Black flowers are a rarity in nature and a statement of sophistication. If you’re a gardener who loves the unusual and dramatic, adding black flowers to your garden can elevate the beauty of any space.
These stunning blooms create a striking contrast against their green surroundings and provide a touch of elegance.
Let’s dive into 25 popular black flowers that you can grow and nurture, and see what makes them stand out.
#1. Black Velvet Petunia
The Black Velvet Petunia is one of the most dramatic flowers you’ll encounter. Its deep, velvety black petals seem to absorb light, creating an almost otherworldly look.
This flower blooms abundantly in summer, making it an excellent choice for container gardens and hanging baskets. It thrives in full sun and requires well-drained soil, and although it’s relatively easy to care for, regular deadheading helps maintain its beauty.
#2. Queen of Night Tulip
The Queen of Night Tulip is known for its deep, nearly black petals that appear almost purple when the light hits them just right. This tulip blooms in spring, with flowers that stand tall on slender stems. It pairs beautifully with lighter-colored flowers in mixed flower beds or borders.
Thriving in cooler climates, this tulip prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Regular watering will keep it healthy, and it’s an excellent choice for creating a dramatic spring garden.
#3. Black Bat Flower
The Black Bat Flower is not your typical flower, it’s more like a mysterious creature from the depths of the jungle. With its long, black whiskers and bat-like shape, this flower blooms in tropical climates and needs a warm, humid environment to thrive.
The flower itself is a striking black, almost purplish hue, and it typically blooms during the summer. Although it’s a bit more demanding in terms of care, the Black Bat Flower is an extraordinary addition for any exotic garden.
#4. Black Dahlia
Black Dahlias offer rich, dark tones that range from deep maroon to almost pure black, depending on the variety. These flowers boast a soft, velvety texture and a bold, dramatic presence in any garden. They thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, and their blooms appear throughout summer.
Black Dahlias are perfect for creating a Gothic or elegant garden theme. Keep them watered consistently, and remove dead flowers to encourage fresh blooms.
#5. Black Calla Lily
The Black Calla Lily has an elegance that is hard to match. The deep, nearly black spathes form a striking, trumpet-shaped flower. This flower blooms in late spring to early summer and thrives in moist, well-drained soil.
Calla Lilies enjoy partial sun and need consistent watering to prevent their soil from drying out. Their glossy black petals add a touch of drama to any garden, making them perfect for elegant floral arrangements.
#6. Black Hollyhock
The Black Hollyhock, known for its deep purple or black-red flowers, creates an eye-catching focal point in any garden. These tall, stately flowers bloom from late summer into fall and prefer full sun to produce their best blooms.
Hollyhocks can grow in a variety of soils, as long as they are well-drained. Once established, they are relatively low-maintenance but may require staking to keep their long stems upright.
#7. Black Magic Rose
A hybrid of the traditional rose, the Black Magic Rose has velvety, dark red petals that appear almost black in full bloom. The rose emits a fragrant aroma and thrives in full sun, with well-drained, slightly acidic soil.
Blooming throughout summer, this rose adds a dramatic, romantic touch to any garden. It’s best to prune it regularly and ensure it has good airflow to prevent diseases.
#8. Chocolate Cosmos
The Chocolate Cosmos is famous for its dark, maroon-black flowers that almost look like velvet. As the name suggests, it has a subtle chocolate fragrance, adding a unique sensory experience to your garden.
It blooms in late summer and prefers well-drained soil with full sun. Although it can be somewhat temperamental in colder climates, with proper care, it can thrive as a perennial in warmer regions.
#9. Black Sweet William
The Black Sweet William has a deep, dark purple hue that can appear nearly black in certain lights. It’s a compact flower, often found in small clusters, and blooms from late spring to early summer.
This flower thrives in well-drained soil and prefers a sunny spot. Sweet William is perfect for cottage gardens or as a cut flower, and it has a mild, sweet fragrance that adds to its charm.
#10. Black Scabiosa
Black Scabiosa features deep, dark purple flowers with a blackish center, creating a dramatic and moody vibe. It blooms in late summer to fall and thrives in full sun with well-drained soil.
This flower is easy to grow, attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies. It’s a perfect choice for wildflower meadows or mixed flower beds, providing contrast to lighter blooms in your garden.
#11. Black Snapdragon
The Black Snapdragon, also known as the “black king,” produces rich, dark purple blooms that appear black under certain lighting conditions. These flowers bloom in the late spring and continue into summer.
Snapdragons love full sun and well-drained soil, and they are fairly low-maintenance, making them an excellent option for beginner gardeners. They grow well in containers and make great cut flowers.
#12. Dark Chocolate Lily
The Dark Chocolate Lily is an unusual flower with its bell-shaped, dark purple to black flowers that resemble chocolate in color. They bloom in early spring, adding a mysterious touch to your garden.
