While some plants are merely pretty, others are downright ghastly. Sinister names communicate an unorthodox beauty, while dark-hued flowers evoke tales of evil. In particular, the pursuit of black petals and foliage has captured the imagination of hybridizers for generations, despite the knowledge that in nature black is actually deep purple, red, blue or a combination of all three. Scour your garden centers for perennials on sale that you can plant yet this fall.
Creepy connotations aside, “black” flowers, seed heads and bulbs lend drama to the garden; some add a truly outlandish touch: The black voodoo lily presents a complete flower head up to three feet long; the plant’s putrid odor attracts pollinating beetles. For gardeners devoted to the art of darkness, it’s always Halloween.
Count on these bizarre beauties to add a touch of mystery to beds and borders –
(Viola x wittrockiana)
(Nigella damascena)
(Lilium lancifolium)
Also named Kentan or Tiger Lily
Also named Kentan or Tiger Lily
Devil’s Backbone
(Kalanchoe daigremontiana)
(Clematis Virginiana)
(Geranium phaeum)
(Tulipa Darwin)
Also named Black Tulip or Cottage Tulip
Voodoo Lily
(Amorphophallus konjac)
Also named Devil’s Tongue
If you enjoy this website, you might like my magazine, Gardening Life.
Thank you for stopping by to spend time in my garden. If you liked the article, please take a moment to let me know. I will be delighted if you would suggest Gardens Inspired to your friends, follow me or subscribe to my Blog
Leave a legacy, but garden like you’ll live forever!
-Debra
Did you like this post? Please recommend it to other readers by selecting the g+1 box, below.
So often these plants/blossoms add such a delightful touch of drama and intrigue to a garden. So unique looking they add an unexpected visual novelty...even aside from their spooky names!
ReplyDeleteThe names are half the fun, aren't they? Nice Halloween post!
ReplyDeleteGreat photo but are the Amorphophallus and the Sauromatum venosum the same plant. they look the same?? My Sauromatum has spotted leaves and stem, is that the difference.?
ReplyDelete