Deliciously dark foliage and flowers pop in gardens regardless of the season. But they seem especially mysterious when ghosts and goblins prowl. Below are some to add now. Find them at specialty nurseries and online retailers.
- Leptospermum ‘Dark Shadows’ Plant this drought tolerant shrub or small tree in full sun to bring out the inky maroon flush on its 1-inch long dark olive leaves. Creamy white flowers in summer. Grows to 15 feet tall.
- Nemophila ‘Pennie Black’ A relative of the California wildflower baby blue eyes, these annual flowers are deep burgundy-black strikingly edged in white. Grows to10 inches tall. Self sows. Papaver ‘Black Peony’ Jade-green foliage and frilly purple-black flowers as dense as carnations make this 3-4 foot tall poppy a standout in spring gardens. Reseeds
- Aeonium ‘Zwartkop’ and ‘Plum Purdy’ Shiny-leafed rosettes on these popular succulents are almost black, with undercurrents of burgundy and oxblood. Stylish contrast with silver and gray-green plants.
- Ipomoea batatas ‘Sweet Caroline Sweetheart Purple’“ This is one of a group of bold-hued sweet potato vines. Leaves are black purple with a gunmetal gray glow. Ideal for containers and hanging baskets.
- Hellebore hybrids - These versatile late winter bloomers now blossom with deep-hued bells in shades of burgundy and purple drenched in black. Flowers are a smart contrast with attractive foliage.