Black Plants: Adding Drama to the Garden with Dark Foliage and Flowers

Black foliage and flowers accentuate other colors in the garden such as silver, gold, and bright-colored tones. Black plants add a touch of allure and update your garden with a more modern, elegant look.

Creating a black garden requires careful planning beforehand in order to achieve the desired effect, such as using black plants simply as accents in the garden or as the main color. Using the differing tones and hues correctly within this interesting palette can actually enhance gloomy areas. Black plants mix easily with other colors in spite of what some people may have been led to believe. With black plant palettes, you are simply using some of the darkest colors and contrasting them with lighter shades that intensify them. For instance, a dark border will stand out against a lighter background. Therefore, you might consider using a metallic-colored backdrop, like gold or silver, allowing your black plants to be seen easily. Due to their color they need to be spotlighted in sunny locations. If you place black plants in shady areas, the site will appear dull and unappealing. Stick them in the sun or against a lighter backdrop, however, and suddenly the garden comes to life. You should keep in mind though that black plants may require additional watering due to their darker color to prevent them from withering from the heat of the sun.

When using black plants in the garden, you should always consider the texture and form of the plants. Texture adds interest, especially in monochromatic schemes, where this is essential. The shape of the plants is also important. Look for different flower types and even something a bit unusual for additional drama, such as the Dragon Arum (Dracunculus vulgaris). There are numerous black plants to choose from to add drama in your black garden: deep purple to black tulips (Black Parrot or Queen of the Night), black mondo grass, black hollyhock (Alcea rosea Nigra), and Colocasia 'Black Magic' (a black variety of elephant ears). Heuchera 'Mocha' is a stunning coffee-colored plant that intensifies in the sun, turning almost black. Its exceptional foliage adds texture and presence to nearly any garden setting. Buddleias are known for their prolific blooms and the variety 'Black Knight' takes it a step further with stunning bluish-black flowers from summer to early autumn. There's the dark, chocolate-colored sweet William 'Sooty' (Dianthus barbatus nigrescens) with its frilly, carnation-like blooms. Roses that are so deeply red they appear black include varieties like Black Magic, Black Beauty, and Black Baccara. Some other dark, nearly black plants to consider include iris (Dark Vader, Superstition), pansies (Bowles Black), dahlias (Arabian Night), columbine (Black Barlow), and daylilies (Starling, Black Jack).

Since there is such an overwhelming list to choose from, there should be no problem selecting enough black plants of different tones, textures, and forms to provide year-round interest. Don't be afraid to experiment; you have nothing to lose. Explore the possibilities and have fun with your black plants. You may find it easier to use containers that will allow you to mix and match your black plants until you find a particular style or grouping that works for you. Black plants blend in nicely with most other colors. Show your black plants off against lighter colors and you are sure to add drama to the garden. There are black plants for every situation in the garden no matter where you are located.