Black flowers add an unexpected and dramatic touch to any garden. Though they might seem unusual, there are many types that you can choose from to make your garden stand out. Have you ever wondered which black flowers could thrive in your garden?
In this article, you will explore 25 types of black flowers that can transform your outdoor space. From their botanical names to their specific growing needs, you’ll find all the essential information to help you pick the perfect black blooms for your gardening goals.
In this article, we'll cover
- 1. Black Baccara Rose
- 2. Queen of Night Tulip
- 3. Molly Sanderson Viola
- 4. Black Star Calla Lily
- 5. Black Beauty Elderberry
- 6. Onyx Odyssey Hellebore
- 7. Bat Orchid
- 8. Jet Black Hollyhock
- 9. Black Dragon Coleus
- 10. Black King Pansy
- 11. Black Madras Grass
- 12. Black Mondo Grass
- 13. Black Pearl Pepper
- 14. Black Velvet Petunia
- 15. Lucifer Crocosmia
- 16. Chocolate Cosmos
- 17. Raven ZZ Plant
- 18. Black Magic Elephant Ear
- 19. Nigra Hollyhock
- 20. Black Knight Scabiosa
- 21. Black Hero Tulip
- 22. Black Night Petunia
- 23. Ebony Gladiolus
- 24. Black Prince Snapdragons
- 25. Sooty Sweet Pea
1. Black Baccara Rose
- Botanical Name: Rosa ‘Black Baccara’
- Meaning: Mystery and elegance
- Growing Zones: 5-9
- Soil Needs: Well-drained, slightly acidic
- Water Needs: Regular watering
- Sunlight Needs: Full sun
- Bloom Time: Spring to fall
Black Baccara Rose is loved for its deep, dark red petals that appear nearly black. These stunning hybrid tea roses have medium-large, very full blooms that can last up to two weeks in a vase.
It’s important to place Black Baccara Rose in well-drained soil. Regular watering helps keep the plant healthy. Make sure it gets plenty of sunlight throughout the day to promote blooming.
2. Queen of Night Tulip
- Botanical Name: Tulipa ‘Queen of Night’
- Meaning: Elegance and mystery
- Growing Zones: 3-8
- Soil Needs: Moist but well-drained
- Water Needs: Moderate
- Sunlight Needs: Full sun
- Bloom Time: Late spring
The Queen of Night tulip is famous for its deep, dark purple petals that appear almost black. These tulips are a favorite for creating dramatic and striking garden arrangements.
You can pair them with lighter colored flowers, like white or pale tulips, to highlight their rich color. They also look great with white hyacinths and other spring blooms.
Queen of Night tulips grow best in full sun and moist but well-drained soil. They thrive in growing zones 3 to 8. Make sure to give them moderate water for the best results.
3. Molly Sanderson Viola
- Botanical Name: Viola ‘Molly Sanderson’
- Meaning: Elegance and Mystery
- Growing Zones: 3-9
- Soil Needs: Well-drained soil
- Water Needs: Even moisture
- Sunlight Needs: Sun to mostly shade
- Bloom Time: Spring to Summer
Molly Sanderson Viola is a stunning flower with deep, almost black petals.
It’s a semi-evergreen perennial, meaning it stays green and lovely through most seasons.
You can plant this viola in pots or directly in your garden.
Their velvety petals have bright yellow eyes, making them pop even more.
With the proper care, they will produce many blooms from spring through summer.
Enjoy their beauty and add a touch of mystery to your garden.
4. Black Star Calla Lily
- Botanical Name: Zantedeschia ‘Black Star’
- Meaning: Elegance and Mystery
- Growing Zones: 8-11
- Soil Needs: Rich, well-draining soil
- Water Needs: Moderate
- Sunlight Needs: Full sun to partial shade
- Bloom Time: Early summer to early fall
Black Star Calla Lily is a unique flower with dark, almost black, trumpet-shaped blooms. These flowers have plum purple overtones that make them stand out in any garden.
You can plant them in containers or garden borders. They reach about 18 inches tall, extending up to 24 inches when in bloom. They grow best in rich and well-draining soil. Make sure you water them moderately and give them full sun to partial shade.
