Exotic rare black flowers are a captivating sight. They can add a touch of mystery and sophistication to any garden or floral arrangement. While black flowers are not truly black, they appear so due to the deep pigmentation of their petals. These interesting blooms are often associated with death, mourning, and darkness, but they can also symbolize power, elegance, and rebellion.
Some more commonly known black flowers are pansies, tulips, lilies, dahlias, and roses. In addition to these classic choices, there are also lesser-known black flowers. Black hollyhocks, petunias, and calla lilies add a touch of drama and intrigue to any garden or floral arrangement.
Flower Lovers Want to Know
Are black flowers natural?
Black flowers are not truly black, they are the deepest of red, blue, or purple colors. Anthocyanin pigment found in other dark-colored fruits and vegetables gives these flowers their deep rich color. This pigment along with the process of photosynthesis gives these buds their deep dark hue.
What do black flowers mean?
Black flowers can symbolize mourning, mystery, rebellion, or intrigue. These beauties have a rich history and cultural significance. Black flowers are associated with death and mourning for some. They represent rebirth and renewal for others. Black flowers were considered a symbol of luxury and refinement in Victorian times. And, these flowers were used in elaborate floral arrangements.
What is the rarest black flower in the world?
The Black Bat flower is the rarest flower in the world.
Do all flowers require deadheading?
Perennial flowers that bloom year after year and do not require deadheading as the seeds are held within the dead bloom. The blooms fall off, the seeds naturally regenerate the plants each year.
Where do black flowers grow?
Most black flowers can be found in the eastern European country of Turkey.
10 Exotic Rare Black Flowers – Including Photos
These exotic, rare black flowers are unique and mysterious. They are visually striking and symbolize elegance, sophistication, and power. These rare and unusual flowers are not commonly seen in most gardens. They are a popular choice for gardeners who want to add a touch of drama and intrigue to any outdoor space.
List of 10 Exotic Rare Black Flowers
Black flowers are a rare and fascinating sight that adds a touch of intrigue and elegance to any garden. These 10 amazing black blooms will be the topic of conversation at your next BBQ.
Super Rare Black Flowers
1 – Black Bat Flower – (Tacca chantrieri) is the rarest, most exotic flower and is native to Southeast Asia. Its unique shape and color make it a popular choice for those who like a dramatic garden. The flower has long, whisker-like filaments that protrude from the center of the bloom, giving it a bat-like appearance. Black Bat Flower prefer a warm, humid climate. Like its namesake (the real bat – who prefers the dark) they grow best in a shaded area.
| Features | Requirements |
| Hardiness Zone | 9b – 11 |
| Light Exposure | Partial Sun |
| Watering | Water often to keep the soil moist |
| Soil | Well drained – pH 6.1 – 7.5 |
| Found In | Southeast Asia & Australia |
| Blooms | Late Summer to Early Autumn |
| Botanical Name | Tacca chantrieri |
| Commonly Called | Black Bat Flower, Cat Whiskers, Devil’s Flower |
Deep Red/Black Flowers
2 – Black Hollyhock – (Alcea rosea ‘Nigra’) tall, stately plant that originated in Turkey produces dark purple to black single blooms that contrast beautifully with its green foliage. It can grow up to 6 feet tall and is perfect for creating a riveting backdrop in your garden. The Black Hollyhock prefers a sunny location and well-drained soil. If you love butterflies and hummingbirds, this is one of the best flowers to add to your garden. Patience is a virtue with these plants as they bloom every two years.
| Features | Requirements |
| Hardiness Zone | 4 – 10 |
| Light Exposure | Full sun |
| Watering | 2 – 3 times per week to keep soil moist (do not overwater) |
| Soil | Well-drained, neutral pH levels |
| Found In | China |
| Blooms | Mid-summer (every two years) |
| Botanical Name | Alcea rosea Nigra cultivar |
| Commonly Called | Black Hollcock |
3 – Black Rose – (Rosa ‘Black Baccara’) a hybrid tea rose (originating in Turkey). It has deep, dark maroon petals that appear black. Rosa Baccara is regarded as the darkest rose on the market. It’s perfect for creating a romantic atmosphere in your garden. The Black Rose prefers a sunny location and well-drained soil.
