Add a Touch of Intrigue to Your Garden with Black Flowers

I love all flowers, but I must admit, black flowers add that touch of drama to the garden like no others. I’ve only grown black calla lilies but there are many other choices out them there. I’m doing a post on green flowers soon (oh you know how I love them!) but when the folks at ProFlowers shared info on types of flowers by color, I just knew I wanted to share it with you. On to the floral drama!

Black can have an ominous tone, but black flowers can also symbolize farewell, rejuvenation or rebirth. Plant these rare flowers to add intrigue to your garden.

You can also search by your growing zone to make sure the black beauty of your choosing will grow well in your garden. Also be sure to check sun and soil needs.

Hope you enjoy these dark, mysterious yet intriguing blooms!

Rose (Rosa)

With over 2,000 varietals and hundreds of years of cultivation, the rose has an extensive family and a long history. Old roses, which are classified as existing prior to the 1867 tea rose, generally have more fragrance, more complicated blooms and greater disease resistance. Modern roses offer an endless color selection and all-season blooms.

Soil Needs

Moist, Well-drained

Sunlight Needs

Full Sun

Growing Zones

3 – 11

Flower Tip

Plant roses in an area where they will receive at least 5 hours of sun a day.

Dahlia (Dahlia)

Dahlias are colorful flowers with many spiky petal which form their large, round heads. They range in color and size.

Soil Needs

Moist, Well-drained

Sunlight Needs

Full Sun

Growing Zones

8 – 10

Flower Tip

Dahlias struggle in cold soil. Wait until the ground temperature reaches 60 degrees.

Hellebore (Helleborus)

Hellebores is a perennial with leathery leaves that protect a circle of tiny stamen-like petals. They have a long blooming period, lasting anywhere from 6 to 8 weeks and ranging in color from white to purple.

Soil Needs

Well-drained

Sunlight Needs

Full Sun/Partial Shade

Growing Zones

4 – 8

Flower Tip

Do not plant these too deeply. Make sure the crown is only just covered by soil.

Calla Lily (Zantedeschia)

Calla Lilies are very popular for their elegant bell shape both in gardens and as cut flowers. They grow well outdoors and as houseplants.

Soil Needs

Moist, Well-drained

Sunlight Needs

Full Sun/Partial Shade

Growing Zones

8 – 10

Flower Tip

Typically planted after the threat of frost, Calla Lilies should be planted deep and watered well. Aside from regular watering and fertilizer they are fairly low-maintenance.

Tulip (Tulipa)

Tulips come in virtually every color of the rainbow. They are usually brightly colored flowers with a simple cup shape that grow on a green stem.

Soil Needs

Well-drained

Sunlight Needs

Full Sun/Partial Shade

Growing Zones

3 – 8

Flower Tip

Never deliberately water a bed in which your tulips are planted. They dislike excessive moisture.

Bat Flower (Tacca chantieri)

This unusual looking flower that looks similar to a bat in flight with ruffled wings and long filaments. The blooms are large and do best in semi-tropical climates.

Soil Needs

Well-drained

Sunlight Needs

Partial Shade

Growing Zones

Flower Tip

The larger the Bat Flower, the more likely it is to be healthy. This flower will do better indoors and enjoys shade. The plant should be allowed to dry out during dormancy but needs moisture while blooming.

Black Magic Hollyhock (Alcea rosea)

Black Hollyhock is almost as dark as a flower can naturally get. The bowl-shaped blooms grow along a tall leafy stalk that can reach heights of 10 feet.

Soil Needs

Well-drained

Sunlight Needs

Full Sun

Growing Zones

3 – 9

Flower Tip

As Hollyhock can grow so tall, it is best to stake so that it doesn’t fall over in hard weather. Cut to the ground in fall when the final blooms seed.

Black Velvet Petunia (Petunia hybrida)

With 35 true species worldwide, hybrid Petunias can be found in almost any color. The most traditional varietals are sprawling plants with white or purple blooms

Soil Needs

Well-drained

Sunlight Needs

Full Sun

Growing Zones

9 – 11

Flower Tip

These flowers are frost-tender and fast-growing. Keep them warm, dry and protected from strong winds.

Hyacinth (Hyacinthus)

Hyacinths grow from spring-flowering bulbs and produce small bundles of blossoms that range in color from blue to white.

Soil Needs

Well-drained

Sunlight Needs

Full Sun/Partial Shade

Growing Zones

4 – 8

Flower Tip

This flower is classically paired with yellow daffodils.

Dianthus (Dianthus)

Belonging to the same family as carnations, Dianthus are colorful, hardy annuals. They emit a spicy fragrance and can most frequently be found in hues of pink, purple and white.