• slide
  • slide
  • slide
  • slide
  • slide
  • slide
  • slide
  • slide

Classic Black Plants

Black is the classic color of wardrobes and may soon be a classic in your landscape. 

Plant breeders and gardeners have long been looking for black flowers.  Most black flowers on the market are really a deep purple or dark red.

The recently introduced black petunia, Black Velvet, has many gardeners and professionals looking for ways to add this and other black beauties to the garden.

The key to success is pairing black plants with the right partner or suitable backdrop that makes the black flowers or leaves pop instead of fade into the background.

Orange and black make a dramatic eye-catching combination, while silver and black are classic.  And of course green is almost always a suitable partner or backdrop.

Be careful when using black plants in the shade.  Their dark flowers can be lost in lower light.  Pair them with a limy green groundcover or plant against a light wall for maximum enjoyment.

A bit more information: A long time favorite, Queen of the Night tulip can provide intrigue in the spring garden. Team Black Prince pansy with Bright Lights Swiss chard for a colorful container. Or create a black backdrop at ground level with Blackie sweet potato vine, black mondo grass or one of the dark leaved bugleweeds like Bronze Beauty or Black Scallop.

Upcoming
Events & Webinars


August 6-16, 2026
Wisconsin State Fair
We Energies Energy Park, West Allis, WI

August 29, 2026
Composting 102
Milwaukee Public Library - East Branch
Register here

Sept. 3, 2026
FREE WEBINAR: 
Tree Planting and Care
Register here

Sept. 11, 2026
Illinois State Master Gardener Conference
Rockford, IL
Register here

Sept. 12, 2026
2026 Knowledge in Bloom Conference
Urban Ecology Center, Milw., WI
Register here

Sept. 17, 2026
FREE WEBINAR:
Fall Landscape Care and Planting

Register here

Sept. 26, 2026
Pruning Hydrangeas & Other Shrubs
Pasquesi Home & Gardens, Lake Bluff, IL

Oct. 6, 2026
Upper Midwest Invasive Species Conference
La Crosse, WI
Register here

WATCH ON-DEMAND WEBINARS

MORE UPCOMING EVENT DETAILS 

Book an Appearance

Learn More

Sign up for Melinda's free newsletter for a chance to win this Milorganite 100th Anniversary prize package.

ENTER NOW