| Features | Requirements |
| Hardiness Zone | 7 – 10 |
| Light Exposure | Full sun |
| Watering | every 2 -3 days |
| Soil | Loamy, well-drained, acidic |
| Found In | Turkey, Ecuador |
| Blooms | Summer |
| Botanical Name | Rosa |
| Commonly Called | Black Rose |
4 – Black Calla Lily – (Zantedeschia Schwarzwalder) is stunningly elegant. So you’ve seen a calla lily or two over the years. With its rich black color and a distinct trumpet-like shape, these are rare. They grow up to 24 inches tall and blooms from late spring through early summer. The Black Calla Lily prefers moist soil and partial shade, making it an excellent choice for a woodland garden.
| Features | Requirements |
| Hardiness Zone | 3 – 8 |
| Light Exposure | Full to partial sun |
| Watering | Once per week |
| Soil | Moist, well-drained soil, acidic |
| Found In | South Africa |
| Blooms | Summer |
| Botanical Name | Zantedeschia Schwarzwalder |
| Commonly Called | Black Calla Lily |
5 – Chocolate Cosmos – (Cosmos atrosanguineus) native to Mexico. It has a deep, dark color and a unique chocolate fragrance. It grows up to 36 inches tall and blooms from midsummer through early fall. The Black Cosmos prefers full sun and well-draining soil, making it an excellent choice for a sunny border or container garden. Cosmos don’t do well in cold weather climates. Replant them annually in zones lower than a 7.
| Features | Requirements |
| Hardiness Zone | 7 – 11 |
| Light Exposure | Full Sun |
| Watering | A good soaking once a week |
| Soil | Well-drained, slightly acidic |
| Found In | Mexico |
| Blooms | Summer |
| Botanical Name | Cosmos atrosanguineus |
| Commonly Called | Chocolate Cosmos |
Deep Purple/Black Flowers
6 – Black Hellebore – (Helleborus niger ‘Black Diamond’) is found mainly in Europe. This cup-like shaped flower grows up to 18 inches tall and blooms from late winter through early spring. The Black Hellebore prefers partial shade and well-draining soil, making it an excellent choice for a woodland garden.
| Features | Requirements |
| Hardiness Zone | 3 – 9 |
| Light Exposure | Summer Shade, Winter Sunshine |
| Watering | Only enough to keep soil moist – do not overwater or you will have root rot |
| Soil | Moist, well-drained, neutral alkaline |
| Found In | Middle East |
| Blooms | Spring |
| Botanical Name | Helleborus spp |
| Commonly Called | Black Diamond |
7 – Black Pansy – (Viola x wittrockiana ‘Black Moon’) a popular choice for those who want to add a touch of elegance to their garden. The flowers are a deep, velvety black and are perfect for planting in containers or as a border. The Black Pansy prefers a cool, shady location and well-drained soil.
| Features | Requirements |
| Hardiness Zone | 7 – 11 |
| Light Exposure | Full sun to partial shade |
| Watering | Every 2 – 3 days |
| Soil | Loose, rich, well-drained soil with pH 6 – 6.2 |
| Found In | Europe and Asia |
| Blooms | Spring through Autumn |
| Botanical Name | Viola x Wittrockiana |
| Commonly Called | Black Pansy |
8 – Black Tulip – (Tulipa ‘Queen of Night‘) was bred to have deep, velvety black petals. It is perfect for planting in groups or as a border and will add a touch of elegance to any garden. The Black Tulip prefers a sunny location and well-drained soil.
