Some of my favorite
gardens are the ones that weave in dark colors to add a layer of
complexity to the garden. Your eyes gravitate to the dark colors to see
what they look like. It helps to bring depth and texture to the garden
What we call “black” in
the garden is actually shades of deep red, purple, brown and bronze.
When using black plants, opening up your color palett
What we call “black” in
the garden is actually shades of deep red, purple, brown and bronze.
When using black plants, opening up your color palette is a must. Green
is the default color for foliage, so when incorporating black plants,
it’s important to give thought to smoothly transitioning from the greens
of most plants to the darkness of your garden star attraction. Some
color pairings make the task easier than others. Here are options that
offer plenty of contrast without ever looking over done.
Black and Blue-
Adding a splash of black foliage to blue flowers gives a nice punch.
Most black leaves have undertones of blue and purple in them so they
compliment each other. A good example of this is a blue/ purple
penstomen, black colored heuchera, and purple lobelia .
Black and Silver-
This is a moody combination that is stylish and modern. Gray shines in
gardens and looks great when mingled with darker leaves. Amazing red
phorium, Jerusalem sage and lavender is striking in a garden.
Black and White-
We all love to wear it and it’s always in fashion so why not try it in
the garden. This is a high contrast power couple that makes the white
pop. I think mixing in some green is important with this combination
too. I have used this most often in potted plants for interesting table
or side table color. I have in my garden in a shady area a combination
of the Laceleaf Japanese Maple in ‘Ever Red’, oak hydrangeas and
lopopetalum ‘razzleberri’. The loropetalum’razzleberri’ has green leaves
with a touch of red at the tips which provides a nice transition from
the deep red in the maple to white in the hydrangea.
Black and Chartreuse-
This can be very striking in potted plants for annual color and fun to
experiment. I have tried it in combination with other colors too. Both
colors are striking so you need to use them both sparingly.
It is important not over
do it with black plants. Decide on a few starring attractions, then
surround them with supporting cast. Most black plants need light to look
their best or they also get lost in the absence of light.
e is a must. Green
is the default color for foliage, so when incorporating black plants,
it’s important to give thought to smoothly transitioning from the greens
of most plants to the darkness of your garden star attraction. Some
color pairings make the task easier than others. Here are options that
offer plenty of contrast without ever looking over done
Black and Blue-
Adding a splash of black foliage to blue flowers gives a nice punch.
Most black leaves have undertones of blue and purple in them so they
compliment each other. A good example of this is a blue/ purple
penstomen, black colored heuchera, and purple lobelia .
Black and Silver-
This is a moody combination that is stylish and modern. Gray shines in
gardens and looks great when mingled with darker leaves. Amazing red
phorium, Jerusalem sage and lavender is striking in a garden.
Black and White-
We all love to wear it and it’s always in fashion so why not try it in
the garden. This is a high contrast power couple that makes the white
pop. I think mixing in some green is important with this combination
too. I have used this most often in potted plants for interesting table
or side table color. I have in my garden in a shady area a combination
of the Laceleaf Japanese Maple in ‘Ever Red’, oak hydrangeas and
lopopetalum ‘razzleberri’. The loropetalum’razzleberri’ has green leaves
with a touch of red at the tips which provides a nice transition from
the deep red in the maple to white in the hydrangea.
Black and Chartreuse-
This can be very striking in potted plants for annual color and fun to
experiment. I have tried it in combination with other colors too. Both
colors are striking so you need to use them both sparingly.
It is important not over
do it with black plants. Decide on a few starring attractions, then
surround them with supporting cast. Most black plants need light to look
their best or they also get lost in the absence of light.