These lilies thrive in cool, well-drained soils and are perfect for adding a wildflower element to shaded garden spaces. While they require some patience to establish, their unique appearance makes them a rewarding addition.
#13. Black Iris
Black Irises are among the most sophisticated flowers, with deep purple petals that appear nearly black. These flowers bloom in the spring, making them a popular choice for spring gardens.
They thrive in full sun and well-drained soil and can tolerate drought once established. With their tall stems and elegant blooms, Black Irises are perfect for adding height and drama to any garden bed or border.
#14. Black Lotus
The Black Lotus is a striking water plant with dark purple petals that appear black when fully open. It grows in ponds and other water features, adding a touch of elegance and mystery.
These lotus flowers bloom in the summer and need a sunny location with still, warm water to thrive. Although a bit more challenging to grow, their beauty makes them well worth the effort for any water garden enthusiast.
#15. Hellebore ‘Dark and Handsome’
Hellebores, also known as Lenten roses, are among the earliest bloomers of spring. ‘Dark and Handsome’ features rich, near-black petals with a deep plum undertone.
This perennial thrives in partial shade and well-drained soil, making it ideal for woodland gardens. It’s also deer-resistant and provides a striking contrast when planted alongside lighter-colored flowers.
#16. Primula ‘Silver Lace’
Primula ‘Silver Lace’ is a charming variety of primrose that boasts deep black-maroon petals edged in silver or gold.
This compact perennial thrives in cool, moist conditions and partial shade. It’s perfect for garden borders, rock gardens, and containers, offering an old-world charm that enhances any planting scheme.
#17. Petunia ‘Black Velvet’
One of the blackest flowers available, Petunia ‘Black Velvet’ features velvety, jet-black petals that create a dramatic effect in garden beds and containers.
This annual thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, blooming profusely from spring to fall. Pair it with bright-colored petunias or silvery foliage for a stunning contrast.
#18. Andean Sage
Native to Peru, Andean Sage is a unique, deep purple-black flowering plant that attracts hummingbirds and bees. This perennial salvia has silvery-green foliage, providing a striking contrast to its dark blossoms.
It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Its long-lasting blooms and aromatic leaves make it a standout among salvias.
#19. Hyacinth ‘Midnight Mystic’
Hyacinths are known for their sweet fragrance, and ‘Midnight Mystic’ is no exception. This rare variety features deep purple-black blooms that stand out in spring gardens.
Best planted in autumn, it thrives in full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil. Besides their aesthetic appeal, these hyacinths fill the air with an intoxicating scent.
#20. Cymbidium ‘Kiwi Midnight’
A rare, dark-colored orchid, Cymbidium ‘Kiwi Midnight’ produces exotic blooms in a rich blackish-burgundy shade. This striking orchid thrives in bright, indirect light and requires a humid environment.
It’s an excellent choice for orchid enthusiasts looking to add a bold statement plant to their collection. With proper care, it rewards growers with long-lasting blooms.
#21. Petunia ‘Phantom’
A striking cousin to ‘Black Velvet,’ Petunia ‘Phantom’ displays deep black petals accented by a bright yellow star pattern.
This eye-catching variety flourishes in full sun and requires regular watering to maintain its vibrant appearance. Like other petunias, it attracts pollinators and adds an element of surprise to hanging baskets or mixed flower beds.
#22. Sunflower ‘Black Beauty’
A bold departure from traditional yellow sunflowers, ‘Black Beauty’ features deep maroon-black petals surrounding a dark center. This striking annual grows tall, making it a dramatic focal point in garden beds.
It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, attracting pollinators while adding a gothic charm to summer landscapes. For best results, plant seeds in late spring after the last frost.
#23. Black Barlow
A stunning variety of columbine, ‘Black Barlow’ features deep purple-black, double-petaled blooms resembling miniature dahlias.
This hardy perennial thrives in partial shade and well-drained soil, blooming from late spring to early summer. Its unique form and dark color make it a standout in cottage gardens and mixed borders. Plus, it attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies.
#24. Persian Lily
The Persian Lily is an exotic, tall plant that produces clusters of deep maroon-black bell-shaped flowers in early to mid-spring.
It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, making it an excellent choice for rock gardens or borders. With its striking height and dramatic coloration, this bulbous perennial adds a regal touch to any garden.
#25. Black Rose ‘Zwartkop’ Succulent
A fascinating succulent, the Black Rose ‘Zwartkop’ (Aeonium arboreum var. atropurpureum) features rosettes of dark, almost black, glossy leaves.
This drought-tolerant plant thrives in full sun, developing richer coloration with ample sunlight. It makes an eye-catching addition to container gardens, rockeries, or xeriscapes, offering year-round interest with its sculptural form.
