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27 Black Flowers: Exploring Nature’s Dark Elegance

By: Melissa Pino Published: 14 Nov, 23

Black velvet petunia flowers in a white pot

Have you ever stumbled upon a garden where darkness meets elegance? It’s time to delve into the enigmatic world of black flowers, where petals paint a unique, inky canvas amidst the vibrant world of blooms. It’s like Mother Nature decided to throw in a twist, and boy, does it work! These ‘black’ blooms are like that cool, mysterious kid in the garden who stands out and leaves you curious.

Black flowers aren’t your ordinary bunch. They’ve got a certain flair. From the Black Petunia’s velvety richness to the Black Orchid’s exotic allure, each one has its own unique charm. You’ve got the dramatic ‘Black Rose,’ the delicate ‘Chocolate Lily,’ and even ‘Black Bamboo’ with its striking dark stems.

Now, here’s the cool part – these dark beauties aren’t confined to one corner of the world. They’re globe-trotters! Black Tulips sashay in Europe, Black Eyed Susans groove in North America, and ‘Black Pansy Orchid’ flaunts its allure in South America. These flowers bring a touch of mystique wherever they go.

Okay, we’ve fawned over their looks, but there’s more to these black blooms than meets the eye. These aren’t just pretty faces; they’re eco-warriors, attracting pollinators like butterflies, hummingbirds, and bees to the garden. Plus, they’ve woven themselves into various cultures and traditions over the years, symbolizing everything from mystery to rebirth.

Here are the most popular plants with black flowers that you can add to your garden:

Black Bat Flower (Tacca chantrieri)

Black Bat Flower – Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

Botanical Name: Tacca chantrieri
Mature Size: Up to 3 feet tall.
Bloom Time: Spring to summer.
Leaf Color: Green.
Flower Color: Unique black bat-shaped flowers.
Light: Partial shade.
Soil Needs: Well-draining, rich soil.
USDA Hardiness Zones: 10-11.
Deer Resistance: Unknown.

Tacca chantrieri, the Black Bat Flower, is known for its striking and unusual black bat-shaped flowers. It’s a tropical plant that requires warmth and humidity to thrive.

Black Calla Lily (Zantedeschia‘Black Star’)

Black Calla Lily – Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

Botanical Name: Zantedeschia ‘Black Star’
Mature Size: Up to 2 feet tall.
Bloom Time: Summer.
Leaf Color: Green.
Flower Color: Dark black to deep purple.
Light: Full sun to partial shade.
Soil Needs: Moist, well-drained soil.
USDA Hardiness Zones: 8-10.
Deer Resistance: Moderate.

Zantedeschia ‘Black Star,’ the Black Calla Lily, is a stunning flowering plant with dark black to deep purple flowers. It’s perfect for both garden beds and containers and requires consistent moisture.

Black Velvet Petunia (Petunia‘Black Velvet’)

Black Velvet Petunia – Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

Botanical Name: Petunia ‘Black Velvet’
Mature Size: 6-12 inches tall.
Bloom Time: Spring to fall.
Leaf Color: Green.
Flower Color: Dark black.
Light: Full sun.
Soil Needs: Well-draining soil.
USDA Hardiness Zones: 10-11.
Deer Resistance: Unknown.

Petunia ‘Black Velvet’ is a compact, trailing annual with velvety dark black flowers. Developed in 2010, it was the first black petunia on the market. These flowers are frost-tender and fast-growing. It’s an excellent choice for adding a touch of drama to hanging baskets, containers, or flower beds.

Black Hollyhock (Alcea rosea‘Nigra’)

Black Hollyhock – Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

Botanical Name: Alcea rosea ‘Nigra’
Mature Size: Up to 6 feet tall.
Bloom Time: Summer.
Leaf Color: Deep green.
Flower Color: Dark blackish-purple.
Light: Full sun to partial shade.
Soil Needs: Well-draining soil.
USDA Hardiness Zones: 2-9.
Deer Resistance: Moderate.

