Though rare, black flowers aren’t always the work of clever photography or artificial dyes. If you want to fill your garden with plants of the darker variety, there are numerous black bloomers available to choose from.

For example, black lilies, petunias, tulips, irises, and dahlias are all relatively common. There’s nothing wrong with sticking to the basics, and you may even get lucky and find some of these plants at your local greenhouse or nursery. 

In this article, I’ll introduce you to my favourite plants with black flowers and provide some expert tips and tricks to expand your landscape design skills.

Plant Science 101: How Black Plants Get Their Color

It’s easy to take for granted how much work plants put into producing brilliant, eye-catching flowers. While these displays play a direct role in reproduction — colour is just one piece of the pollinator-attracting puzzle — they also bring plenty of joy to us, gardeners.

Let’s rewind to our early school days: Flower colour is primarily determined by pigments like anthocyanins and carotenoids. Each pigment reflects and absorbs waves of light. (Remember using a glass prism to ‘split’ those waves into a rainbow of individual colours?) The specific waves reflected by a plant pigment determine the colour we see.

Most flower pigments appear red, pink, yellow, or purple to the human eye. However, some varieties have evolved (or been carefully bred) to contain a blend of pigments that absorb nearly all available light. And that’s how you end up with a black flower!

What Makes Black Flowers So Rare?

I can think of plenty of reasons why you or I would want to include black flowers in a garden or container arrangement. Yet you’d have a very hard time finding such a flower growing in your local meadow or woodland.

Something to keep in mind is that plants can produce surprisingly dark pigments but nothing quite as dark as, say, black pen ink. This means any flower that appears black is actually a very, very dark shade of another colour (e.g., red or purple). 

These undertones are usually most visible when the flowers are in direct sunlight. If you have a good eye for colour theory, try playing these subtle differences off of each other when designing your new dark landscape.

Black flowers are also terrible for drawing the attention of potential pollinators. This explains why practically all black flowers available today were created through careful breeding and hybridization. From the plants’ perspectives, there’s little point in making such dark flowers.

20 Black Flowering Plants for Your Home Garden

While some black flowers can be difficult to find and cultivate, they’re sure to add a touch of mystery and elegance to any garden bed or floral arrangement. This list should go a long way in helping you narrow down which black blooms you want to try your hand at growing first!

There are a few plant species that produce exclusively near-black flowers — e.g., Tacca chantrieri. However, it’s important to note that the vast majority of black flowers only appear in certain varieties. 

For each plant below, I’ve listed the species name and some of the best varieties (when applicable) to help you find the right flowers for your design needs. 

1. Petunia

• Species: Petunia x hybrida
• Recommended Varieties: ‘Black Velvet’ (pictured)

The Black Velvet petunia is the blackest flower I’ve ever seen in person. It has incredibly dark purple petals that look truly black in all but the most direct sunlight.

This annual or tender perennial adds a touch of unique elegance to garden beds or containers. Petunias ‘spill’ as they grow and work particularly well in small hanging baskets. 

Plant your petunias in well-draining soil and provide at least 6 hours of sun for the best colour intensity and bloom performance. Deadhead spent flowers throughout the growing season to encourage new buds to form.

2. Hollyhock

• Species: Alcea rosa
• Recommended Varieties: ‘Nigra’ (pictured), ‘Blacknight’

Hollyhocks have large leaves and tall stalks adorned with hibiscus-like flowers. (Hollyhocks and hibiscus plants both belong to the mallow family, making them more or less botanical cousins.) There are a number of dark-flowered varieties available, but Nigra and Blacknight tend to be the best.

These stunning flowers are a must-have in any cottage-style garden. Place your hollyhocks toward the back of the bed for vertical interest. Keep in mind that hollyhocks are biennials and may not bloom their first year.

Hollyhocks prefer full sun and well-drained soil. Use stakes or trellises to keep them growing upright. You can also plant hollyhocks right up against a fence or exterior wall to help support the towering flower stalks.

3. Calla Lily

• Species: Zantedeschia spp.
• Recommended Varieties: ‘Black Star’ (pictured), ‘Black Forest’, ‘Odessa’

Calla lilies have trumpet-shaped blooms that come in a wide range of colours. Several varieties boast dark shades like deep purple or burgundy that are easily mistaken for black. 

