fact, coleus can be grown as houseplants, and they can thrive in inground beds too!

‘Black Prince’ is one unique variety of coleus that has uniformly colored, dark purple leaves with scalloped margins. Adaptable to sun and shade, this plant maxes out at around 2 ½’ high and is heat tolerant as well.

25. Purple Plum Tree

Dark purple plum tree with budding blossoms — This dark plum tree is highly attractive to birds and pollinators, too.

Plant name:	Purple Plum Tree
Light requirements:	Full sun to part shade
Watering requirements:	Moderate
Notable features:	Colorful specimen tree; attracts birds
Growing zone:	Zones 4 to 9

Another darkly colored specimen tree, the purple plum tree, has deep purple leaves with a coppery sheen. Also known as flowering plum trees and cherry plum trees, these trees bloom a profusion of bright pink flowers in spring before deepening into their characteristic dark look.

Highly adaptable, purple plum trees can grow in shade or sun, and they can handle some drought too. Mature trees grow to about 25’ in height and are irresistible to birds and other pollinators when the fragrant flowers bloom.

Frequently asked questions

Plants with almost black foliage — "Black" plants and flowers are really very deep, dark tones of colors like red, purple, green, and brown.

Is there any flower that is black?

No. While there are a number of flowers that appear black, in reality, flower petals are actually very dark, muted tones of crimson, purple, green, or brown. Some species that feature dark, nearly black flowers include roses, irises, and hellebores.

Are there any plants that are black?

While plants may not actually be black in color, there are many plants that are so dark that they appear black in most lighting. Some examples of plants with very dark leaves and stems include purple plum trees, ‘Diabolo’ ninebark, and black mondo grass.

Does a black rose exist?

No. Roses come in many different colors, including dark reds and purples, but truly black roses don’t exist in nature. To achieve this striking look, florists may dye roses black or spray paint them, but the black tones are not natural.

Is there a black lily?

There are a variety of darkly colored lilies that may appear black in certain lighting. Some examples include ‘Black Star’ Zantedeschia and ‘Black Pearl’ Asiatic lily.

Why do black flowers not exist?

Plant petals don’t naturally produce black pigments, so truly, black flowers don’t exist in nature. That said, many plant flowers are so dark that they absorb most of the light that hits them and appear black to the naked eye.

What are some Gothic flowers?

If you’re designing a garden to accentuate your Gothic Victorian home, try out some classically dark flowers, like ‘Onyx Odyssey’ hellebores, ‘Black Baccara’ roses, and ‘Black Beauty’ pansies.

Summary

Dark purple foliage plant — Dark elements or an entirely dark garden can bring unexpected interest to your yard.

Dark plants and flowers are unexpected additions to garden beds, but they can be just as pretty as pastel blooms. Remarkable in their uniqueness, dark blooms can add elegance and intrigue to any outdoor space.

Sown singly in planters or together in coordinated drifts, dark blooms can be paired with colorful plants for contrast, or you can create an entire design around the deepest, midnight petals. No matter your style and garden design, try out some of the plants we’ve covered today and be wowed by their rich tones and dramatic look!

If you like the idea of color-coordinated garden beds but dark flowers aren’t for you, try out some more colorful blooms with this guide on the best orange perennials to grow in your garden.

Comments

NDN

May 10, 2023 at 12:20 am

Absolutely beautiful and the most fun shopping for these exotic varieties. Complement with pure white impatiensand it's magic

NDN

May 10, 2023 at 12:21 am

Absolutely beautiful and the most fun shopping for these exotic varieties. Complement with pure white impatiens and it's magic!

- Mary Ward
  
  May 10, 2023 at 1:59 pm
  
  Yes I can see how that would be a stunning contrast!