Alcea rosea ‘Nigra,’ commonly known as Black Hollyhock, is a tall, stately perennial with deep green leaves and striking dark blackish-purple flowers. It adds vertical interest to the garden and attracts pollinators. Provide support for the tall stalks, and deadhead spent blooms to encourage continuous flowering.

Black Pansy (Viola‘Black Delight’)

Black Pansy – Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

Botanical Name: Viola ‘Black Delight’
Mature Size: 6-8 inches tall.
Bloom Time: Spring to fall.
Leaf Color: Green.
Flower Color: Nearly black.
Light: Full sun to partial shade.
Soil Needs: Well-draining soil.
USDA Hardiness Zones: 4-8.
Deer Resistance: Moderate.

Viola ‘Black Delight’ is a low-growing perennial with deep purple to nearly black flowers. It’s a charming addition to rock gardens, borders, or containers and is often used in cool-season planting.

Black Hellebore (Helleborus niger)

Black Hellebore – Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

Botanical Name: Helleborus niger
Mature Size: 12-18 inches tall.
Bloom Time: Late winter to early spring.
Leaf Color: Dark green.
Flower Color: White to pinkish-black.
Light: Partial to full shade.
Soil Needs: Well-draining, rich soil.
USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-9.
Deer Resistance: High.

Helleborus niger, also known as Black Hellebore or Christmas Rose, is a winter-blooming perennial with unique white to pinkish-black flowers. It’s a valuable addition to shaded gardens and is one of the earliest bloomers in the year.

Black Iris (Iris chrysographes)

Black Iris – Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

Botanical Name: Iris chrysographes
Mature Size: 1-2 feet tall.
Bloom Time: Late spring to early summer.
Leaf Color: Green.
Flower Color: Deep purple to black.
Light: Full sun to partial shade.
Soil Needs: Well-draining soil.
USDA Hardiness Zones: 5-8.
Deer Resistance: Moderate.

Iris chrysographes, or Black Iris, is a striking perennial with deep purple to black flowers. It’s a low-maintenance plant that thrives in a variety of garden settings, from borders to water gardens.

Black Tulip (Tulipa‘Queen of Night’)

Black Tulip – Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

Botanical Name: Tulipa ‘Queen of Night’
Mature Size: Up to 2 feet tall.
Bloom Time: Late spring.
Leaf Color: Green.
Flower Color: Deep maroon to black.
Light: Full sun.
Soil Needs: Well-draining soil.
USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-8.
Deer Resistance: High.

Tulipa ‘Queen of Night,’ the Black Tulip, is known for its velvety deep maroon to black blossoms. It’s a classic choice for spring bulbs and adds elegance to gardens and flower arrangements.

Black Orchid (Dracula vampira)

Black Orchid – Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

Botanical Name: Dracula vampira
Mature Size: Varies by species.
Bloom Time: Varies by species.
Leaf Color: Green.
Flower Color: Unique blackish or dark-colored orchid flowers.
Light: Low to medium indirect light.
Soil Needs: Well-draining orchid mix.
USDA Hardiness Zones: Typically grown as houseplants.
Deer Resistance: Not applicable.

Dracula vampira, known as the Black Orchid, comprises a group of fascinating orchids with dark, often nearly black, and distinctive flowers. They are popular among orchid enthusiasts and are typically grown indoors as houseplants due to their specific care requirements.

Black Viola (Viola‘Black Jack’)

Black Viola – Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

Botanical Name: Viola ‘Black Jack’
Mature Size: 6-8 inches tall.
Bloom Time: Spring to fall.
Leaf Color: Green.
Flower Color: Deep purple to black.
Light: Full sun to partial shade.
Soil Needs: Well-draining soil.
USDA Hardiness Zones: 4-8.
Deer Resistance: Moderate.

Viola ‘Black Jack’ is a compact perennial with dark purple to black flowers. It’s a charming addition to borders, containers, or edging and provides early-season color.