5. Black Beauty Elderberry
- Botanical Name: Sambucus nigra ‘Black Beauty’
- Meaning: Represents strength and protection
- Growing Zones: 4-7
- Soil Needs: Well-drained to average soil
- Water Needs: Moderate
- Sunlight Needs: Full sun to partial shade
- Bloom Time: Early summer
Black Beauty Elderberry is known for its striking dark purple-black leaves. You’ll enjoy the lacy foliage that adds a dramatic touch to your garden.
In early summer, pink flowers bloom, bringing a sweet anise scent. They offer a lovely contrast against the dark leaves, making it a standout plant.
This elderberry is not just pretty. It’s tough and durable, thriving in various soil conditions.
6. Onyx Odyssey Hellebore
- Botanical Name: Helleborus x hybridus ‘Onyx Odyssey’
- Meaning: Named for its dark, almost black, double flowers
- Growing Zones: 4-9
- Soil Needs: Well-drained, rich soil
- Water Needs: Regular watering
- Sunlight Needs: Partial to full shade
- Bloom Time: Late winter to early spring
Onyx Odyssey Hellebore is a striking plant with deep, dark blooms that appear almost black. The flowers are full and double, creating a dramatic look in your garden.
This Hellebore grows in a bushy, upright clump and can reach up to 12-15 inches tall. It can spread about 24 inches across.
Ideal for shaded areas, Onyx Odyssey Hellebore can add a unique touch to your garden during late winter and early spring when most other plants are still dormant.
7. Bat Orchid
- Botanical Name: Tacca chantrieri
- Meaning: Mystery and Intuition
- Growing Zones: USDA zones 10-11
- Soil Needs: Well-drained, acidic
- Water Needs: Keep soil consistently moist
- Sunlight Needs: Partial to full shade
- Bloom Time: Late spring to early fall
The Bat Orchid, also known as the Black Bat Flower, is a tropical plant known for its unique shape. Its dark, wing-like petals and long whiskers give it a mysterious appearance.
This plant prefers warm, humid environments and does well in partial to full shade. It thrives in well-drained, acidic soil and needs to be kept consistently moist.
The Bat Orchid blooms from late spring to early fall. Its flowers can be quite large, adding an exotic touch to your garden. Remember, this plant is not frost-tolerant and should be kept indoors if temperatures drop.
8. Jet Black Hollyhock
- Botanical Name: Alcea rosea nigra
- Meaning: Mysterious beauty
- Growing Zones: 3-9
- Soil Needs: Well-draining, slightly acidic to neutral
- Water Needs: Moderate
- Sunlight Needs: Full sun
- Bloom Time: Summer (June to September)
Jet Black Hollyhock is a stunning plant with tall, elegant stalks that can reach up to 8 feet high. These flowers bloom in deep, dark hues that appear almost black but are actually violet-brown.
You will love how these blooms bring a dramatic flair to your garden. They thrive best in rich, well-draining soil. Make sure the pH level is between 6.0 and 7.0.
Place your Jet Black Hollyhocks in full sun to ensure they grow strong and tall. They do well with moderate watering. You should remove any rocks or debris from the soil before planting.
Dress up your fence lines or garden edges with these eye-catching flowers. They not only look great but also attract butterflies and bees.
9. Black Dragon Coleus
- Botanical Name: Solenostemon scutellarioides ‘Black Dragon’
- Meaning: Symbolizes boldness and strength
- Growing Zones: 10 to 11
- Soil Needs: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0-7.0)
- Water Needs: Moderate, keep soil moist but not waterlogged
- Sunlight Needs: Partial shade to full shade
- Bloom Time: Late summer to early fall
The Black Dragon Coleus is a favorite among gardeners for its striking foliage. The leaves are a deep maroon to dark purple, making them stand out in any garden.
This plant grows to about 12 inches in height and spreads to the same width. It’s perfect for containers, borders, or as a bedding plant.
When planting, make sure to space the plants 12-18 inches apart. This will give them enough room to thrive. Keep the soil moist, especially during hot weather, and enjoy the bold colors it brings to your garden.
