October ushers in the spookiest season of the year, when the boundaries between life and death become blurred, and ghosts walk among us. Halloween is beloved like no other holiday. 93% of Americans celebrate the spooky day in some fashion. Neighbors compete to have the scariest decorations and the best treats, and Halloween parties bring out costumed revelers of all ages. Some true devotees even choose the spooky holiday as their wedding day!
Halloween decorations don’t have to be limited to jack-o-lanterns and jump-scare inducing special effects. There are some genuinely spooky flowers that will elevate your Halloween decor, whether you’re going for truly terrifying haunted house vibes or Addams Family chic. In addition to traditional orange, think ghostly white, or choose from a myriad of “black” blooms, each with a uniquely eerie mood.
Spooky Halloween flowers can add the finishing touch to your scary scenario, but these dramatic blooms can easily steal the show. Black blooms and dried seed pods create a delightfully sinister feel, while a mix of ghost-white flowers is sure to evoke chills. Combine orange and black for a more traditional “trick or treat” atmosphere, and don’t forget to punctuate your spooky Halloween bouquets with a few blood-red blooms! We’ve collected some of our favorites to combine for a spectacularly spooky bouquet of flowers.
Black Dahlias
The black dahlia has a place in true crime history, but the name is a little misleading. There are no truly black dahlias. In fact, there are no truly black flowers. In the case of “black” dahlias, the petals are deep red to dark brown, giving the appearance of black blooms. “Karma Choc” dahlias’ petals are possibly the darkest, and multilayered, giving a heavy, ominous look, while the single layer of spiky dark petals on “Honka Black” bring a different spooky vibe.
Spider Mums
As the name implies, this flower seems made for Halloween with its spindly petals giving it the appearance of a spider. There are several black varieties, “Shimmy” being one of the most popular. White spider mums look like large ghostly spiders, and add an eerie element to Halloween bouquets.
Lotus Pods
These dried, deep brown lotus seed pods will definitely be a focal point, and should be combined with flowers that complement and don’t compete for attention. Beware, though, in addition to just being spooky looking, they might trigger trypophobia, a fear of clusters of holes. When the lotus loses its seeds, the pod is left with large, oddly clustered holes which, phobia or not, make for an extra spooky bouquet.
Black Roses
Black rose bouquets have a certain niche appeal year-round, but as Halloween grows closer, their popularity soars. The black rose is the classic spooky flower, and a frequent choice for Halloween weddings. It bears repeating, true black flowers do not appear naturally, but varieties like “Black Baccara”, with saturated deep red petals, appear black. Both elegant and ominous, black roses make the cut for looks alone, but the black rose’s symbolism is the reason for its popularity. A few black roses paired with dried seed pods make for a striking and unique bouquet.
Black Columbine
“Black Barlow” columbine is popular in cutting gardens and bouquets. The double blooms are deep plum, nearly black, and resemble pompons. If you’re creating a ghostly white themed bouquet, there’s “White Barlow”, a similar double bloom in white.
Black Calla Lilies
The single trumpet bloom of the “Black Star” calla lily conveys mystery and elegance. The dramatic, modern look of these deep burgundy calla lilies is perfect for upscale or formal Halloween events.
“Love Lies Bleeding” Amaranthus
Credit: Wiki Commons https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Amaranthus_caudatus_%27Love-Lies-Bleeding%27_(Amaranthaceae)_plant.JPG
Small red flowers make up the long tassels of “Love Lies Bleeding”, which seem poised to reach out and grab unsuspecting guests. A florist’s favorite, “Love Lies Bleeding” is often paired with “Black Baccara” roses for an elegant, haunting bouquet.
Scabiosa Pods
The pale, ghostly round heads of Scabiosa seem made just for the season. Combine them with black spider mums for striking contrast, or to elevate the ethereal, ghostly feel, pair scabiosa pods with white blooms like mums or ranunculus.
Cobra Lilies
If Halloween is your excuse to create your own “little shop of horrors,” you need the carnivorous cobra lily. Named for its unique shape, the plant’s pitcher (funnel-shaped leaves at the top of the plant) arches downward, and is hooded, resembling a cobra. It’s also a voracious insectivore, serving as both entertainment and pest control for your Halloween festivities. Pair them with black spider mums and dahlias for a dramatic, spooky bouquet of flowers.
Sunflowers
Sunflower bouquets aren’t spooky, but adding a few darker colored sunflowers to a bouquet of black dahlias and spider mums results in a bold Halloween arrangement. Dried sunflowers create an entirely different feel. Pair them with seed pods for a spooky bouquet, or a Halloween wreath.
Purple Millet Grass
Credit: Wiki Commons: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Purple_Majesty_Millet_(4968795499).jpg
This deep, muted purple ornamental grass with long, narrow leaves pairs perfectly with black flower arrangements for a smoky, almost-monochromatic look. It’s a natural companion for sunflowers and seed pods as well, adding some spooky dimension to bouquets.
Tillandsia
Commonly called air plants, tillandsia are relatively easy to care for, despite their reputation. Grouped together, they can make an eerie display. Air plants are literally just what they sound like – they are not planted in soil, the roots get what they need from the air. This makes them extremely versatile for pairing with your favorite Halloween decorations – think skeletons, skulls, and spiders’ lairs!
Cockscomb
Red cockscomb varieties like “Red Velvet Cake” produce flowers that look like brains. Annuals that bloom in late summer and fall, cockscomb can be grown indoors, so it can be easily added to Halloween arrangements wherever you want an unexpected jump scare.
Decorating with Spooky Flowers and Plants
Don’t be afraid to play with mixing your Halloween decorations into flower arrangements to elevate the spookiness. Strategically placed skeleton hands can make a big impact. Place flower arrangements in the tops of skulls and jack-o-lanterns. A ghoulish face peeking from behind from behind the flowers might not be noticed until it’s close enough to startle a guest!
Simple additions like bare twigs and branches or chains can add spooky texture. And you can have lots of fun using lighting to give your Halloween flowers a haunted glow. This is a great time to be creative and bold!
Spooky Flowers in Time for Halloween
Halloween offers lots of opportunities to get creative with spooky flower arrangements, and so many ways to flex your creativity and produce your own unique brand of spooky. Whether you’re planning a big Halloween bash, or looking for a spooky bouquet of flowers to celebrate a loved one’s connection to the holiday, The Bouqs has the freshest, longest-lasting Halloween flowers this year. Our company-wide commitment to sustainability means the flowers you order come directly from the farm to your door, extending the time you’ll get to enjoy your fresh blooms. Come visit our website or one of our stores for long-lasting spooky Halloween flowers!
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