Go to the dark side of your garden. Nearly black leaves in shades of purple, burgundy and bronze add drama and eye-popping contrast.

Written by Jan Riggenbach.

Black Plants

(ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED: JULY/AUGUST 2005)

DON'T BE AFRAID OF THE DARK! Plants with leaves and flowers in nearly black hues can add excitement to your garden. That is especially true in morning or late afternoon, when the sun is low and black plants seem to glow in the backlighting.

Black plants aren't really pure black, but they do carry deep, rich tones of dark purple, bronze and burgundy. For eye-catching contrast, pair dark-leafed plants with blooms or foliage in complementary colors such as chartreuse, yellow or orange.

The purplish-black leaves of 'Obsidian' coralbells (Heuchera), for example, take a dramatic twist when viewed with the electric yellow of 'Sunspot' foamy bells (Heucherella). Count on silver foliage plants such as 'Silver Mound' artemisia and 'Looking Glass' brunnera for beautiful contrast against dark counterparts.

At Zeeland, Michigan-based Walters Gardens, a leading wholesale field grower of perennials, dark-leafed plants are rising in popularity. "They add spectacular interest to plants such as gold hostas that need something dark to bring out the color," says Mary Walters, vice president for marketing.

Just as there are color trends in fashion or in home furnishings, gardeners also look for new combinations, especially ones using only foliage. "To bring out the black, you need to add bold colors, such as gold or chartreuse," Mary says. "It's a refreshing, fun look."

It's easier than ever to try this approach, thanks to increasing availability of intriguing plants such as 'Plum Crazy' hibiscus, 'Red Dragon' persicaria, 'Purple Emperor' sedum, and 'Chocolate Chip' ajuga. Or begin with the striking, purplish-black foliage of 'Hillside Black Beauty' cimicifuga, a favorite of Walters Gardens plant specialist Jayne Roberts.

Related Links: