Rare black-colored flowers add a touch of intrigue and elegance to any bouquet or garden arrangement. While true black blooms do not exist, deep shades of red or purple give the illusion of black. Here is a curated list of the top 15 black flowers for you to explore and experiment with in your next floral arrangement or garden:
1) Black Calla Lily Odessa and Other Varieties
The black Calla Lily, or zantedeschia, is a striking addition to any bouquet, particularly for weddings. With its trumpet-like shape, the Calla Lily symbolizes victory and beauty, deriving from the Greek word “kallos.” It is often associated with themes of resurrection, faithfulness, and purity. In addition to the Odessa variety, other options such as Black Diamond, Escape, Cantor, and Captain Beretta are also available in the market.
Introducing the Calla Odessa:
2) The Black Pansy – Viola Cornuta ‘Molly Sanderson’
While pansies are a popular choice for gardens, there is a special variant of this flower known as the black pansy. Blooming in the spring, the black viola, also called “Molly Sanderson,” provides a striking contrast when paired with multicolored pansies or yellow blooms because of its light-colored center. These stunning black flowers thrive in both containers and in the ground, making them ideal for table centerpieces or aisle decorations!
3) Anthurium Noir Noir
The Anthurium Noir Noir, including varieties like Black Love and Black Queen, boast deep shades of purple and red that appear nearly black, especially as the flowers mature. Among them, the Anthurium Nero stands out as an almost entirely black variety and is commonly found as a cut flower option.
The Anthurium Nero is a unique and stunning plant that stands out with its deep purple, almost black flowers. Unlike most Helleborus species that are pink or white, this rare variety is a beautiful dark shade. Despite its striking appearance, it is important to note that the Black Hellebore Kissi Royal Maroon is highly toxic, adding to its mysterious appeal. Also known as Helleborus Niger or the Christmas Rose, this perennial plant blooms in early spring and can be cultivated in containers, thriving in both part and full sun. Florists often incorporate this black flower into arrangements for its exotic look.
Helleborus Kissi Royal Maroon
Get ready to be wowed by the stunning Black Lisianthus, also known as Eustoma ‘Bohemian Black Violet’. This unique variety is grown by the innovative team at Montana. A part of the Bohemian series, Lisianthus Bohemian Black Violet has taken the floral world by storm, winning hearts of designers globally with its striking beauty.
Lisianthus Bohemian Black Violet
6) The Regal Black Tulip Queen of Night
One of the most well-known black tulips is the classic La Tulipe Noire, first introduced in 1891 but now discontinued. However, the Queen of Night, introduced in 1955, is still in production and readily available. This tulip variety is known for its deep, dark color and impressive height, with a classic and striking flower shape. It’s a must-try for any tulip lover looking to add some drama to their garden or floral arrangements with one of the most stunning black flowers on the market.
The Queen of Night tulips possess a dark beauty that is reminiscent of the mysterious Black Dahlia flower. Despite its appearance, the black dahlia actually boasts a deep shade of red. In the Victorian era, this flower symbolized commitment and eternal love. Its enigmatic allure inspired a film titled “Black Dahlia” in 2006.
Discover this unique plant known as the Black ‘Orchid’ Tacca Chantrieri, which may resemble a bat in flight to some. Despite its name, this species is not actually part of the orchid family, hailing from Asia and belonging to the Dioscoreaceae family. Its deep brown color can sometimes appear black to those unfamiliar with it, earning it nicknames like the ‘Devil Flower’ or the ‘Cat’s Whiskers’. In addition to its striking looks, there are also claims that this plant may have potential cancer-fighting properties, adding to its intrigue and appeal.
9) Black Hollyhock – Midnight Magic
The black hollyhock, known as Black Magic, may appear black but is actually a striking deep purple flower. These stunning blooms grace gardens throughout the summer months. While hollyhocks traditionally symbolize friendship, the deep purple variety is associated with nobility. The Nigra Hollyhock is a sought-after type with roots in historical gardens, first mentioned in 1629, and even found in Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello gardens. The Black Hollyhock is a rare gem that can appear almost black under certain lighting conditions.
10) Black Petunia
In a botanical breakthrough in 2010, scientists succeeded in creating the world’s darkest flower – the Petunia Black Velvet. Developed by the UK-based flower breeder Ball Horticultural Company, this all-black petunia plant was produced using natural breeding methods. The Black Velvet petunia stands out as the first of its kind, boasting a rich black hue that captivates onlookers. Learn more about this groundbreaking flower in the 2010 Channel 4 news feature.
Petunia Black Velvet
11) Black Chocolate Cosmos
Originating from Mexico, the stunning maroon petals of the Black Chocolate Cosmos are sadly facing extinction. Cultivated through a single clone in 1902, these unique flowers not only boast a black hue reminiscent of chocolate but also emit a delightful chocolate scent. A true gem among black blooms around the globe!
Discover the enchanting Black Chocolate Cosmos available at Gia Flowers. Another must-have is the Black Rose Baccara, a striking tea-hybrid rose bred by Meilland that adds a touch of drama to any floral arrangement or garden. Not only are these black flowers visually appealing, but they also emit a delightful and calming fragrance. The deep hue of the blooms is further accentuated by the pretty green-reddish foliage. This elegant flower is a favorite among flower enthusiasts. Learn more about the allure of black roses in our article “Black Roses – Are They Found in Nature?”
The stunning Black Iris ‘Before the Storm’ is a variety of iris flower that offers a unique and rich purple-black hue. Originating from China and Myanmar, this sweet-scented flower holds the title of being the national flower of Jordan, symbolizing beauty and resilience. With its ability to thrive in tough conditions like the Arabian Desert, the black iris is truly a testament to strength and endurance in nature.
Iris ‘Before the Storm’
14) Dark Geranium Phaeum
Known as the Mourning Widow or Black Widow, this stunning flower is found in Southern, Central, and Western Europe. Thriving in shady, moist environments, it boasts intricately-cut green leaves and striking dark maroon-purple blooms. It is recommended to trim the plants post-blooming to promote the growth of new foliage. The clumps can be effortlessly separated during spring or early autumn.
Geranium Phaeum Black
15) Purple Dynamite Fritillaria Persica
Wrapping up our list of top black flowers is the stunning Fritillaria Persica, also known as Persian lily. This unique bulbous perennial from the lily family boasts a special deep dark purple color that shines on both the flower and the leaf. In certain lighting, the flowers even appear almost black, making it truly one of the most exceptional black flowers out there.
Fritillaria Persica, known as Purple Dynamite, is a stunning black flower that can be found in Kat Von D’s garden. To discover more about the 20 Gothic garden flowers in her collection, check out the article ’20 Gothic Garden Flowers by Kat Von D.’