Dark, mysterious, and unique, black flowers can add a touch of drama to any garden or bouquet. Although most “black” flowers are actually dark purple, maroon, burgundy, blue, or red, these interesting blooms help add a unique layer to bouquets.
Whether you want to grow black blooms to add depth to your garden or you are looking to mix up your flower delivery, you have a variety of options to choose from. We’re going to cover 26 types of black flowers to explore.
The Meaning of Black Flowers
These blooms are gorgeous, but what do black flowers mean? Depending on who you ask, these flowers roses symbolize mystery, sophistication, intrigue, or morning. Therefore, they can be used in funeral arrangements as well as in Halloween bouquets and arrangements for sophisticated occasions.
While the black flower meaning remains similar between flower types, each flower also has individual symbolism. For example, people sometimes use the black rose to mark the end of a meaningful event. Therefore, black roses make appropriate gifts for graduations and retirements.
1. Western Coneflower ‘Green Wizard’
Credit Wikimedia Commons: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Rudbeckia_occidentalis_on_Aspen_Mountain_(91134).jpg
Growing to about five feet tall, the ‘Green Wizard’ western coneflower is perfect for the back row of a flower bed. It features a dark purple to black cone on modified green leaves known as bracts. Unlike other coneflowers, ‘Green Wizard’ is not drought tolerant and needs plenty of water. Therefore, it grows best in damp soil rich in organic matter.
Soil: Moist, rich, and well-drained
Sunlight: Full sun
Growing Zone: 3–9
2. Rose ‘Black Baccara’
Credit Wikimedia Commons: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Rose_Black_Baccara_%E3%83%90%E3%83%A9_%E3%83%96%E3%83%A9%E3%83%83%E3%82%AF_%E3%83%90%E3%82%AB%E3%83%A9_(5693278972).jpg
The darkest (naturally colored) “black” rose on the market today is the ‘Black Baccara’ rose, which features dark maroon petals. The velvety petals look even more spectacular thanks to the contrast provided by their semi-glossy dark green leaves. This hybrid tea rose grows up to six feet tall, and continues to produce flowers from spring through fall.
Soil: Moist and well-drained
Sunlight: Full sun
Growing Zone: 5–9
3. Dahlia ‘Karma Choc’
Credit Wikimedia Commons: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Dahlia_%27Karma_Choc%27.jpg
Possibly the darkest dahlia you can find,‘Karma Choc’ has a unique ombre effect with dark red velvet petals that fade into a nearly black center. The flowers are about four-inches wide, making them a great focal flower in bouquets. Not only does this dahlia have an excellent vase life, but cutting mature blooms encourages the plant to produce additional flowers.
Soil: Moist and well-drained
Sunlight: Full sun
Growing Zone: 8–11
4. Snapdragon ‘Black Prince’
The ‘Black Prince’ Snapdragon’s spikes of deep crimson blooms provide a stunning contrast against lighter and brighter flowers. This snapdragon variety was first introduced more than a century ago, qualifying this bloom as an heirloom plant. The plants continue to bloom from spring through fall, especially if you remove old flowers.
Soil: Mildly acidic
Sunlight: Full sun
Growing Zone: 7–10
5. Iris ‘Dark Vader’
The ‘Dark Vader’ iris has deep violet flowers with yellow throats and dark blue beards. Since ‘Dark Vader’ is a dwarf iris, it maxes out at 16” tall and works well in containers. It blooms in mid to late summer.
Soil: Moist and well-drained
Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
Growing Zone: 2–9
6. Cranesbill Geranium ‘Black Widow’
Credit Wikicommons: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Geranium_phaeum.jpg
Ranging in hue from dark maroon to deep purple, the ‘Black Widow’ Cranesbill Geranium is also known as Dusky cranesbill, ‘Mourning Widow,’ and ‘Black Widow.’ Although not invasive, ‘Black Widow’ does spread easily and may take up more of your garden than you intended, so keep that in mind as you plant it.
Soil: Moist and slightly acidic
Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
Growing Zone: 4–9
7. Pansy ‘Black Beauty’
photo from outsidepride.com
The dark purple blooms of the Pansy ‘Black Beauty’ pair well with bright flowers and are surprisingly cold-tolerant. These pansies thrive equally well in beds and containers, making them very versatile.
Soil: Moist but well-drained
Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
Growing Zone: 5–9
8. Persian Lily
Credit Wikimedia Commons: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Fritillaria_persica_IMG_7135_C.JPG
Although it may look a bit different than the lilies you’re used to, the Perisan lily is a member of the lily family. It produces tall flower stalks that can reach up to three feet tall. No matter how tall the stalks grow, they’re all covered with multiple levels of nodding, bell-shaped flowers. The flowers are deep purple in color and appear black from a distance.