10. Black King Pansy
- Botanical Name: Viola x wittrockiana ‘Black King’
- Meaning: Unique, mysterious beauty
- Growing Zones: 6-10
- Soil Needs: Well-drained, rich soil
- Water Needs: Moderate
- Sunlight Needs: Full sun to partial shade
- Bloom Time: Early spring to late fall
Black King Pansy stands out with its striking black petals. You’ll find these flowers can create a bold statement in your garden.
You can plant Black King Pansies in garden beds, borders, or containers. They do best in well-drained, rich soil and need moderate watering.
With proper care, these pansies will bloom from early spring to late fall, providing beauty over several months.
11. Black Madras Grass
- Botanical Name: Oryza sativa ‘Black Madras’
- Meaning: Unique and dramatic foliage
- Growing Zones: 7-11
- Soil Needs: Clay or loam
- Water Needs: Moist to wet soil
- Sunlight Needs: Full sun to partial shade
- Bloom Time: Summer to fall
Black Madras Grass has stunning dark purple foliage that adds drama to any garden. You can plant it in a pond, bog garden, or container. This annual grass can grow up to 18 inches tall.
Make sure the soil stays moist, as this plant loves water. It’s also easy to care for and provides a unique texture with its striking color.
12. Black Mondo Grass
- Botanical Name: Ophiopogon planiscapus ‘Nigrescens’
- Meaning: Elegance and mystery
- Growing Zones: 6 to 9
- Soil Needs: Slightly acidic, well-draining soil
- Water Needs: Moderate, regular watering
- Sunlight Needs: Full sun to partial shade
- Bloom Time: Summer
Black Mondo Grass is a striking ornamental plant. It has dark, almost black, grass-like leaves. During summer, it produces small purple or lavender flowers, followed by blue berries.
This plant is native to Japan and Korea. It thrives in both full sun and partial shade, making it versatile for different garden settings.
Expect it to grow about 8-12 inches tall and spread 9-12 inches wide. It’s a great choice for ground cover or edging in your garden.
13. Black Pearl Pepper
- Botanical Name: Capsicum annuum ‘Black Pearl’
- Meaning: Beauty and Elegance
- Growing Zones: 4-11
- Soil Needs: Well-drained
- Water Needs: Moderate
- Sunlight Needs: Full Sun
- Bloom Time: Summer to Fall
Black Pearl Pepper plants are not just for eating. They are also a striking ornamental variety. You’ll love their glossy black foliage, which really stands out in any garden or landscape.
These plants grow up to 18 inches tall and 12 inches wide. The leaves start green but quickly turn a shiny black.
The peppers are small, round, and change from black to red as they mature. While they do add a pop of color, be cautious. They pack a surprising heat level ranging from 10,000 to 30,000 Scoville heat units.
The light citrusy-sweet flavor makes them unique among other peppers. Whether you grow them for their beauty or their heat, Black Pearl Peppers are sure to be a conversation starter.
14. Black Velvet Petunia
- Botanical Name: Petunia hybrid
- Meaning: Unique elegance
- Growing Zones: 9-11
- Soil Needs: Well-drained soil
- Water Needs: Moderate
- Sunlight Needs: Full sun
- Bloom Time: Spring to fall
Black Velvet Petunia is a mesmerizing flower with dark, velvety petals that almost look black. These beautiful blooms add a touch of mystery to any garden.
You should plant them in well-drained soil and ensure they get plenty of sunlight. About 6 hours of full sun each day is ideal.
These petunias need moderate watering. Be careful not to overwater to avoid root rot. Their striking color makes them perfect for flower beds, containers, and hanging baskets.
Enjoy the unique beauty they bring to your outdoor space!
15. Lucifer Crocosmia
- Botanical Name: Crocosmia ‘Lucifer’
- Meaning: Symbolizes energy and stability
- Growing Zones: 5-9
- Soil Needs: Well-drained soil
- Water Needs: Moderate
- Sunlight Needs: Full sun
- Bloom Time: Mid to late summer
Lucifer Crocosmia is known for its striking red flowers. These flowers stand tall on sturdy stems, making a bold statement in any garden.