Though calla lilies are frequently used in floral bouquets and seasonal arrangements, they also make good garden plants. The tubers will overwinter outdoors in USDA Zones 8 to 10. In cooler climates, you can grow calla lilies as annuals or dig up the tubers each fall for storage.

Calla lilies prefer full sun but may benefit from afternoon shade in warmer regions. Keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged. Consider planting them in groups near a water feature.

4. Bearded Iris

Species: Iris germanica

Recommended Varieties: ‘Dark Passion’ (pictured), ‘Black is Black’, ‘Raven Girl

Through careful breeding and trait selection, bearded iris enthusiasts have developed cultivars in almost every colour imaginable. Many even have bi- or tri-colour petals. 

In terms of near-black flowers, the bearded iris offers an incredible variety for gardeners to choose from. The ones I’ve recommended in this article are just barely scratching the surface!

Be sure to choose a site with good drainage (standing water can rot the rhizomes) and at least 6 hours of sun. Leave the rhizomes partially exposed above the soil level, as the rhizomes themselves need sunlight for optimal growth and blooming.

Deadheading spent iris blooms will stop the plants from wasting energy on seed production. Leave the foliage intact until the fall — when you can cut it back a few inches from the ground — so the iris can photosynthesize throughout the summer months.

5. Viola

• Species: Viola spp.
• Recommended Varieties: ‘Black Devil’, ‘Atlas Black’, ‘Bowles Black’ (pictured)

Viola is a genus in the violet family. A number of pansies and wild violets fall within this group, as well as countless hybrids. Several varieties, like Black Devil, Atlas Black, and Bowles Black, boast rich, dark hues that border on black.

These plants like cool weather. Violas usually bloom in early spring and may make a second appearance in the fall. They’ll tolerate full to partial sun, but I recommend erring on the shadier side if you want to prolong the blooming season.

Deadhead regularly to encourage continuous blooming. Violas work best as edging plants, groundcovers, and ornamental baskets.

6. Tulip

• Species: Tulipa x hybrida
• Recommended Varieties: ‘Black Hero’ (pictured), ‘Queen of Night’

Tulips are another flower that, after centuries of cultivation and hybridization, can now be found in every colour of the rainbow.

Queen of Night and Black Hero are my favourite tulips with dark maroon, near-black petals. Black Hero is actually a sport (or genetic mutation) of Queen of Night with larger, fully double flowers. 

These tulips will make a striking impact on any garden bed or spring container. Plant tulip bulbs in well-draining soil and ensure they receive full sun. I think tulips are the most impactful when planted in groups containing several different types.

7. Hellebore

• Species: Helleborus x hybridus
• Recommended Varieties: ‘Dark and Handsome’, ‘Ruse Black’ (pictured), ‘Midnight Ruffles’

Hellebores are very early-blooming perennials, often flowering when there is still a hint of snow on the ground. Some species are also known as Lenten or Christmas roses. 

This genus contains colors not commonly found in nature, including several green and near-black varieties. In hellebores, it is actually the sepals (leaf-shaped structures that surround a flower) that give the blooms their distinctive colours rather than the petals.

Hellebores thrive in partial shade and prefer moist, well-draining soil. They make excellent companion plants for many other shade-loving shrubs especially when planted in woodland gardens and shady borders.

A bit of extra sun exposure in early spring can improve bloom performance. You can achieve this by placing your hellebores beneath a canopy of deciduous trees.

8. Dahlia

• Species: Dahlia x hybrida
• Recommended Varieties: ‘Kokucho’ (pictured), ‘Black Beauty, ‘Black Satin’

Dahlias are well-loved for their large, showy flowers and wide range of available colours. This is often the first plant that comes to mind when searching for dark blooms because of the infamous Black Dahlia case.

One of my favourites, Kokucho, is a variety with incredibly dark red petals most common in Japan. Gardeners in the western part of the world may have an easier time sourcing varieties like Black Beauty or Black Satin.

Your dahlias will grow best with full sunlight and rich, well-draining soil. These tender perennials grow from tuberous roots that may be dug up and overwintered indoors. Many cool-climate gardeners simply choose to grow dahlias as annuals.

