Black flowers are rare but captivating. This unique mutation is often caused by a high concentration of pigments called anthocyanins, which create dark shades in petals. These pigments absorb light instead of reflecting it, resulting in a black appearance.
Environmental factors, genetics, and selective breeding also play roles in blackening of the flower. While naturally black flowers are uncommon, horticulturalists continue to experiment, creating striking cultivars.
Today, we look at 25 varieties of plants that are known to produce black flowers.
1. Hollyhock “Nigra”
“Nigra” Hollyhock, with its stunning black flowers, is a valuable addition to any garden. This variety thrives in well-draining soil and full sun, reaching heights of 4-6 feet. Its dark blooms attract pollinators and make a striking contrast against green foliage.
Regular watering and occasional fertilizing support healthy growth. With minimal care, “Nigra” Hollyhock brings a touch of elegance to your outdoor space.
- Scientific Name: Alcea rosea ‘Nigra’
- Zones: 2 to 9
- Plant Type: Perennial
- Growing Condition: moist, well-drained soil; full sun
2. Hellebore “Midnight Ruffles”
“Hellebore ‘Midnight Ruffles’ boasts striking midnight-purple petals, reminiscent of the velvety night sky. Reaching 18-22 inches, its unique ruffled edges add depth and intrigue to any garden.
Thriving in partial to full shade, this resilient perennial blooms in late winter, providing a burst of color when gardens are otherwise subdued. Being a low-maintenance plant, it’s a perfect choice for novice and experienced gardeners alike.
- Scientific Name: Helleborus midnight ruffles
- Zones: 4 to 9
- Plant Type: Perennial
- Growing Condition: shade or sun, well-drained soil
3. Bearded Iris “Blackwater”
“Blackwater” Bearded Iris is a striking variety renowned for its deep black flowers. With a majestic height of 30-36 inches, these blooms stand tall and proud.
Their enchanting beauty graces gardens in late spring to early summer, bringing a touch of mystery and elegance. Perfect for adding contrast and intrigue, the “Blackwater” Bearded Iris is a must-have for any discerning gardener.
- Scientific Name: Iris germanica ‘Blackwater’
- Zones: 3-9
- Plant Type: Perennial
- Growing Condition:
- Growing conditions: full sun to partial shade, well-drained soil
4. Hyacinth “Midnight Mystic”
Hyacinth ‘Midnight Mystic’ flaunts beautiful black blossoms, evoking mystery and elegance. Standing at a compact height of 8-10 inches, it thrives in borders or containers. Its unique hue adds depth to any garden.
Blooming in early to mid-spring, the Midnight Mystic offers a mesmerizing contrast to traditional spring flowers. Known for its resilience and enchanting scent, this hyacinth flower captivates with its dark allure.
- Scientific Name: Hyacinthus orientalis Midnight Mystic
- Zones: 4 to 8
- Plant Type: Perennial
- Growing Condition: : sun or part shade; well-drained soil
5. Petunia “Black Magic”
Petunia “Black Magic” brings velvety blooms in a mesmerizing shade of deepest purple, appearing almost black under certain lights. Standing 12-18 inches tall, it forms a compact mound adorned with these unique 2-3 inch flowers throughout summer.
Imagine the drama these dark beauties create, contrasting vividly with vibrant companions or as a captivating solo act. Plant yours in full sun and well-drained soil, and witness the “Black Magic” work its spell!
- Scientific Name: Petunia x hybrida
- Zones: 10-11
- Plant Type: Annual
- Growing Condition: well-draining soil; sun
6. Pansy “Black Beauty”
Bless your garden with the Pansy “Black Beauty,” a captivating plant known for its near-black blooms. Reaching a charming 6-8 inches tall, this cool-season annual produces velvety, dark purple flowers that appear almost black.
Enjoy these beauties from early spring until frost, where they’ll continuously bloom. These flowers are great for exploring gothic themes in borders, containers, or hanging baskets.
- Scientific Name: Viola x wittrockiana
- Zones: 6 to 9
- Plant Type: biennial/ perennial
- Growing Condition: well-draining soil; full or partial sun
7. Sunflower “Black Beauty”
The “Black Beauty” sunflower isn’t your average sunny bloom. It has stunning, near-black petals that stand out in any garden. With an average height of 5-6 feet tall, these dramatic sunflowers bloom mid-summer to early fall.
Unlike truly black flowers, which don’t exist, Black Beauty’s petals are a deep, maroon-brown.
- Scientific Name: Helianthus annuus ‘Black Beauty’
- Zones: 9+
- Plant Type: Annual
- Growing Condition: Well-draining soil; full sun
8. Salvia discolor
Salvia discolor isn’t truly black-flowered but has a dark purple hue that appears black in some lights. These hooded blooms, borne on whorls along slender stems, are velvety soft and tipped with white, adding intrigue.
The plant itself matures to 2-3ft tall, adorned with attractive, deeply veined leaves. This unique sage flowers through summer and early fall, attracting hummingbirds and adding drama to gardens with its gothic elegance.