Soil: Moist and well-drained
Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
Growing Zone: 5–8
9. Penny Black
Also known as Nemophila ‘Baby Black Eyes’, penny blacks are extra eye-catching since their deep violet to black petals are edged with white. Only reaching 4” tall and slightly trailing, penny blacks work extremely well in window boxes, baskets, and containers or as ground cover or edging.
Soil: Well-drained
Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
Growing Zone: 3–9
10. Viola ‘Blackout’
Credit Wikimedia Commons: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Viola_cornuta_%27Twix_Black%27_Fio%C5%82ek_rogaty_2018-04-15_02.jpg
The dark petals of the viola ‘Blackout’ are offset by striking bright yellow centers. This color contrast provides a unique look that will last from spring through autumn. Maxing out at ten inches tall, these flowers are excellent for window boxes and other small containers.
Soil: Fertile, moist, and well-drained
Sunlight: Partial shade
Growing Zone: 6–10
11. Petunia ‘Black Velvet’
If you like a modern, minimalist look, ‘Black Velvet’ petunias are perfect. Their velvety petals are arranged in a trumpet shape that attracts hummingbirds and butterflies, and the blooms are offset by light green foliage. To help these delicate flowers happy, plant them somewhere that’s protected from wind, heavy rain, and cold temperatures.
Soil: Well-draining soil with slightly acidic pH
Sunlight: Bright but indirect light
Growing Zone: 9–11
12. Columbine ‘Black Barlow’
Credit Wikimedia Commons: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Columbine_Aquilegia_vulgaris_%27Black_Barlow%27_Flower_2000px.jpg
The dark-plum purple of the ‘Black Barlow’ Columbine helps it stand out from other more colorful varieties. While many columbine flowers nod downward, ‘Black Barlow’ has upward facing, double blooms which resemble starry pompoms. This columbine attracts butterflies and hummingbirds without appealing to rabbits or deer, making it a winner in the garden.
Soil: Moist and well-drained
Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
Growing Zone: 3–9
13. Hyacinth ‘Dark Dimension’
One of the darkest purple hyacinths available, ‘Dark Dimension’ features dark purple-blue star-shaped flowers. Each thick stalk of this flower sports 10-20 buds, adding lots of “black” to your garden.
Soil: Rich and well-drained
Sunlight: Full sun to part shade
Growing Zone: 4–8
14. Bearded Iris ‘Before the Storm’
With its slight fragrance and moderately sized blooms with extremely flaring falls, the stunning Before the Storm’ Bearded Iris is one of the darkest flowers you can find. This dramatic bloom is drought-tolerant as well as deer- and rabbit-resistant.
Soil: Rich and well-drained
Sunlight: Full sun
Growing Zone: 3–9
15. Black Bat Flower
Credit Wikimedia Commons: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Tacca_chantrieri_29896303.jpg
Although it’s somewhat difficult to grow, the black bat flower is well worth the effort thanks to its resemblance to its namesake. Also known as cat’s whiskers or tiger beard, the black bat flower is technically a dark maroon or purple.
Soil: Fertile and well-drained
Sunlight: Partial sun to dappled shade
Growing Zone: 9–11
16. Scabiosa ‘Black Knight’
Credit Wikimedia Commons: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Scabiosa_%22Black_Knight%22_(5029080999).jpg
Also known as pincushion flowers, scabiosa plants produce round blooms that look like they belong on a seamstress’s work table. The flowers are long-lasting when cut and also look beautiful when dried, making them a versatile addition to the garden. ‘Black Knight’ has a deep red hue that looks black from a distance.
Soil: Moist and well-drained
Sunlight: Full sun
Growing Zone: 3–7
17. Hollyhock ‘Nigra’
Credit Wikimedia Commons: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Black_Hollyhock.jpg
Like all hollyhocks, ‘Nigra’ produces large flowers on tall spikes that often grow over our heads. However, this variety stands out due to its deep maroon flowers. These flowers bloom throughout the summer, making them a welcome addition to most gardens.
Soil: Moist and well-drained
Sunlight: Full sun
Growing Zone: 2–9
18. Cornflower ‘Black Sprite’
Even if you’re familiar with bachelor’s buttons, consider adding ‘Black Sprite’ to your garden. This variety’s deep purple color helps it stand out, but the extended florets are what makes it truly unique. When you look at the flowers from afar, they look like large black spiders with extended legs. If you’re looking for a flower perfect for Halloween, this is it!
