Black flowers add a unique touch of mystery and elegance to any garden or indoor space. These dark blooms contrast beautifully with lighter hues, creating striking visuals that capture attention.
Below is a list of 45 stunning black flower species, each with a unique charm that will enhance your garden’s aesthetic.
Different Types of Black Flowers
Queen of Night Tulip
The Queen of Night Tulip (Tulipa) is an elegant, dark maroon to black tulip that adds striking beauty to any garden. Blooming in late spring, it features single, cup-shaped flowers on tall, slender stems. Hardy in zones 3 to 8, Queen of Night Tulips thrive in full sun and well-drained soil. Whether planted in groups or paired with brighter varieties, these tulips create an eye-catching display. They’re also excellent as cut flowers, adding sophistication to indoor arrangements.
Black Velvet Petunia
The Black Velvet Petunia (Petunia) is a stunning, true-black flower hybrid developed in 2010. With velvety petals and light green foliage, this tender perennial blooms from late spring through autumn, adding a dramatic touch to gardens and containers. Hardy in zones 9 to 11, Black Velvet requires full sun and protection from frost, winds, and pests. Its rich, dark hue makes it ideal for those looking to create a gothic or modern aesthetic in their garden or patio spaces.
Midnight Ruffles Helleborus
Midnight Ruffles Helleborus (Helleborus) is a dramatic, near-black perennial that blooms in early spring, featuring double, ruffled petals with striking yellow stamens. Also known as the Lenten Rose, this plant thrives in shady woodland gardens or beneath tall shrubs where many flowers struggle. Hardy in zones 4 to 9, it prefers rich, well-drained soil and grows up to 22 inches tall. Once planted, Helleborus dislikes being disturbed, making it a long-lasting, low-maintenance plant.
Penny Black Nemophila
The Penny Black Nemophila (Nemophila menziesii) is a charming, low-growing annual with delicate dark purple, almost black flowers edged in white. These 2-centimeter blooms create a lovely contrast against bright green, bushy foliage. Blooming from June through August, Penny Black is perfect for rock gardens, borders, or hanging baskets. It thrives in well-drained soil and enjoys full sun or partial shade. This dainty plant is hardy in most climates and requires minimal care.
Black Baccara
The Black Baccara rose is a captivating hybrid tea rose that stands out due to its intense maroon to black hue, offering a gothic allure to any garden. Its 45-petaled blooms are velvety, complemented by dark, glossy leaves, making it an ideal centerpiece in garden beds or floral arrangements. These roses bloom from spring to fall in zones 5 to 9, requiring full sun and well-drained soil. Perfect for cut flowers, Black Baccara roses maintain their stunning appearance in vases.
Silver Lace Black
Silver Lace Black primrose is a unique, black-flowered primrose with a striking golden center and a scalloped silver edge. These fragrant flowers are set against deep green foliage, making them a standout in any garden. Blooming from March to May, these delicate perennials attract pollinators and thrive in zones 5 to 9. Preferring partial shade and moist soil, they are excellent choices for borders, ponds, and streams.
Black Barlow
The Black Barlow columbine features dark plum to near-black double blooms resembling pom-poms, offering a unique gothic charm. Commonly referred to as “Granny’s Bonnet,” this perennial self-seeds, creating lasting colonies of stunning flowers. Hardy in zones 3 to 9, it grows best in full sun or partial shade with well-drained soils. Black Barlow blooms from late spring to early summer and lasts up to two weeks as a cut flower.
Black Star
Black Star is a dramatic black Calla Lily that features trumpet-shaped, deep burgundy to black flowers. Its striking stems match the flower color, creating a unified dark display. The bright speckled green foliage adds a sharp contrast, making Black Star a focal point in containers or garden beds. Blooming from March through August in zones 9 to 11, it requires full sun and thrives both indoors and outdoors.
Black Bat Flower
The uncommon orchid known as the Black Bat Flower (Tacca chantieri) has deep purple to black blossoms that resemble a bat in flight. This unusual plant, which is native to the tropical rainforests of Asia, has long, pale filaments that give it an unsettling grace. It can be planted outside in zone 11 or indoors because it grows well in warm, humid climates and enjoys partial shade. blossoming all spring and summer long.
Dark Dimension Hyacinth
The tubular, star-shaped flowers of the Dark Dimension Hyacinth (Hyacinthus) range in color from deep purple to almost black, making it the darkest hyacinth currently available. Each stalk, which blooms in mid-spring, has 10 to 20 blossoms that release a lovely scent that draws pollinators. It grows best on well-drained soil with full to partial light and is hardy in zones 4 through 8. ideal for pots or garden beds.