- Scientific Name: Salvia discolor
- Zones: 9-10
- Plant Type: Perennial
- Growing Condition: Moist, well-drained soil; full sun to part shade
9. Tulip “Queen of Night”
The Queen of Night tulip is the closest thing to a true black flower! This stunning variety reaches 20-26 inches tall, showcasing velvety, deep maroon blooms that appear almost black.
Plant these beauties in full sun with well-drained soil for optimal results. Their gray-green foliage offers a striking contrast, making them stand out in borders or vases. Deer-resistant and easy to care for, these tulips will be a superb addition to your spring display.
- Scientific Name: Tulipa ‘Queen of Night’
- Zones: 3-8
- Plant Type: Perennial (grown as an annual)
- Growing Condition: Well-drained soil; full sun to partial shade
10. Sophistica Blackberry Petunia
The Sophistica Blackberry Petunia isn’t your average flower. Its velvety black blooms, resembling a starlit night, are a true standout in any garden. These deep, inky black petals with subtle eggplant undertones create a mesmerizing contrast against vibrant flowers.
Reaching just 12-16 inches tall, this petunia variety possesses a bushy, well-branched form. It is perfect for borders, containers, or hanging baskets. Moreover, this petunia thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, making it a low-maintenance flower.
- Scientific Name: Petunia x hybrida
- Zones: 10 to 11
- Plant Type: Perennial
- Growing Condition: Well-drained soil; full sun
11. Black Baccara Rose
The Black Baccara rose doesn’t truly hold a black bloom, but its rich, velvety deep red petals appear black. These mesmerizing flowers boast 45-odd petals, forming a high-centered, full bloom measuring 3 inches across. Borne on long, strong stems, they stand out beautifully against the semi-glossy, dark green foliage.
The plant itself grows tall and bushy, reaching 3-6 feet in height and 2-3 feet wide. These stunning blooms grace your space with flushes of color from spring to fall, making it a true showstopper.
- Scientific Name: Rosa ‘Black Baccara’
- Zones: 5-9
- Plant Type: Perennial
- Growing Condition: Full sun; Well-draining soil
12. Black Star Calla Lily
The Zantedeschia Black Star gloats deep burgundy-black flowers, unlike any other. These appear velvety, near-black hue with subtle hints of maroon. Each bloom proudly stands 3-4 inches tall, resembling a trumpet or funnel.
This unique calla lily reaches a mature height of 18-24 inches. But its magic isn’t limited to looks. The Black Star flowers for an extended period, blessing your space with its dark elegance from late spring to late summer.
- Scientific Name: Zantedeschia ‘Black Star’.
- Zones: 7 to 10
- Plant Type: Perennial
- Growing Condition: Full sun to partial shade; Well-draining soil
13. Zwartkop Black Rose
Zwartkop Aeonium is known for its beautiful dark rosettes that resemble velvety roses. Its true blooms, however, arrive in winter/spring from the center in clusters of sunny yellow stars. The contrast against the near-black foliage is stunning!
While not technically black, these rosettes reach 1-3 feet tall and wide. So, ditch the black flower fantasy and embrace the unique charm of Zwartkop’s dark rosettes and cheerful yellow blooms!
- Scientific Name: zwartkop aeonium
- Zones: 9 to 11
- Plant Type: Perennial
- Growing Condition: Full sun to partial shade; Well-draining soil
14. Silver Laced Primrose
Silver Laced Primrose tend to be a deep, rich maroon or burgundy, sometimes described as “blackcurrant red.”
These velvety blossoms feature a distinctive silver-white “lacing” around the edges, offering a charming contrast. The plant itself typically reaches 8-12 inches in height and boasts a long bloom season.
- Scientific Name: Primula × polyantha
- Zones: 5-7
- Plant Type: Perennial
- Growing Condition: Partial shade to full shade; rich, well-draining soil
15. Arabian Night Dahlia
Arabian Night Dahlia captivates plant lovers with their black and rich burgundy flowers, with hints of purple. Each bloom contains a decorative form with incurved petals that add depth and texture.
Standing tall at 3-4 feet, the Arabian Night Dahlia makes a bold statement in borders and beds. Its dark green leaves offers a striking contrast to the mesmerizing blooms, ensuring they truly steal the show. This beauty blooms profusely from mid-summer to the first frost, offering months of enchanting color.
- Scientific Name: Dahlia × pinnata ‘Arabian Night’
- Zones: 8-11
- Plant Type: Perennial
- Growing Condition: Full sun; Well-drained, fertile soil
16. Black Orchid Flower
The mystique of the rare Black Orchid lies in its velvety “black” flowers. They range in size from 2-4 inches, resembling ruffled skirts swirling around a central column.
This tropical beauty reaches between 12-24 inches tall, boasting glossy green leaves. Its captivating blooms appear in late winter to early spring. While not truly black, the dark elegance of the Black Orchid remains unforgettable.
- Scientific Name: Prosthechea cochleata
- Zones: 10-13
- Plant Type: Perennial
- Growing Condition: Shade; well-draining soil
17. Sweetunia Black Satin
Sweetunia Black Satin produces striking black flowers, setting it apart in any garden. These dark flowers bloom from late spring to early fall, bringing in pollinators and a sense of natural beauty.