Soil: Well-drained
Sunlight: Full sun or part shade
Growing Zone: 3–9
19. Lisianthus ‘Black Pearl’
If you’re like most people, the lisianthus is at the top of your cut flower list. Not only do these flowers have beautiful layers of delicate petals, but they also remain fresh for multiple weeks. ‘Black Pearl’ provides deep purple shades that are a nice change from lighter pink and yellow varieties.
Soil: Moist and well-drained
Sunlight: Full sun
Growing Zone: 7–10
20. Calla Lily ‘Black Star’
Although they’re not true lilies, both gardeners and florists love calla lilies for their vase-shaped blooms, which are actually modified leaves called spathes. ‘Black Star’ produces deep purple flowers that look black from afar. Although calla lilies will die back in colder areas, you can still grow them by treating them as annuals and replanting each spring.
Soil: Loose and well-drained
Sunlight: Full sun or part shade
Growing Zone: 8–10
21. Hellebore ‘Midnight Ruffles’
Also known as the lenten rose, the hellebore plant is one of the first plants to bloom each spring. In fact, it’s not uncommon to see the delicate flowers popping up amongst snow and ice. ‘Midnight Ruffles’ has deep purple petals that contrast beautifully against the plant’s bright yellow stamens. While the flowers look beautiful in the garden, they also hold up well as cut flowers.
Soil: Moist and well-drained
Sunlight: Part shade or shade
Growing Zone: 4–9
22. Sunflower ‘Black Beauty’
When you think of sunflowers, you probably imagine bright yellow petals or perhaps subdued shades of orange and red. But ‘Black Beauty’ proves there’s more to this iconic flower. This dark variety sports deep people flowers surrounded by dark maroon petals. Try pairing the flowers with shades of orange and yellow for a stunning fall bouquet.
Soil: Well-drained
Sunlight: Full sun
Growing Zone: 3–10
23. Lily ‘Night Rider’
A hybrid of Asiatic and trumpet lilies, ‘Night Rider’ sports deep purple petals that appear true black in the shade. The plants grow to about four feet tall and produce flowers in the beginning to middle of summer. Not only are the flowers beautiful, but they also fill the garden with a sweet, floral fragrance. Plus, they hold up great in arrangements!
Soil: Well-drained
Sunlight: Full sun or part shade
Growing Zone: 3–8
24. Cosmos ‘Chocolate’
Credit Wikicommons: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Chocolate_Cosmos_(8043986729).jpg
There are all sorts of deep red and purple cosmos varieties, but ‘Chocolate’ cosmos (Cosmos atrosanguineus) gets close to black. But that’s not the only reason you should consider adding it to your cutting garden. This variety gets its name from its chocolate-like fragrance with undertones of vanilla. It grows as a tender perennial in warmer climates, but you can treat it as an annual in colder areas. While this variety used to only be available as tubers, you can now find ‘Chocolate’ cosmos seeds.
Soil: Well-drained
Sunlight: Full sun
Growing Zone: 6–10
25. Cornflower ‘Almost Black’
The ‘Almost Black’ cornflower produces deep violet flowers atop long, green stems. The plants are prolific bloomers, especially if you continue to cut the flowers and deadhead old blooms. Not only do ‘Almost Black’ flowers look great in fresh arrangements, but they also dry well. Just hang them upside down in a dry area with good airflow.
Soil: Well-drained
Sunlight: Full sun or part shade
Growing Zone: 3–9
26. Coral Bells ‘Black Pearl’
If you want to add some black plants to your landscape, check out ‘Black Pearl.’ Although this coral bell produces stalks of tiny pink or white flowers, it sports stunning dark purple foliage. Adding kinds of black plants to your garden helps break up the many shades of green.
Soil: Well-drained
Sunlight: Full sun, part shade, or shade
Growing Zone: 4–9
Black Flowers in Bouquets
If you don’t have the time or energy to grow all these black flowers yourself, don’t worry! You can always order some black flowers to enjoy. Thanks to the stunning contrast, black flowers generally pair best with light colors, such as cream, white, silver, lime green, soft pink, lavender, and pale yellow. We also love pairing orange hues of the best fall flowers with black flowers during Halloween.
No matter what color and type of bouquet you’re looking for, you can find an arrangement you love at The Bouqs. And if you’d rather learn more about flowers before purchasing, peruse our care guides or take a moment to learn more about black roses.
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