Hello Darkness Iris
The Hello Darkness Iris (Iris germanica) is a bold, award-winning perennial iris that bears spectacular, nearly black blooms on tall stems that can reach up to 37 inches. Up to 21 flowers can be produced by one bulb, which blooms from late spring to early summer. Zones 3 through 9 are ideal for this iris, which also likes sandy, well-drained soils and either full or partial shade. It stands out in gardens or as a cut flower because to its graceful, bearded petals.
Arabian Night Dahlia
The Arabian Night Dahlia (Dahlia) boasts dark, velvety blooms that appear almost black, with perfectly curled petals. This stunning flower blooms from mid-summer until the first frost, and its rich color provides a striking contrast in any garden or floral arrangement. Hardy in zones 8 to 11, Arabian Night thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. These dahlias grow up to 40 inches tall, making them a beautiful choice for borders, cutting gardens, and late-season displays.
Blacknight Hollyhock
The Blacknight Hollyhock (Alcea rosea) is a classic, towering garden favorite known for its nearly black, single blooms that can grow up to 4 inches wide. These tall spikes bloom from mid to late summer, adding height and drama to garden beds, particularly when planted as a backdrop. Hardy in zones 3 to 9, Blacknight is self-seeding, requiring full sun and well-drained soil. Its dark flowers are a magnet for pollinators, including butterflies and hummingbirds.
Blackout Viola
The Blackout Viola (Viola cornuta) is a delicate, herbaceous perennial that blooms in rich, black shades from spring through fall. Its fragrant, dark flowers feature a contrasting yellow-purple eye, sitting atop green foliage. Hardy in zones 6 to 10, Blackout Violas are perfect for borders, rock gardens, or containers, where they can provide ground cover. They prefer partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. While charming, they are frost-sensitive and need protection in colder climates.
Melanostachys
Known as Black Pussy Willow, Melanostachys (Salix gracilistyla) features black catkins with red tips, covering its dark stems in early spring. This bushy shrub grows up to 120 inches tall and thrives in full sun, making it a great backdrop or screening plant. Hardy in zones 5 to 8, it is sought after for ornamental purposes, with its stems often used in bouquets. However, it requires protection from pests to maintain its striking appearance.
Western Coneflower
The Western Coneflower (Rudbeckia occidentalis) is a striking yet minimalistic plant, reaching up to 72 inches tall. Its tall green stems are crowned with black-brown cones ringed in yellow pollen, attracting bees and other pollinators. Found in dewy meadows of the northwestern USA, this perennial thrives in full sun and is hardy in zones 3 to 10. It blooms from early summer to fall, making it perfect for cottage and native gardens and even as an attractive cut flower for indoor arrangements.
Common Types of Plants with Black Leaves
Tropicanna Black
Tropicanna Black canna lily is a tropical delight known for its dark, bronzy-chocolate leaves and vibrant scarlet-to-orange blooms. Hardy in zones 8 to 11, this lush plant blooms mid-summer through fall, reaching heights of 72 inches. Ideal for tropical gardens or patios, it thrives in full sun and requires frost protection. Its striking dark foliage contrasts beautifully with other plants, making Tropicanna Black an excellent focal point.
Diabolo
Diabolo, or Physocarpus opulifolius, is a shrub with deep-purple foliage that appears almost black, making it an excellent choice for hedges, screens, or mixed shrub borders. Blooming with delicate pink flowers in spring and producing red berries in fall, this plant is hardy in zones 3 to 7. Diabolo is easy to maintain, though it prefers cooler climates. Its dark, exfoliating bark adds winter interest.
Black Scallop
Black Scallop Ajuga reptans is a low-growing, creeping perennial known for its glossy black scalloped leaves and fragrant violet flowers. Hardy in zones 4 to 10, it blooms in mid to late spring, reaching heights of 4 to 6 inches. This plant excels in shaded areas under shrubs or trees, where it fills spaces that other plants can’t. Its dark foliage provides excellent contrast in rock gardens, borders, or containers.
Black Beauty
The Black Beauty elderberry (Sambucus nigra) is a deciduous shrub with dark, purple-black foliage and lacy pink flowers that bloom in early summer. These flowers give off a sweet lemony scent, and in fall, the shrub produces edible berries that are rich in vitamin C. Hardy in zones 4 to 8, Black Beauty thrives in full sun to partial shade, with darker foliage under more sun. This plant is perfect for creating height in borders and screens.
