Black Plants

Black Plants: 75 Striking Choices for the Garden

by: Paul Bonine

Amazon Price: $4.14 (as of 05/30/2012)

Striking, mysterious, sinister, and strange all describe the singular appeal of plants with black (or near-black) foliage, flowers, or fruit. For some gardeners, they are curiosities that yield a special thrill. For others, they are invaluable for providing contrast with brighter elements. Whatever the source of their somber magic, these dusky denizens of the plant kingdom are irresistible to anyone drawn to nature's more unusual manifestations.

In this compact, accessible volume, Paul Bonine profiles 75 of the most alluring black annuals, perennials, bulbs, and shrubs. Some of the plants-like agapanthus and lilies-are darker versions of familiar favorites, while others are rarities that will appeal to the most discerning collector. Each entry describes the plant's essential features and details the requirements for growth and care.

Whether your taste runs to pansies, columbines, and sweet williams or to obscure orchids from the Andes, you'll find a host of intriguing choices in this beautifully illustrated, entertaining book. Black Plants is sure to haunt your dreams.

PANSY - HALLOWEEN II Annual Seeds

Amazon Price: (as of 05/30/2012)

Pansy - Halloween II Seeds... Pansy - Halloween II SeedsAnnualApprox. 25 seeds per package... Pure pitch black... Height: 6".

Organic Dakota Black Popcorn - 100 Seeds - Traditional

Amazon Price: (as of 05/30/2012)

Unusual, dark red to nearly black, pointed kernels producing two ears on a 5-7' plant, with an occasional white kernelled ear. Good stalk strength and great seedling vigor, even in cold soils. Reliable producer in both hot and cool growing seasons.

Black Nigra Hollyhock 30 Seeds, 450 mg - Alcea rosea

Amazon Price: $1.20 (as of 05/30/2012)

Dramatic Black Blooms on 6-Foot Spikes! 4 inches across, held wide open to reveal their creamy center, these blooms are stunningly lovely and distinctive! These shiny black flowers, 4 inches across and sporting a creamy center plus a hint of burgundy toward the base, are a distinctive and never-to-be-forgotten addition to the sunny garden! They arise on stately 6-foot stalks, which are ideal beside entryways and gateposts, as well as in front of light-colored walls and fences (where the deep, rich color shows to best advantage). Keep the spent flowers picked and these vigorous plants may just repeat their show in fall! Easy to grow in full sun and almost any well-drained soil. Growth is even faster with a top-dressing of cow manure!

Bowles Black Viola 60 Seeds - GOTHIC

Amazon Price: $2.99 (as of 05/30/2012)

A charming small pansy with dainty midnight black flowers. Will happily self seed in cool, moist soil. Dwarf plants produce numorous velvet black petite flowers with a distinct bright yellow eye.

King of the Blacks Carnation 50 Seed-Dianthus-Perennial

Amazon Price: $2.69 (as of 05/30/2012)

'King of the Blacks' Carnation. Dianthus caryophyllus. Black flowers become more popular each day. They do combine dramatically to make unusually beautiful cut flower arrangements. The strong stemmed plants are bushy and grow to 20 , bearing lots of medium size, rich darkest purple, well scented blooms. Hardy in zones 5-10. Elsewhere grow as an annual. GROWS IN CLAYISH SOIL
Full Sun. Avg. Water