You can grow this plant in well-drained soil. Make sure to plant the corms about 2-3 inches deep.
Lucifer Crocosmia does best in full sun and needs moderate watering. Be sure not to let it sit in waterlogged soil to prevent bulb rot.
16. Chocolate Cosmos
- Botanical Name: Cosmos atrosanguineus
- Meaning: Dark beauty and mysterious allure
- Growing Zones: 8-10
- Soil Needs: Well-drained, loamy soil
- Water Needs: Moderate
- Sunlight Needs: Full sun
- Bloom Time: August to October
Chocolate Cosmos have deep burgundy flowers, almost black. They are named for their chocolate scent.
These plants grow up to 60 cm tall and 18 cm wide. Their leaves are pinnate and 7-15 cm long. Each leaflet is 2-5 cm long.
Chocolate Cosmos thrive in full sun and well-drained soil. You should water them moderately without soaking the soil. The best time to see their flowers is from August to October.
17. Raven ZZ Plant
- Botanical Name: Zamioculcas zamiifolia ‘Raven’
- Meaning: Resilience and endurance
- Growing Zones: 9-11
- Soil Needs: Well-draining soil
- Water Needs: Low
- Sunlight Needs: Low to medium light
- Bloom Time: Rarely blooms indoors
The Raven ZZ Plant has gained popularity for its striking dark foliage. Its leaves start as bright green and turn a deep purple-black over time.
Native to Eastern Africa, it’s easy to care for and thrives in low light. To propagate, you can use stem cuttings.
Water this plant sparingly, letting the soil dry out between waterings. With minimal care, your Raven ZZ Plant can add a touch of elegance to any room.
18. Black Magic Elephant Ear
- Botanical Name: Colocasia esculenta ‘Black Magic’
- Meaning: Known for its striking, [dark leaves](https://morflora.com/tropical-flowers/) that resemble elephant ears.
- Growing Zones: USDA zones 8-12
- Soil Needs: Prefers [well-draining soil](https://morflora.com/balloon-flower/); sand, loam, or clay can work
- Water Needs: Requires regular watering
- Sunlight Needs: Partial shade to full sun, but avoid too much direct sunlight
- Bloom Time: Produces small, insignificant flowers
The Black Magic Elephant Ear is notable for its large, dark purple leaves. These can grow up to 3-6 feet tall, adding dramatic flair to your garden.
They need well-draining soil and regular watering. You can use a mix of sand, loam, or even clay to meet their soil needs.
Be sure to place them where they’ll get a mix of sun and shade. Too much direct sunlight can harm the plant, so balance is key. Expect small flowers, though they’re not very showy.
19. Nigra Hollyhock
- Botanical Name: Alcea rosea nigra
- Meaning: Mysterious beauty
- Growing Zones: 3-9
- Soil Needs: Well-drained, sandy soil
- Water Needs: Moderate
- Sunlight Needs: Full sun
- Bloom Time: June to September
Nigra Hollyhock, also known as Alcea rosea nigra, is a stunning flower that can reach heights of 4 to 8 feet. These flowers have a unique dark color that appears almost black, though it is closer to a deep violet-brown.
You’ll find Nigra Hollyhocks are perfect for adding a dramatic flair to your garden. They need full sun and sandy soil to thrive. Niger Hollyhocks bloom from June to September, offering a long period of beauty.
20. Black Knight Scabiosa
- Botanical Name: Scabiosa atropurpurea
- Meaning: Resilience and Love
- Growing Zones: 10 and warmer
- Soil Needs: Well-drained soil
- Water Needs: Moderate
- Sunlight Needs: Full sun to part shade
- Bloom Time: Summer to frost
Black Knight Scabiosa, also known as the Pincushion Flower, is a striking plant with nearly black, deep crimson flowers. The flowers look like pincushions due to their unique shape and contrasting white stigmas.
These flowers thrive in full sun to part shade and prefer well-drained soil. They grow to a height of 18-24 inches and can spread up to 18 inches wide. They are perfect for attracting pollinators like butterflies and bees to your garden.
