Black is the darkest shade on the spectrum, symbolizing power, mystery, and even the macabre. True ‘black’ flowers are exceptionally rare, as most are deep purples or reds that our eyes perceive as black. Yet their dramatic impact has made them a hallmark of the ‘Goth Gardens’ trend that ranked among the 11 Top Gardening Trends of 2024. These inky-hued blooms typically flower from spring into summer, offering a striking contrast in beds, borders, and container plantings.
The rarity of black flowers only increases their appeal. Queen of Night tulips and Black Baccara roses are favorites among gardeners, thanks to the dramatic flair they bring to mixed borders. At the same time, gift-givers love those deep black blooms for creating attractive arrangements. Event planners and couples seeking unconventional, moody palettes routinely request black calla lilies. Florists favor the Black Baccara Rose not just for its velvety near-black petals but for its long vase life, which is around 12–14 days.
Name | Appearance | Toxicity to Pets |
---|---|---|
Queen of Night Tulip*
Tulipa ‘Queen of Night’ ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Deep maroon tulip often perceived as black
![]() None | Moderate |
Black Baccara Rose*
Rosa ‘Black Baccara’ ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Velvety dark red rose with near-black appearance
![]() Mild | High |
Arabian Night Dahlia*
Dahlia ‘Arabian Night’ ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Large, double blooms with deep burgundy-black petals
![]() None | Moderate |
Black Velvet Petunia*
Petunia hybrida ‘Black Velvet’ ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Velvety black, trumpet-shaped flowers
![]() None | Moderate |
Black Delight Pansy*
Viola × wittrockiana ‘Black Delight’ ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Velvety near-black blooms
![]() None | Non-toxic |
Chocolate Cosmos*
Cosmos atrosanguineus ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Dark maroon flowers that appear black in sun
![]() Mild | Non-toxic |
Black Knight Scabiosa*
Scabiosa atropurpurea ‘Black Knight’ ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Dark, burgundy button-like flowers with a pincushion texture
![]() Mild | Non-toxic |
Black Panther Tree Peony*
Paeonia suffruticosa ‘Black Panther’ ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Velvety double flowers in rich black-purple
![]() Mild | High |
Crazytunia Black Mamba Petunia*
Petunia ‘Crazytunia Black Mamba’ ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Suede-like, jet-black compact blooms
![]() None | Non-toxic |
Black Barlow Columbine*
Aquilegia vulgaris ‘Black Barlow’ ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Deep black-purple, star-shaped double blooms
![]() None | Moderate |
Black Star Calla Lily*
Zantedeschia ‘Black Star’ ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Sleek, trumpet-shaped dark purple to black blooms
![]() Mild | High |
Landini Lily*
Lilium ‘Landini’ ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Deep burgundy-black trumpet-shaped blooms
![]() None | High |
Black Iris
Iris chrysographes ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Almost-black ruffled flowers with regal appearance
![]() Mild | Moderate |
Nigra Hollyhock*
Alcea rosea ‘Nigra’ ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Deep maroon-black blooms with a satiny sheen
![]() None | Moderate |
Black Widow Geranium*
Geranium phaeum ‘Black Widow’ ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Nodding, dark maroon-black compact flowers
![]() Mild | High |
Vampire Orchid*
Dracula vampira ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Bat-shaped dark flowers with trailing whiskers
![]() Mild | Non-toxic |
Black Bat Flower
Tacca chantrieri ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Large, bat-shaped, dark maroon to black flowers with long, trailing filaments
![]() None | Non-toxic |
Whether we are planning a spring wedding, designing a dramatic garden border, or hunting for a truly standout gift, black flowers add both drama and elegance to any setting.