Dark Flowers and Plants: 15 Moody Species for a Gothic Garden Aesthetic

In a world obsessed with bright greens and rainbow blooms, there is a quiet rebellion happening. It is sophisticated, mysterious, and undeniably chic: The Dark Garden.

While we have covered “Black Flowers” before, this list goes deeper. We are talking about Dark Plants—foliage so deep purple it looks like obsidian, and leaves that absorb light like velvet. These plants are the backbone of the “Goth Garden” trend, but they also work beautifully in modern minimalist homes to provide high contrast against white walls.

As Shiny Aura, I love using dark plants to create drama. They act as the “shadow” that makes the rest of the garden pop. Here are 15 dark flowers and foliage plants to bring a moody elegance to your space.

1. Raven ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)

The ultimate goth houseplant. New leaves emerge bright lime green but quickly mature to a shiny, jet-black color. It is incredibly low-maintenance and tolerates low light, making it perfect for a moody bedroom corner.

2. Black Mondo Grass (Ophiopogon planiscapus ‘Nigrescens’)

This is a ground cover essential. It forms tufts of grass-like strappy leaves that are truly black. Plant it in mass borders or use it to contrast against white marble chips in a Zen garden.

3. Rubber Tree ‘Burgundy’ (Ficus elastica)

A classic indoor tree with thick, glossy leaves that are a deep, dark purple-green. The underside of the leaf often has a reddish hue. It adds instant height and drama to a living room.

4. Persian Shield (Strobilanthes dyerianus)

This foliage plant looks like it was painted with metallic iridescent paint. The leaves are a shimmering royal purple with dark green/black veins. It glows in the shade and loves humidity.

5. Smoke Bush ‘Royal Purple’ (Cotinus)

A large deciduous shrub that looks like a cloud of dark purple smoke. The foliage is maroon-red, and the flower plumes are fuzzy and pinkish-grey. It makes a stunning backdrop for lighter green plants.

6. Coral Bells ‘Obsidian’ (Heuchera)

Heuchera comes in many colors, but ‘Obsidian’ is the darkest. Its smooth, shiny leaves are a deep purplish-black that doesn’t fade in the sun. It is perfect for edging shady pathways.

7. Colocasia ‘Black Magic’ (Elephant Ear)

If you want tropical drama, this is it. The massive, heart-shaped leaves are a dusty charcoal black on purple stems. It loves water and can even be grown in a pond margin.

8. Sweet Potato Vine ‘Blackie’

The classic “spiller” for container gardens. Its lobed, maple-like leaves are a deep purple-black. It grows vigorously, cascading down the sides of hanging baskets.

9. Begonia ‘Black Mamba’

Rex Begonias are known for patterns, but ‘Black Mamba’ goes for texture. It has star-shaped, velvety black leaves and red stems. It looks like a creature from another planet.

10. Canna ‘Tropicanna Black’

With broad, bronze-chocolate leaves and bright scarlet flowers, this Canna Lily is a showstopper. Backlit by the sun, the dark leaves glow with a fiery red edge.

11. Purple Heart (Tradescantia pallida)

A trailing plant with fleshy, purple stems and leaves. It produces tiny pink flowers. It is incredibly tough and easy to propagate—just snap off a stem and stick it in the soil.

12. Ninebark ‘Diablo’ (Physocarpus)

A hardy shrub with dark purple foliage and peeling bark. In spring, it is covered in clusters of white flowers that stand out starkly against the dark leaves.

13. Ajuga ‘Black Scallop’

A low-growing ground cover with crinkled, glossy, near-black leaves. It produces spikes of blue flowers in spring. It is excellent for suppressing weeds in shady areas.

14. Philodendron ‘Black Cardinal’

Unlike vining philodendrons, this one grows in a self-heading rosette. The new leaves emerge bronze and darken to a deep blackish-green. The stems are a dark red.

15. Dark Opal Basil

Don’t forget the edibles! Dark Opal Basil has deep purple leaves that taste just like regular basil. It looks beautiful in a salad and makes a stunning pink vinegar.