Black Lily (Lilium‘Landini’)

Black Lily – Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

Botanical Name: Lilium ‘Landini’
Mature Size: Up to 4 feet tall.
Bloom Time: Summer.
Leaf Color: Green.
Flower Color: Dark purple to black.
Light: Full sun to partial shade.
Soil Needs: Well-draining soil.
USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-8.
Deer Resistance: High.

Lilium ‘Landini,’ or Black Lily, is a stunning perennial with dark purple to nearly black blooms. It’s a classic choice for summer gardens and provides a captivating focal point.

Black Rose (Rosa‘Black Baccara’)

Black Rose – Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

Botanical Name: Rosa ‘Black Baccara’
Mature Size: 3-4 feet tall.
Bloom Time: Late spring to fall.
Leaf Color: Green.
Flower Color: Deep red to black.
Light: Full sun.
Soil Needs: Well-draining soil.
USDA Hardiness Zones: 4-10.
Deer Resistance: Moderate.

Rosa ‘Black Baccara,’ commonly known as the Black Rose or Black Baccara Rose, is a hybrid tea rose that features deep red to nearly black blossoms. It’s a popular choice for rose enthusiasts and adds romance to gardens and bouquets. This may be a moody addition to your garden, but it brings a touch of life to spaces by attracting butterflies and other pollinators.

Black Peony (Paeonia suffruticosa‘Black Panther’)

Black Peony – Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

Botanical Name: Paeonia suffruticosa ‘Black Panther’
Mature Size: 3-4 feet tall.
Bloom Time: Late spring to early summer.
Leaf Color: Green.
Flower Color: Deep maroon to black.
Light: Full sun to partial shade.
Soil Needs: Well-draining soil.
USDA Hardiness Zones: 4-8.
Deer Resistance: High.

Paeonia suffruticosa ‘Black Panther,’ a variety of Black Peony, showcases deep maroon to black, semi-double flowers. These long-lived perennials are known for their showy blooms and are often used in floral arrangements.

Black Coneflower (Rudbeckia hirta‘Cherry Brandy’)

Black Coneflower – Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

Botanical Name: Rudbeckia hirta ‘Cherry Brandy’
Mature Size: 2-3 feet tall.
Bloom Time: Summer to fall.
Leaf Color: Green.
Flower Color: Deep red to nearly black.
Light: Full sun.
Soil Needs: Well-draining soil.
USDA Hardiness Zones: 4-9.
Deer Resistance: High.

Rudbeckia hirta ‘Cherry Brandy,’ a variety of Black Coneflower, features deep red to nearly black blossoms with prominent dark centers. These perennials are beloved by pollinators and provide late-season color.

Black Sage (Salvia mellifera‘Terre Amata’)

Black Sage – Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

Botanical Name: Salvia mellifera ‘Terre Amata’
Mature Size: 3-5 feet tall and wide.
Bloom Time: Spring to early summer.
Leaf Color: Gray-green.
Flower Color: Deep purple to nearly black.
Light: Full sun.
Soil Needs: Well-draining soil.
USDA Hardiness Zones: 8-10.
Deer Resistance: High.

Salvia mellifera ‘Terre Amata,’ also known as Black Sage, is a drought-tolerant shrub with aromatic gray-green leaves and striking deep purple to nearly black flowers. It’s a favorite of pollinators and makes an excellent choice for water-wise landscaping.

Black Columbine (Aquilegia vulgaris‘Black Barlow’)

Black Columbine – Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

Botanical Name: Aquilegia vulgaris ‘Black Barlow’
Mature Size: 18-24 inches tall.
Bloom Time: Late spring to early summer.
Leaf Color: Green.
Flower Color: Dark purple to black.
Light: Full sun to partial shade.
Soil Needs: Well-draining soil.
USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-9.
Deer Resistance: Moderate.