They begin to bloom in summer and continue until the first frost. Their long stems make them a great choice for cut flowers. With a mildly sweet fragrance and a dramatic appearance, Black Knight Scabiosa adds elegance to any garden.
21. Black Hero Tulip
- Botanical Name: Tulipa ‘Black Hero’
- Meaning: Strength and Elegance
- Growing Zones: 3-8
- Soil Needs: Well-drained
- Water Needs: Moderate
- Sunlight Needs: Full Sun
- Bloom Time: Late Spring
The Black Hero Tulip is a stunning, peony-flowered tulip. Its large, dark maroon to mahogany petals may look almost black in certain lights.
This tulip is a sport of the famous Queen of the Night tulip but boasts twice the number of petals, making it even more dramatic.
When planting Black Hero Tulip bulbs, place them four to six inches deep and four to five inches apart. They thrive in well-drained soil and need plenty of sunlight.
22. Black Night Petunia
- Botanical Name: Petunia x hybrida
- Meaning: Mysterious and Elegant
- Growing Zones: 9-11
- Soil Needs: Well-draining soil
- Water Needs: Moderate, keep soil moist but not waterlogged
- Sunlight Needs: Full sun to partial shade
- Bloom Time: Spring to Fall
Black Night Petunia is a striking flower with deep, dark blooms. Almost black in color, these flowers bring a touch of mystery to your garden.
You can use them in garden beds or containers. Black Night Petunias thrive in well-draining soil and need regular watering.
They love full sun but can also grow in partial shade. These petunias bloom from spring to fall, adding elegance throughout the growing season.
23. Ebony Gladiolus
- Botanical Name: Gladiolus ‘Ebony’
- Meaning: Strength and elegance
- Growing Zones: 7-10
- Soil Needs: Well-drained, loamy soil
- Water Needs: Moderate
- Sunlight Needs: Full sun
- Bloom Time: Mid to late summer
You will love the striking look of Ebony Gladiolus. These flowers feature deep, dark petals that almost appear black, offering a dramatic flair to your garden.
Ebony Gladiolus grows tall and sturdy, reaching heights of up to 4 feet. They thrive in full sun, needing well-drained soil to flourish.
These flowers bloom in mid to late summer. Their stunning appearance makes them excellent for cut arrangements or as stand-out garden features.
Remember to water them moderately. Too much water can cause root rot. Once established, they are relatively low-maintenance and will add beauty to any space.
24. Black Prince Snapdragons
- Botanical Name: Antirrhinum majus ‘Black Prince‘
- Meaning: Elegance, Mystery, and Strength
- Growing Zones: 7-10
- Soil Needs: Well-drained, fertile soil
- Water Needs: Moderate, keep soil moist but not soggy
- Sunlight Needs: Full sun
- Bloom Time: Spring to early summer
Black Prince Snapdragons are a unique variety with dark purple leaves and deep red flowers. These snapdragons stand out in any garden due to their striking color and sturdy stems.
They grow up to 18 inches tall, making them a good option for flower beds and borders. Black Prince Snapdragons are also a great choice for cut flowers.
These flowers thrive in warmer weather and prefer lots of sunlight. For best results, plant them in well-draining, fertile soil and keep the soil moist.
25. Sooty Sweet Pea
- Botanical Name: Lathyrus odoratus ‘Sooty’
- Meaning: Immortality and good luck
- Growing Zones: 2-11
- Soil Needs: Well-drained, rich, and moist soil
- Water Needs: Regular watering; do not let the soil dry out
- Sunlight Needs: Full sun to partial shade
- Bloom Time: Late spring to early summer
Sooty Sweet Pea is a stunning variety known for its almost black, deep maroon flowers. Its unique color makes it a standout in any garden.
Despite its delicate appearance, Sooty Sweet Pea is easy to grow. It thrives in cooler climates and prefers rich, well-drained soil.
Make sure to water it regularly, but avoid letting the soil get too dry. It does best in full sun but can tolerate some partial shade.
Sooty Sweet Pea blooms in late spring to early summer. Its striking flowers make it a lovely addition to your garden trellis or arch.