Nigrescens
Nigrescens, or Black Mondo Grass, is a hardy perennial prized for its jet-black, grass-like foliage. It forms dense tufts and blooms in summer with small white flowers, followed by glossy purple berries in fall. Ideal for borders, ground cover, or under shrubs, this plant thrives in zones 6 to 11. Nigrescens adds drama and contrast, especially when paired with bright flowers or metallic-colored plants. Preferring evenly moist, well-drained soil, it’s an excellent choice for low-maintenance landscaping.
Black Coral
Black Coral Colocasia, also known as Elephant’s Ears, is a tropical plant that features large, veiny, dark leaves that resemble the ears of an elephant. Reaching up to 48 inches tall, it’s a showstopper in gardens or containers, thriving in zones 7 to 12. Requiring plenty of sun and moisture, Black Coral’s dramatic foliage is perfect for adding depth to tropical gardens. Its texture and color make it a stunning backdrop for brightly-colored flowers.
Raven ZZ Plant
The Raven ZZ plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) is a striking black-leafed houseplant. Its waxy, shiny leaves start green and gradually turn black, creating a dramatic contrast. It thrives in low-light rooms, making it ideal for dark spaces. The plant stores water in its bulbous roots, which helps regulate moisture, but it’s essential not to overwater as it’s prone to root rot. Slow-growing and easy to care for, it’s best suited for zones 9 to 11.
Hens and Chicks
The Hens and Chicks plant (Sempervivum black) is a mat-forming succulent with thick, green rosettes that darken to black at the tips. The “Hen” produces offsets, called “Chicks,” which grow into new plants. It blooms with star-shaped flowers in summer, though the parent plant dies after flowering. Hardy in zones 3 to 8, this plant thrives in full sun and is ideal for rock gardens or as a houseplant. Its low-maintenance nature makes it popular for succulent enthusiasts.
Black Prince
The Black Prince (Solenostemon) is a tropical evergreen subshrub with dark, almost-black toothed leaves, highlighted by light green edges. Its stunning contrast makes it a popular choice for bedding or container plants. Though it produces lavender-like blooms in summer, many prefer its pre-bloom appearance. Growing up to 30 inches tall and 24 inches wide, it thrives in full sun to partial shade and humus-rich soil. Hardy in zones 10 to 12, it’s low-maintenance.
Zwarktop Aeonium
Zwarktop Aeonium (Aeonium) is a large-rosette succulent that produces glossy, fleshy leaves. When grown in full sun, the leaves appear black, while in part shade, they turn reddish-purple. This monocarpic plant dies after flowering, but it takes years to bloom, offering long-lasting enjoyment. In spring, it produces star-shaped flowers. Hardy in zones 9 to 11, it thrives indoors or outdoors.
Black Taffeta
Black Taffeta (Heuchera), also known as Obsidian Coral Bells, is an evergreen perennial with frilly, silky black leaves. In late spring to early summer, white stems produce light pink, bell-shaped flowers that tower above the foliage. This low-maintenance plant is hardy in zones 4 to 9 and does best in part shade with humusy soil. It’s ideal for borders, rock gardens, or containers and attracts pollinators while being relatively pest and disease-free.
Chocoholic Cimicifuga
Chocoholic (Cimicifuga), also known as Black Snakeroot, is a perennial with dark, bronzy foliage. In late summer, it blooms with delicate mauve-pink bottlebrush flowers that gradually lighten and emit a subtle fragrance. This late-season bloomer thrives in moist, woodland environments and grows up to 59 inches tall. It’s ideal for zones 4 to 9, preferring shade but tolerating sun in cooler climates, making it a striking addition to borders or containers.
Night Embers
Night Embers (Sedum) is a late-season bloomer with dark purple foliage and deep mauve flowers. This succulent grows up to 26 inches tall in a vase-like shape, making it perfect for pairing with shorter plants. It blooms in summer and fall, offering a burst of color when other plants fade. Hardy in zones 3 to 9, Night Embers requires at least 6 hours of sun daily and thrives in well-draining soil, making it an excellent choice for autumn interest and dried flower bouquets.
Black Bamboo
Black Bamboo (Phyllostachys nigra) is a striking ornamental plant known for its polished black canes and green leaves. It takes 2 to 3 years for the canes to fully darken, creating a stunning contrast of black and green. Growing up to 25 feet tall, it serves as an excellent screen or focal point in outdoor spaces. Hardy in zones 7 to 11, Black Bamboo prefers full sun to partial shade and looks fantastic when paired with bright-colored flowers.