Aquilegia vulgaris ‘Black Barlow,’ a variety of Black Columbine, features unique, dark purple to black, double blooms with intriguing shapes. It’s a perennial that adds a touch of whimsy to cottage gardens and woodland settings.

Black Pansy Orchid (Miltoniopsis‘Black Beauty’)

Black Pansy Orchid – Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

Botanical Name: Miltoniopsis ‘Black Beauty’
Mature Size: 6-8 inches tall.
Bloom Time: Spring to early summer.
Leaf Color: Green.
Flower Color: Deep purple to black.
Light: Bright, indirect light.
Soil Needs: Well-draining orchid mix.
USDA Hardiness Zones: Typically grown as houseplants.
Deer Resistance: Not applicable.

Miltoniopsis ‘Black Beauty,’ known as the Black Pansy Orchid, showcases deep purple to black flowers with a pansy-like appearance. These orchids require specific care and are often grown indoors.

Black Trumpet Vine (Campsis radicans‘Black Dragon’)

Black Trumpet Vine – Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

Botanical Name: Campsis radicans ‘Black Dragon’
Mature Size: 30-40 feet tall.
Bloom Time: Summer to early fall.
Leaf Color: Green.
Flower Color: Dark red to nearly black.
Light: Full sun to partial shade.
Soil Needs: Well-draining soil.
USDA Hardiness Zones: 4-10.
Deer Resistance: Low.

Campsis radicans ‘Black Dragon,’ also known as Black Trumpet Vine, is a vigorous, woody vine with dark red to nearly black, trumpet-shaped flowers. It’s a hummingbird attractant and is ideal for covering fences, trellises, or arbors.

Black Primrose (Primula vulgaris‘Black Jack’)

Black Primrose – Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

Botanical Name: Primula vulgaris ‘Black Jack’
Mature Size: 6-8 inches tall.
Bloom Time: Spring.
Leaf Color: Green.
Flower Color: Deep purple to black.
Light: Full sun to partial shade.
Soil Needs: Moist, well-draining soil.
USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-8.
Deer Resistance: Moderate.

Primula vulgaris ‘Black Jack,’ a variety of Black Primrose, boasts deep purple to nearly black flowers. It’s a charming spring-blooming perennial often used in rock gardens, borders, or containers.

Chocolate Lily(Fritillaria camschatcensis)

Chocolate Lily – Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

Botanical Name: Fritillaria camschatcensis
Mature Size: 6-12 inches tall.
Bloom Time: Late spring.
Leaf Color: Green.
Flower Color: Chocolate brown to maroon.
Light: Full sun to partial shade.
Soil Needs: Well-draining soil.
USDA Hardiness Zones: 5-8.
Deer Resistance: High.

Fritillaria camschatcensis, the Chocolate Lily, is a charming spring-blooming bulb with unique chocolate brown to maroon flowers. It’s a native wildflower that’s perfect for naturalized areas and rock gardens.

Dusky Cranesbill Geranium (Geranium phaeum)

Dusky Cranesbill Geranium – Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

Botanical Name: Geranium phaeum
Mature Size: 1-2 feet tall.
Bloom Time: Spring to early summer.
Leaf Color: Green.
Flower Color: Dark purple to black.
Light: Full sun to partial shade.
Soil Needs: Well-draining soil.
USDA Hardiness Zones: 4-8.
Deer Resistance: High.

Geranium phaeum, known as Dusky Cranesbill Geranium, features dark purple to nearly black flowers and is appreciated for its low maintenance and shade tolerance. It’s a popular choice for ground cover in woodland gardens.

Black Bamboo (Phyllostachys nigra)

Black Bamboo – Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

Botanical Name: Phyllostachys nigra
Mature Size: 10-30 feet tall, depending on the species.
Bloom Time: Rarely blooms.
Leaf Color: Green with dark culms (stems).
Flower Color: Inconspicuous.
Light: Full sun to partial shade.
Soil Needs: Well-draining soil.
USDA Hardiness Zones: 7-10.
Deer Resistance: High.