Their rich hue makes the plant a standout feature, while their manageable size ensures easy maintenance for plant enthusiasts. These flowers are perfect for those seeking a bold statement in their garden design.
- Scientific Name: Petunia hybrida ‘Sweetunia Black Satin’
- Zones: 9-11
- Plant Type: Annual
- Growing Condition: Full sun; Well-draining soil
18. Chat Noir Dahlia
Standing tall at 4 feet, the Chat Noir Dahlia produces black flowers that measure a stunning 6-8 inches across. The spiky petals create a captivating texture, perfect to highlight your personal space.
This robust perennial blooms tirelessly from mid-summer until the first frost, providing a long season of mesmerizing color. Don’t be fooled by the “noir” name – the deep, rich red hue appears almost black.
- Scientific Name: Dahlia pinnata
- Zones: 8-11
- Plant Type: Perennial
- Growing Condition: Full sun; well-drained soil
While most Bachelor’s Buttons have vibrant blues, the Black Bachelor’s Button stands out with its captivating black flowers. These stunning flowers aren’t truly black, but a deep, velvety burgundy that appears almost ebony.
The Bachelor’s Button variety can reach from 1 to 3 feet tall on slender stems. These beauties will produce flowers from summer to fall, offering a unique contrast to lighter-hued companions.
- Scientific Name: Centaurea cyanus
- Zones: 2-11
- Plant Type: Annual
- Growing Condition: Full sun; well-draining soil
20. Green Wizard Coneflower
Unlike its name, the Green Wizard Coneflower doesn’t produce green flowers. Instead, this plant has deep purple to black conical flowers the dark hue intensifies under sunlight, creating a memorable backdrop.
Their magical display unfolds in midsummer, lasting through early fall.
- Scientific Name: Rudbeckia occidentalis ‘Green Wizard’
- Zones: 3-9
- Plant Type: Perennial
- Growing Condition: Full sun to partial shade; well-drained soil
21. Black Horned Violet
This horned violet contains the deepest, most velvety black flower you’ll ever see! Unlike many “black” flowers, ‘Blackout’ isn’t merely a dark shade, it’s a true, inky black with no hint of other colors. These beauties reach 1.5″ across, with slender spurs and slightly ruffled petals, adding a touch of whimsy.
Standing 6-8″ tall, the plant forms a charming 12″ wide clump, perfect for edging borders or brightening containers. Enjoy the show in spring and summer as these black blooms gracefully open their petals to greet the sun.
- Scientific Name: Viola cornuta ‘Blackout’
- Zones: 6-10
- Plant Type: Perennial
- Growing Condition: Partial shade to full shade; well-draining, moist soil
22. Black Hibiscus
The Black Hibiscus has deep maroon shade with petals that look black. Unlike most hibiscus, their centers aren’t vibrant, often sporting deep red or burgundy hues.
These unique blooms reach 4-8 inches wide, adorning a plant that can grow 3-8 feet tall. This tropical beauty blooms profusely throughout summer and fall.
- Scientific Name: Hibiscus rosa-sinensis hybrid
- Zones: 10
- Plant Type: Perennial
- Growing Condition: Full sun to partial shade; well-drained soil
23. Black Sweet Pea
While not pure black, the Black Sweet Pea produces deep maroon flowers. Each bloom boasts a rich, complex color, often described as burgundy or eggplant with subtle hints of purple and brown.
This unique variety typically reaches a height of 3-6 feet, gracefully climbing on trellises or fences. Its peak blooming period spans from early summer to late fall, rewarding gardeners with months of captivating color.
- Scientific Name: Lathyrus odoratus ‘Black Knight’
- Zones: 2 to 11
- Plant Type: Annual
- Growing Condition: Full sun to partial shade; well-draining soil
24. New York Night Hellebore
New York Night Hellebore is a perennial plant with dramatic near-black flowers. Think velvety, midnight hues with subtle green whispers. But, its beauty extends beyond color.
These cup-shaped blooms, reaching 2-3 inches across, unfold beautifully on sturdy stems. The New York Night Hellebore offers long-lasting blooms, emerging in late winter and persisting into early spring, defying the season’s chill.
- Scientific Name: Helleborus ‘New York Night’
- Zones: 4-9
- Plant Type: Perennial
- Growing Condition: Partial shade to full shade; well-drained soil
25. Black Knight Scabiosa
The Black Knight Scabiosa isn’t your average flower. This plant produces black flowers that resemble pincushions. Also, they can reach a height of around 24-36 inches.
While not truly black, the deep, rich burgundy hue creates a mesmerizing effect, especially when sunlight catches its subtle shimmers. Plant this unique beauty and watch your garden transform into a Gothic dream!
- Scientific Name: Scabiosa atropurpurea ‘Black Knight’
- Zones: 3-5 (annual), 6-9 (perennial)
- Plant Type: Annual
- Growing Condition: full sun to partial shade; well-draining soil