| Features | Requirements |
| Hardiness Zone | 3 – 8 |
| Light Exposure | Full sun |
| Watering | Once per week if soil is dry |
| Soil | Rich, well-drained soil with neutral pH levels |
| Found In | Europe and Asia |
| Blooms | Spring |
| Botanical Name | Tulipa |
| Commonly Called | Black Tulip, Queen of the Night |
Deepest Darkest Black Flowers
9 – Black Dahlia – (Dahlia ‘Black Beauty’) is a beautiful flower with a perfect ball-like shape. It grows up to 36 inches tall and blooms from midsummer through early fall. The Black Dahlia prefers full sun and well-draining soil, making it an excellent choice for a sunny border or container garden. Uprooted the bilbs before the frost and replant them in the spring . If you live in colder climates, this is a must to preserve the life of your garden.
| Features | Requirements |
| Hardiness Zone | 8 – 10 |
| Light Exposure | Full sun |
| Watering | once per week (to avoid rotting) |
| Soil | Well-drained soil with pH 6 – 7 |
| Found In | Mexico and Latin America |
| Blooms | Mid-summer to early autumn |
| Botanical Name | Dahlia Pinnata |
| Commonly Called | Black Dahlia |
10 – Black Petunia – (Petunia ‘Black Velvet’) comes from South America. It belongs to a family of 20 varieties of petunia. This one features the classic trumpet-like shape in a deep purply black hue. It grows up to 12 inches tall and blooms from late spring through early fall. The Black Petunia prefers full sun and well-draining soil, making it an excellent choice for a sunny border or container garden. Like most petunias, this plant is a spreader and will fill those garden “bald spots” nicely throughout the growing period.
| Features | Requirements |
| Hardiness Zone | 3 – 8 |
| Light Exposure | Full sun |
| Watering | 2 to 3 times per week – moist not soaking oil |
| Soil | Moist, well-drained soil, acidic |
| Found In | South America |
| Blooms | Spring through Autumn |
| Botanical Name | Petunia spp |
| Commonly Called | Black Petunia, Black Velvet |
How to Care for Exotic Black Flowers
Caring for exotic black flowers can be a rewarding experience. It requires a bit of knowledge and effort.
Soil and Watering
Black flowers prefer well-draining soil, rich in organic matter. Add peat moss, pine bark, and compost can help increase drainage. The soil can’t be too wet or too dry. Water your black flowers when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, and make sure to water deeply to encourage deep root growth.
Light and Temperature
Most black flowers prefer full sun to partial shade. Some may require more shade. Temperature is important. Black flowers are more sensitive to extreme heat or cold. Make sure to keep your black flowers in an environment with a consistent temperature and avoid exposing them to drafts or sudden temperature changes.
Most of the black flowers mentioned above fit this criterion. But, the Black Bat flower, Black Pansies, and Black Calla Lilies thrive in shady areas.
Fertilizer
Fertilizing your black flowers can help promote healthy growth and vibrant blooms. Use a balanced fertilizer. Apply it every two to three weeks during the growing season. Don’t over-fertilize, as this can damage your black flowers.
Pruning and Deadheading
Pruning and deadheading your black flowers can help promote healthy growth and encourage more blooms. Deadheading involves removing spent blooms. Pruning means cutting back stems and foliage. Perennial flowers don’t require deadheading. The dead blooms contain seeds. Allow them to fall off naturally in order for the seeds to germinate new growth. Research specific pruning and deadheading needs of your black flowers. Some require more or less pruning than others.
Pests and Diseases
Black flowers are susceptible to a variety of pests and diseases. It is important to keep an eye out for any signs of trouble. Common pests include aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies. And, common diseases include powdery mildew and botrytis. Use organic pest control methods like neem oil or insecticidal soap, to keep pests at bay. Make sure to remove any infected plant material to prevent the spread of disease.
Neem oil is derived from the seeds of the neem tree and is a natural insecticide and pesticide. Depending on where you live, you may not be able to purchase neem oil as it is restricted in some countries.
Final Sprouts of Wisdom
These exotic rare black flowers can add a touch of drama and elegance to any garden. There is a black flower out there for everyone – from the unique shape of the Black Calla Lily or the chocolate fragrance of the Black Cosmos. Just remember one thing…black flowers are not 100% black, they are the deepest darkest hues of reds, purples, and blues. Pure black flowers are probably dyed.
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all images from Canva.com