Phyllostachys nigra, commonly known as Black Bamboo, is a tall, clumping bamboo with striking dark jet black culms. While it rarely blooms, its unique stems make it a sought-after ornamental plant for landscapes and privacy screens.

Black Bearded Iris (Iris germanica)

Black Bearded Iris – Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

Botanical Name: Iris germanica (species dependent).
Mature Size: 2-4 feet tall.
Bloom Time: Late spring to early summer.
Leaf Color: Green.
Flower Color: Deep purple to black.
Light: Full sun to partial shade.
Soil Needs: Well-draining soil.
USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-9 (species dependent).
Deer Resistance: High.

Iris germanica species with deep purple to black flowers, known as Black Bearded Iris, are classic perennials valued for their bold blooms and distinctive appearance. They add elegance to garden borders and cut flower arrangements.

Geranium phaeum ‘Mourning Widow’

Geranium phaeum ‘Mourning Widow’– Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

Botanical Name: Geranium phaeum ‘Mourning Widow’
Mature Size: 1-2 feet tall.
Bloom Time: Spring to early summer.
Leaf Color: Green.
Flower Color: Dark maroon to nearly black.
Light: Full sun to partial shade.
Soil Needs: Well-draining soil.
USDA Hardiness Zones: 4-8.
Deer Resistance: High.

Geranium phaeum ‘Mourning Widow’ is a variety of Dusky Cranesbill Geranium with dark maroon to nearly black flowers. It’s an ideal choice for shade gardens and attracts pollinators with its nectar-rich blossoms.

Persian Lily(Fritillaria persica)

Persian Lily – Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

Botanical Name: Fritillaria persica
Mature Size: 2-3 feet tall.
Bloom Time: Late spring.
Leaf Color: Green.
Flower Color: Dark purple to black.
Light: Full sun to partial shade.
Soil Needs: Well-draining soil.
USDA Hardiness Zones: 5-9.
Deer Resistance: High.

Fritillaria persica, the Persian Lily, is a captivating spring bulb with dark purple to nearly black, bell-shaped flowers. It’s a unique addition to gardens and bulb collections.

Black Chocolate Cosmos (Cosmos atrosanguineus)

Black Chocolate Cosmos – Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

Botanical Name: Cosmos atrosanguineus
Mature Size: 1-3 feet tall.
Bloom Time: Summer to fall.
Leaf Color: Green.
Flower Color: Deep burgundy to chocolate brown.
Light: Full sun to partial shade.
Soil Needs: Well-draining soil.
USDA Hardiness Zones: 9-11.
Deer Resistance: Low.

Cosmos atrosanguineus, known as Black Chocolate Cosmos, features delightful deep burgundy to chocolate brown flowers. It’s a popular choice for adding rich color to annual flower beds and containers.

‘Queen of the Night’ Tulips (Tulipa‘Queen of the Night’)

‘Queen of the Night’ Tulips – Photo Credit: Shutterstock.

Botanical Name: Tulipa ‘Queen of the Night’
Mature Size: Up to 2 feet tall.
Bloom Time: Late spring.
Leaf Color: Green.
Flower Color: Deep maroon to black.
Light: Full sun.
Soil Needs: Well-draining soil.
USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-8.
Deer Resistance: High.

Tulipa ‘Queen of the Night,’ commonly known as ‘Queen of the Night’ Tulips, showcases deep maroon to black flowers and is a popular choice for spring bulbs, providing a touch of elegance to gardens and flower arrangements.

Other Flower Guides from Planet Natural:

68 Types of Pink Flowers (With Pictures and Plant Care Tips)

49 Best Yellow Flowers for Gardens (Annuals and Perennials)

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Melissa Pino

Melissa Pino is a biologist, master gardener, and regular contributor for Planet Natural. Melissa's work focuses on promoting environmentally-friendly practices, helping people create healthy gardens and finding ways to achieve overall health and wellness.

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