9. Dianthus

• Species: Dianthus chinensis
• Recommended Varieties: ‘Black and White Minstrels’ (pictured)

Dianthus, also known as carnations, pinks, or sweet william, are charming annuals or perennials that bloom in late spring and early summer. They are frequently used as cut flowers for bouquets and other floral arrangements.

Though black-dyed carnations are fairly common, the only natural variety I know of is Black and White Minstrels. This dianthus has dark red or maroon petals (that appear almost black) with contrasting white edges.

Dianthus require at least 6 hours of sun per day to remain healthy and look their best. You also need to ensure that the soil drains extremely well to prevent the risk of rot and other moisture-related diseases.

For the best results, try growing dianthus in a rock garden or well-draining container for a pop of seasonal colour.

10. Columbine

• Species: Aquilegia vulgaris var. stellata
• Recommended Varieties: ‘Black Barlow’ (pictured)

Most columbine plants have bright, uniquely spurred flowers that attract hummingbirds and insect pollinators from far and wide. Black Barlow is a bit different, as its flowers have a spurless, double-bloom form and are a shade of near-black purple.

The Black Barlow columbine was originally developed for use as a cut flower. But the good news is that home gardeners can also get their hands on this interesting spring ephemeral for themselves.

Columbines perform well in full sun to part shade. They need well-draining, consistently moist soil to truly thrive. 

Though columbines are generally regarded as quite short-lived for a perennial plant, they readily self-seed in the garden. Avoid deadheading spent flowers if you want your Black Barlow columbine to last for as many years as possible.

11. Bat Orchid

• Species: Tacca chantrieri

The bat orchid, or black bat flower, is a fascinating tropical plant species native to parts of Southeast Asia. In late summer, it produces dark purple, ‘winged’ blooms that resemble, well…black bats!

This isn’t the only species of so-called bat flower that exists. There’s also T. integrifolia, or the white bat flower, which is much rare. At least 8 other species of bat flowers have been positively identified in the wild.

By the way, Tacca species are not really orchids but are actually a part of the yam family. But they are commonly grouped together because bat flowers and orchids have very similar cultural needs.

This exotic flower thrives in warm, humid conditions and indirect light. It is difficult to care for, even for experienced growers, and needs constant attention to remain both happy and healthy indoors. Gardeners living in USDA Zone 11 may find success growing bat flowers outdoors. 

12. Persian Lily

• Species: Fritillaria persica
• Recommended Varieties: ‘Adiyaman’

The Persian lily is a late spring-blooming bulb boasting tall stems lined with pendant- or bell-shaped flowers. Though there are varieties of Persian lily with lighter flowers, the species standard is dark reddish-brown or nearly black.

Adiyaman, a specific variety of Persian lily, features the ‘normal’ dark colouring. But it’s still highly recommended for its improved stature and floriferousness in comparison to the non-varietal form.

Persian lilies will grow in full sun to part shade. They are easily paired with other spring bulbs — e.g., tulips, hyacinths, and daffodils — in landscape borders or naturalized beds. Plant them in borders, rock gardens, or naturalized areas. Persian lilies also make great cut flowers for bouquets.

13. Snapdragon

• Species: Antirrhinum majus nanum
• Recommended Varieties: ‘Black Prince’ (pictured)

Snapdragons are lovely little flowers that are easily recognized thanks to their uncanny resemblance to dragon faces. 

The darkest snapdragon variety currently available is Black Prince. This plant has deep burgundy flowers that appear nearly black in some environments. The buds that precede the actual flowers are incredibly dark.

Snapdragons prefer full to partial sun. They tend to stop producing blooms when the weather gets hot, so planting your snapdragons in partial shade can help extend the season. Snapdragons are excellent candidates for outdoor containers.

14. Hyacinth

• Species: Hyacinthus orientalis
• Recommended Varieties: ‘Dark Dimension’, ‘Midnight Mystic’

Hyacinths are highly fragrant (some of my personal favourites for scent!) bulbs that come in a range of spring-themed colours. While most hyacinths you’ll come across are white, yellow, or some type of pastel, there are also a couple of darker varieties available.

Dark Dimension and Midnight Mystic are the blackest hyacinths I’m familiar with, though new varieties are constantly being released to home gardeners. These plants have deep purple or blue blossoms that appear almost black in most lighting. 

Hyacinths like at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day. In the landscape, I like to plant them in dense clusters or as borders to create a fragrant and visually appealing display. 