Desert Dragon Mangave
The Desert Dragon (Mangave), also known as Mint Chocolate Chip, is a rare hybrid with twisty, mint-green leaves dotted with dark purple to black spots. It grows up to 8 inches tall and 24 inches wide, making it a unique focal point in any garden or border. Hardy in zones 9 to 11, it requires full sun and well-drained soil. Its unusual appearance makes it perfect for those seeking a striking yet manageable plant.
Purple Ruffles
Purple Ruffles (Ocimum basilicum) is a striking basil variety with deep purple, ruffled leaves that often appear black. This biennial or annual herb has a sweet basil flavor with cinnamon and licorice undertones. In summer, it produces tubular white to pink flowers. Growing up to 24 inches tall, it’s ideal for ornamental garden use or in containers. Hardy in zones 2 to 11, it prefers well-drained, fertile soil and full sun.
Chinese Jade
Chinese Jade (Sinocrassula yunnanensis) is a succulent resembling tiny hedgehogs, with clumps of upright, fleshy, pointy leaves that range from dark green to nearly black. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and needs well-drained soil. Measuring only 4 inches tall, it’s ideal for rockeries or containers. Hardy in zones 7 to 11.
Enchanted Sunrise Begonia
The Enchanted Sunrise Begonia (Begonia) features dark foliage with lime green veins, complemented by coral-pink blooms with yellow centers. This versatile plant grows up to 36 inches tall and thrives in containers, bedding, or hanging baskets. Hardy in zones 9 to 11, it prefers partial sun to full shade. Blooming year-round, it’s a reblooming, evergreen variety that’s easy to care for, making it perfect for beginners seeking a continuous floral display.
Black Knight
Black Knight (Echeveria affinis) is a stunning succulent with dark purple to black thick leaves, ideal for indoor spaces. Native to Mexico and Central America, it thrives in hot climates but must be brought indoors in cooler conditions. This succulent may bloom coral-red flowers under optimal care and prefers full sun with some afternoon shade in scorching areas. Hardy in zones 10 to 11, it thrives in gritty, well-draining soil and needs sparing summer watering.
Spilled Wine
Spilled Wine (Weigela florida) is a compact, deciduous shrub with striking dark wine-colored foliage and bright pink blooms. Growing up to 36 inches tall, this easy-to-grow plant adds a showy appearance to borders or containers. It blooms from mid-spring to fall, attracting hummingbirds and wildlife. Hardy in zones 4 to 8, this plant thrives in full sun, and its foliage adds contrast even before blooming. Plus, it is rarely damaged by deer, making it low-maintenance for gardens.
Polly
Also known as the Amazonian Elephant Ear, Polly (Alocasia) is a tropical indoor plant with dark green leaves and creamy white veins. Growing up to 18 inches tall, this evergreen perennial thrives in warmth and humidity. Ideal as a specimen plant for indoor spaces, it can also be grown outdoors in zones 10 to 12. Polly prefers partial shade and organically rich, moist soil. Its dramatic contrast of dark foliage and white veins.
Onyx and Pearls
Onyx and Pearls (Penstemon) is a stunning plant with tall black foliage and delicate pearl-white flowers. It attracts pollinators and thrives in full sun, requiring at least 6 hours of direct light. Hardy in zones 3 to 8, this drought-tolerant perennial grows up to 42 inches and blooms from early to midsummer. Its dark foliage provides continuous interest even after blooming, making it a focal point in containers or garden beds and a great choice for beginner gardeners.
Blackhawks
Blackhawks (Andropogon gerardii) is a striking ornamental grass that starts with purple foliage, darkening to almost black by fall. Favored for its rapid growth, it reaches up to 36 inches tall, providing screening and a backdrop for other plants. Its yellow flowers add an extra visual element. Hardy in zones 3 to 9, Blackhawks thrive in full sun and adapts well to various conditions.
Black Haworthia
Black Haworthia (Haworthiopsis nigra), also known as Aloe Nigra, is a slow-growing succulent with stiff, folded dark green to black leaves. This architectural plant is easy to care for, making it a great indoor option for window ledges with plenty of sunlight. Hardy in zones 10 to 11, it blooms small white flowers in late spring. Native to South Africa, this succulent grows up to 5 inches tall and can also thrive outdoors in optimal conditions.
Black-Spined Agave
The Black-Spined Agave (Agave macroacantha) is a light green succulent with hazardous black spikes, making it best suited for areas out of reach from humans and pets. This plant reaches up to 24 inches tall and produces a once in a-lifetime bloom when mature, with a flowering spike reaching up to 72 inches. Hardy in zones 8 to 11, this evergreen succulent is perfect for outdoor spaces or indoor growing in cooler climates.
