Top 10 Black Annual and Perennial Plants
Updated: Jun. 21, 2022
'The new black' is just black when it comes to the garden. Check out some of our favorite black perennial plants and annual plants.
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Best Black Plants to Grow
When I first heard about black plants, I didn’t understand what the fuss was all about. Plants and flowers are supposed to be bright and colorful. Why would anyone want dark and dreary black annuals and perennials?
But then I saw my first black petunia—wow! I couldn’t believe how gorgeous and captivating it was. My newfound love didn’t stop with petunias. Once I started looking, I began noticing all kinds of cool plants with dark, rich foliage and blooms. While some were really more like black wannabes, falling into the purple or brown section of the color wheel, I was still impressed with the selection. Take a look at some of my favorites, but be sure to do a little exploring on your own. After all, I hear every garden looks good in black.
Zwartkop Aeonium
(Aeonium arboreum, Zones 9 to 11)
It’s hard to find a more dramatic and impressive black plant than this black rose aeonium. This succulent does best in at least a half day of full sun. If grown in more shade, the rosettes are reddish-purple with a green Âcenter. It grows up to 12 inches tall and tolerates drought and poor soil. If you live out of Zone 9 to 11 (and let’s face it, you probably do), then overwinter it indoors!
Why we love it: Though it looks stunning with some bright-yellow petunias or pansies, we think it makes a statement all on its own.
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Onyx Odyssey Hellebore
(Helleborus, Zones 4-9)
This double-bloom hellebore actually has three times as many petals as a single-bloom hellebore. Combine that with its amazing velvety flowers, and it’s easy to see why this plant has the horticulture world talking. Onyx Odyssey grows up to 24 inches tall and wide, and is ideal for shade.
Why we love it: It’s an early bloomer! Hellebores start flowering in late winter and continue for several weeks. In fact, it’s also known as Lenten rose, because some varieties bloom during Lent.
These are the best perennials to plant in full sun.
Tropicanna Black Canna
(Canna, Zones 7 to 11)
Boasting bright scarlet blooms, the Tropicanna Black series offers a refreshing alternative for cannas. You’ll need to plant the rhizomes every spring. Then sit back and watch the magic as they grow up to 6 feet tall.
These black plants do best with at least six hours of sun, but will tolerate some shade.
Why we love it: It’s one of the easiest ways to bring the flair of the tropics to your backyard. See our list of the top 10 tropical plants for your garden.
Black Magic Petunia
(Petunia x hybrid, annual)
Are you ready for the world’s blackest petunia? Here it is! Ball Horticulture Co. introduced Black Magic several years ago, and it’s since become one of our favorite black plants. A perfect fit for containers, it thrives in sunny areas.
Why we love it: Containers just got more interesting, thanks to the richness of this plant. Pair it with pink blooms for a lively contrast.
Sorbet Black Delight Viola
(Viola cornuta, annual)
Also known as horned violet, the low-maintenance, fragrant viola tolerates sun and partial shade and blooms most profusely in cool weather. Everyone should grow some violas, so why not try this bold cultivar?
Why we love it: You know how you get that itch to garden even before the chance of frost has passed? Grow this—it’s forgiving.
Black Coral Elephant Ear
(Colocasia esculenta, Zones 7-10)
Elephant ear is a plant that already commands attention with its giant leaves. This black-leafed variety is even more striking, growing nearly 4 feet tall with leaves 3 feet or more across! Even if you live in a colder zone, you can enjoy the beauty of Black Coral year after year. Just dig it up and keep it in a cool place over winter.
Why we love it: It’s one of the most distinctive plants for containers, but you’re going to need a big one! Plant it as the centerpiece and accent with bright plants around it.
Check out the top 10 biggest blooms for your flower garden.
Persian Lily
(Fritillaria persica, Zones 5 to 8)
This eye-catching plant is sure to make visitors pause and admire its hundreds of gorgeous dark flowers. When placed in areas with full sun it can grow to be 28 to 32 inches tall and 12 to 18 inches wide, so be sure to give it plenty of space! Persian lily does best in fast-draining soil.
Why we love it: It’s known for its resistance to deer and rabbits, so you won’t have to worry about critters having it as a snack.
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Black Magic Mangave
(Mangave, Zones 9 to 11)
A plant created by Walters Gardens for its “Mad About Mangave” collection, the grower explains that Black Magic Mangave is a “intergeneric cross of Manfreda x Agave.” They say it has a fast growth rate and leaves so heavily spotted, they’re almost black. They recommend growing this succulent in full sun to get the best color.
Why we love it: This succulent is a true standout, offering unique color that makes it one of our favorite black plants. Plus, it’s critter-resistant and doesn’t require much water.
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Before the Storm Tall Bearded Iris
(Iris, Zones 3-10)
Irises are a staple in backyard gardens, and they’re available in just about every shade imaginable, including this purplish-black variety. Before the Storm has a bit of a sweet fragrance and blooms in early summer, making it the perfect plant to provide garden color in the lull between tulips and flowering perennials. Like all tall bearded irises, it performs best in full sun.
Why we love it: It’s naturally deer- and rabbit-resistant, so if you have trouble with critters eating your plants, give it a try.
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Obsidian Coral Bells
(Heuchera, Zones 3 to 9)
While coral bells do have tiny blooms atop long shoots, many people buy them for the foliage. And why wouldn’t you, with options like deep red, orange and black. This Obsidian cultivar is just one of several coral bells with black leaves.
Why we love it: You can plant coral bells in partial shade. And the tiny blooms attract hummingbirds!
Originally Published: June 14, 2022