You can also grow hyacinths in pots indoors. This often requires forcing the bulbs to bloom early.

15. Daylily

• Species: Hemerocallis spp.
• Recommended Varieties: ‘Salieri’, ‘Black Ambrosia’ (pictured), ‘Merlin’s Moth’

Daylilies are reliable, grassy perennials whose flowers contain an incredible variety of colours and textures. 

Many, many daylilies have very dark red or purple flowers. I have a Salieri daylily growing in my own back garden, with plans to add more in the coming year or so. I may try to get my hands on Merlin’s Moth next.

A good rule of thumb is to provide as much sun exposure as possible to these varieties to get darker blooms. Daylilies are otherwise highly adaptable to different growing conditions. They’re also low-maintenance, only requiring occasional deadheading once established.

16. Dusky Cranesbill

• Species: Geranium phaeum
• Recommended Varieties: ‘Samobor’, ‘Lady in Mourning’

The dusky cranesbill is a species of hardy geranium. It has uniquely dark maroon or purple flowers with light green centres. This woodland perennial is also sometimes known as mourning widow or black widow.

You may come across several variety names when shopping for dusky cranesbill either online or at your local greenhouse. In my experience, these varieties do have visual differences — for example, Samobor has dark variegation on its foliage — but the flowers stay more or less the same.

Dusky cranesbill needs partial to full shade and very rich soil. Plants are hardy in USDA Zones 5 to 7 but generally prefer cooler growing conditions. It will form tall clumps if left to naturalize in the landscape. 

17. Nemophila

• Species: Nemophila menziesii
• Recommended Varieties: ‘Penny Black’ (pictured)

Nemophila is a charming annual known for its compact, delicate appearance. Shades of sky blue and purple are the most common. However, the variety Penny Black boasts stunning blackish-purple flowers with contrasting white borders. 

This plant makes a good ground cover as it only reaches about 4 inches tall. It will gracefully spread and spill when grown in raised beds or containers around the home. 

Nemophila thrives in full sun or partial shade. Flowers begin appearing in the spring and can last for months with proper watering. Though nemophila only lives for a single growing season, the seeds readily self-sow in the garden.

18. Clematis

• Species: Clematis spp.
• Recommended Varieties: ‘Romantika’ (pictured), ‘Black Prince’

Clematis is a diverse genus of flowering vines known for their easy-going blooms. Dark purple clematis is very common, but only a couple of varieties are dark enough to pass for black. 

Romantika and Black Prince are two good options for gardeners wanting to grow super dark clematis plants. Both feature deep, wine-coloured petals surrounding yellow stamens. (Romantika flowers have 4 to 6 petals each. Black Prince flowers always have 4.)

Clematis prefer full sun to partial shade and cool, well-draining soil. Be sure to provide support for the vines to climb. You can install a freestanding trellis behind your clematis or plant it along an existing wall or fence line.

19. Asiatic Lily

• Species: Lilium asiatica
• Recommended Varieties: ‘Black Charm’, ‘Night Rider’ (pictured), ‘Landini’

Asiatic lilies are the first to bloom each spring. They’re also very easy to grow in the average garden. 

The thick petals of Asiatic lilies help hide the red and purple undertones present within near-black flowers. You’ll notice that these flowers appear more authentically black than many others on this list.

Asiatic lilies need a site with full to partial sun and loose, rich soil to grow properly. Plant bulbs in the fall to enjoy stunning flowers the following spring.

20. Primrose

• Species: Primula auricula
• Recommended Varieties: ‘Silver Lace Black’ (pictured)

The primrose is a short-lived perennial that typically boasts a blanket of charming flowers in early spring. Some hardy varieties are evergreen, meaning that (while the flowers only last for a short time) the stems and foliage remain year-round.

If you’re on the hunt for black flowers, then the Silver Lace Black primrose is your best bet. This plant has dark purple petals with crisp white margins. The centre of each flower is bright yellow.

Primroses like partial shade and moist, well-draining soil. Keeping your primrose cool will prolong the blooming period. They look great as ground cover beneath trees and leggy shrubs.

If you have enjoyed reading this, here’s a like to 15 White Flower Weed Varieties that you may also enjoy.

Citations

• USDA How plants attract pollinators
• University of Florida White bat flower profile