These Black Blooms Prove That Goth and Gardening Do Mix

We are fans of black succulents [1], but like Kat Von D, we're partial to black blooms [2] as well. While truly black flowers are a marvel of science [3] and rarely happen in nature — remember, most blooms exist to attract pollinators like bees and birds — we've rounded up some lovely dark variations of our favorite flowers to inspire goth gardening. Pull out your shovels; it's time to play in the dirt.

Black Velvet Petunia

The usually vibrant petunia takes a dramatic turn, but these dark petunias are great in borders and look to be truly black.

Jet Black Hollyhock

Supposedly Thomas Jefferson had this flower [4] in his garden.

Black Bearded Iris

The bearded iris [5] comes in many shades of black, and the varieties have poetic names like "all night long" and "raven girl."

Hellebore

This stunning flower is also known as the Christmas rose [6].

Queen of the Night Tulip

We concede that these tulips are not perfectly black [7], but they're still stunners.

Black Sunflower

This dark sunflower makes us think of a solar eclipse.

Black Forest Calla Lilly

These deeply hued calla lilies make for exotic, long-lasting bouquets.

Black Pansy

The bright yellow center highlights the dark petals on these petite blooms.

Tacca Bat Flower

This exotic-looking orchid [8] prefers semitropical climates.

Tacca Bat Flower Detail

This is one intricate orchid, so we think it deserves closer look.

Lily Black Jewel

The black lily [9] is a striking perennial for any garden.

Black Poppy

While not exactly black, the abundant dark petals remind us of peonies.

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