In a world of bright daisies and pink roses, there is something undeniably captivating about a Black Flower. It feels rebellious. It feels rare. It feels like a secret nature decided to keep.
Botanically speaking, “true black” doesn’t exist in the flower world. Most of these blooms are actually extremely deep shades of purple, maroon, or red that absorb so much light they appear black to the human eye. But that technicality doesn’t make them any less magical.
As Shiny Aura, I love using black flowers to create depth. Just like a “Little Black Dress” is a staple in fashion, a black flower is a staple in a sophisticated garden. They provide a stunning contrast against lime green foliage or white blooms (the “Moon Garden” opposite).
Whether you are designing a Goth Garden or just want a touch of drama, here are 15 mysterious blooms to plant this season.
In this article, we'll cover
1. Queen of Night Tulip
This is arguably the most famous black flower in history. The Queen of Night Tulip is a velvety, deep maroon-black that looks like dark silk. It blooms late in the spring, offering a dramatic finale to the tulip season.
Symbolism: Power and strength. It represents a love that survives through the darkest times.
Shiny’s Tip: Plant them alongside white tulips for a classic “checkerboard” effect in your flower bed.
2. Black Baccara Rose
If you want the darkest rose available on the market, look for the Black Baccara. It isn’t truly black, but a deep blood-red that appears almost charcoal in the bud stage. Unlike other roses, it has very little scent, pouring all its energy into that intense color.
Symbolism: Fatal attraction, mystery, and deep passion. It is the ultimate flower for a romantic gesture that says, “You are one of a kind.”
3. Black Velvet Petunia
In 2010, horticulturists achieved the impossible: a truly black petunia. The Black Velvet Petunia is genetically modified to produce a color so dark it absorbs almost all light. It has a velvety texture that you just want to touch.
Symbolism: Uniqueness and rebellion.
Shiny’s Tip: These are perfect for hanging baskets. Pair them with bright yellow flowers for a “bumblebee” theme that pops from a distance.
4. Black Hellebore
Also known as the Christmas Rose, the Black Hellebore (Helleborus niger) is deceptive—the name actually refers to its black roots, not always the flower! However, varieties like the ‘Onyx Odyssey’ produce stunning slate-black double blooms in the middle of winter.
Symbolism: Protection and serenity amidst the cold.
5. Black Dahlia
Famous in Hollywood history for tragic reasons, the flower itself is a masterpiece. The Black Dahlia (specifically the ‘Arabian Night’ variety) features spiky, geometric petals in a deep burgundy-black.
Symbolism: Betrayal (historically), but also inner strength and standing out from the crowd.
Shiny’s Tip: Dahlias are heavy feeders. Give them plenty of fertilizer to keep those dark blooms coming all summer long.
6. Bat Flower
This is the weirdest plant on the list. The Black Bat Flower (Tacca chantrieri) literally looks like a bat in flight. It has large black “wings” (bracts) and long flowing “whiskers” that can grow up to 28 inches long.
Symbolism: Danger and intrigue.
Shiny’s Tip: It is a tropical plant that hates the cold. Keep it as an exotic houseplant in a humid bathroom to freak out (and impress) your guests.
7. Black Pansy
The Black Pansy is a staple for cool-weather gardening. With its small, happy face in a somber color, it creates a wonderful juxtaposition. It is one of the easiest black flowers to grow from seed.
Symbolism: Loving thoughts. Giving a pansy means “I am thinking of you.”
8. Black Calla Lily
Sophisticated and architectural, the Black Calla Lily (such as the ‘Black Star’ variety) features a dark, trumpet-shaped bloom and speckled foliage. It is often used in modern, minimalist floral arrangements.
Symbolism: Elegance, mystery, and farewell. It is a popular choice for elegant memorial services.
9. Chocolate Cosmos
Not only is this flower a deep reddish-brown color, but it also smells exactly like vanilla chocolate! The Chocolate Cosmos (Cosmos atrosanguineus) is native to Mexico and is extinct in the wild—it only exists in cultivation.
Symbolism: Order and harmony.
Shiny’s Tip: Plant these near a patio seating area so you can enjoy the chocolate scent on warm afternoons.
10. Black Iris
The Jordanian Black Iris is the national flower of Jordan. It is a stunning, hardy plant with silky petals that shimmer between purple and black in the sunlight.
Symbolism: Wisdom and valor.
11. Black Scabiosa
Also known as the “Mourning Bride,” the Black Scabiosa (specifically ‘Ace of Spades’) has pincushion-like flowers on long, wiry stems. The tiny white stamens contrast beautifully against the dark petals.
Symbolism: Unfortunate love or widowhood (historically), but now prized for its unique texture in bouquets.
12. Black Hollyhock
For a cottage garden with a goth twist, plant Black Hollyhocks (‘Nigra’). These tall spikes can grow up to 6 feet high, covered in chocolate-maroon blooms.
Symbolism: Ambition and fruitfulness.
Shiny’s Tip: Plant them against a white picket fence or a light-colored wall. The contrast is absolutely breathtaking.
13. Black Gladiolus
The Black Star Gladiolus shoots up tall spikes of deep purple-black flowers. It adds incredible vertical interest to the back of a flower border.
Symbolism: Strength of character and integrity.
14. Black Hyacinth
The Midnight Mystic Hyacinth is a rare variety that offers the famous sweet Hyacinth fragrance wrapped in jet-black petals. It is a true collector’s item.
Symbolism: Sorrow and forgiveness.
15. Black Succulent
Finally, for the low-maintenance gardener, there is the Black Rose Succulent (Aeonium ‘Zwartkop’). It isn’t a flower, but its rosettes of fleshy leaves turn nearly black when exposed to full sun.
Symbolism: Enduring beauty.
Shiny’s Tip: This is perfect for a modern rock garden or a windowsill pot. The more sun you give it, the darker it gets!
Designing a Dark Garden
When planting black flowers, remember that they can “disappear” in the shade. To make them stand out, you need contrast.
- The Silver Pair: Plant black flowers next to silver foliage plants like Dusty Miller or Lamb’s Ear.
- The Chartreuse Pop: Pair them with neon-green plants like Sweet Potato Vine for a modern, electric look.