Cover image: Summerific® Cookies and Cream Rose Mallow. Image courtesy of Walters Gardens, Inc.

Discover the Drama of Black Foliage Plants

Add bold contrast and depth to your garden with these ten stunning plants with black leaves.

Want to bring a bold, dramatic flair to your garden? Look no further! This list—complete with photos—features 10 stunning plants with black leaves that add mystery and elegance to any outdoor space.

These black foliage plants are perfect for creating striking landscape designs and unique gardening combinations that turn heads.

Whether you're looking to make a statement or add depth to your landscaping, these plants deliver!

Keep scrolling to explore these beauties, and don’t miss the expert tips at the end on buying, growing, and designing with plants with black leaves in your garden.

Summerific® Cookies and Cream Rose Mallow

Botanical name: Hibiscus ‘Cookies and Cream’

Type: Perennial

Zones: 4 - 9

Light requirements: Full sun

Size: 2.5-3 feet high and 3.5-4 feet wide

Bloom time: Mid to late summer

Attributes: Smaller size than most hibiscus, compact shape, strong stems, large tropical-looking flowers

a hibiscus flower with cream colored petals, yellow center and black leaves — **Summerific® 'Cookies and Cream**' **Rose Mallow.** Image courtesy of Walters Gardens, Inc.

2. Primo® Black Pearl Coral Bells

Botanical name: Heuchera 'Black Pearl'

Type: Perennial

Zones: 4 - 9

Light requirements: Full sun - full shade

Size: 8-10 inches high and 18-20 inches wide

Bloom time: Midsummer

Attributes: Fast growth rate, increased tolerance of heat and humidity, deer resistant

a plant with black leaves and light pinkish white flowers growing between two rocks and hostess — **Primo® Black Pearl Coral Bells.** Image courtesy of Walters Gardens, Inc.

3. Black Knight Echeveria

Botanical name: Echeveria peacockii 'Black Knight'

Type: Tender perennial

Zones: 9 and above

Light requirements: Full sun - part shade

Size: 1-6 inches high and wide with taller flower spikes

Bloom time: Late summer - early fall

Attributes: Low water requirements, attracts hummingbirds and pollinators. Winter indoors below zone 9.

a sedum with black leaves and red flowers growing in a round hypertufa cement planter on a concrete surface with another planter in background — **Black Knight Echeveria.** Image courtesy of Ball Horticultural Company.

4. Rock ‘n Grow Back in Black Sedum

Botanical name: Sedum ‘Back in Black’

Type: Perennial

Zones: 3 - 9

Light requirements: Full sun

Size: 20-24 inches high and 26-30 inches wide

Bloom time: Early fall

Attributes: Attracts pollinators, low water requirements, winter interest and food for the birds

a sedum plant with black leaves and pink flowers growing in front of a green ornamental grass — **Rock ‘n Grow Back in Black Sedum.** Image courtesy of Walters Gardens, Inc.

5. BLACK DIAMOND® Crystalline Crape Myrtle

Botanical name: Lagerstroemia indica 'JBG 19020'

Type: Tree

Zones: 6 - 10

Light requirements: Full sun

Size: 12 feet high and 8 feet wide

Bloom time: Midsummer to early fall

Attributes: Abundant white flowers, attracts pollinators, good disease resistance

black crepe myrtle leaves with white flowers and red berries — **Black Diamond® Crystalline Crape Myrtle.** Image courtesy of PlantHaven International, Inc.

6. Laced Up® Elderberry

Botanical name: Sambucus nigra 'SNR1292'

Type: Shrub

Zones: 4 - 7

Light requirements: Full sun to partial shade

Size: 6-10 feet high and 3-4 feet wide

Bloom time: Early summer

Attributes: Narrow, columnar variety that fits into tight spaces, feathery foliage, easy to grow, deer resistant. Produces berries if you plant a male pollinator like Black Lace® or Black Beauty™ nearby.

a plant with lacey black leaves and pink flowers — **Laced Up® Elderberry.** Image courtesy of Proven Winners, provenwinners.com

7. Summer Wine® Black Ninebark

Botanical name: Physocarpus opulifolius 'SMNPMS'

Type: Shrub

Zones: 3 - 7

Light requirements: Full sun

Size: 5-6 feet hight and wide

Bloom time: Spring

Attributes: White flower clusters in spring, easy to grow, low maintenance

black leaves and branches of a nine bark shrub — **Summer Wine® Black Ninebark.** Image courtesy of Proven Winners, provenwinners.com.

8. Onyx Orange Ornamental Pepper

Botanical name: Capsicum annuum ‘Onyx Orange’

Type: Annual

Light requirements: Full sun

Size: 12 inches high and wide

Special attributes: Shiny black leaves and fruits that change color from black to red to bright orange.

a potted plant with black leaves and orange, yellow and red pepper fruits — **Onyx Orange Ornamental Pepper.** Image courtesy of American Takii, Inc. via National Garden Bureau.

9. Eclipse® Bigleaf Hydrangea

Botanical name: Hydrangea macrophylla 'Bailmacseven'

Type: Shrub

Zones: 5 - 9

Light requirements: Morning sun and afternoon shade

Size: 3-5 feet high and wide

Bloom time: Summer

Attributes: Cranberry to amethyst colored flowers, disease resistant, good cut flowers

a hydrangea with black leaves and pink flowers growing in a garden — **Eclipse® Bigleaf Hydrangea.** Image courtesy of Bailey Nurseries.

10. Sweet Caroline Raven™ Ornamental Sweet Potato Vine

Botanical name: Ipomoea batatas 'NCORNSP-024SCRI'

Type: Annual

Light requirements: Full sun

Size: 6-16 inches high and 20-36 inches wide

Attributes: Excellent heat tolerance, fast-growing and vigorous

a sweet potato vine with jet black leaves — **Sweet Caroline Raven™ Ornamental Sweet Potato Vine.** Image courtesy of Proven Winners, provenwinners.com.

Tips for Buying Plants with Black Leaves

Choosing the right plants with black leaves for your garden starts with smart shopping! Here’s how to make sure you get exactly what you need:

Always purchase using the botanical name – Common names can be confusing and vary based on where you live. The botanical name ensures you’re getting the exact plant you want.
Ask for help if needed – A garden center overflowing with plants can feel overwhelming! Staff members can guide you to the right black foliage plants and answer any questions about your space and growing conditions.
If you're new to gardening – Not sure if your space is right for a plant? Bring photos of your yard to the garden center, and the staff can help you determine if these black-leaved plants are a good choice for your landscape.
Shop in early to mid- spring for the best selection – Many black-leaved varieties are popular and tend to sell out quickly. Because plant supply can be unpredictable, once they’re gone, garden centers may not restock these varieties until the following year, so shop early to avoid disappointment!

By following these tips, you’ll have a better chance of snagging the perfect plants with black leaves before they disappear from the shelves!

Tips for Growing Black Foliage Plants

Set your black foliage plants up for success with these essential growing tips:

Select the right zone. Make sure plants are suitable for your USDA hardiness zone.
Match the plant’s light requirements to your garden’s light conditions. Ensure that your plants thrive by choosing a spot with the correct amount of sunlight or shade.
- Full sun plants thrive in 6+ hours of direct sunlight.
- Part shade plants need 3–6 hours of sunlight or filtered light.
- Full shade plants prefer less than 3 hours of direct sun.
Water newly planted garden plants properly. Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy to help plants establish a strong root system. Read “How to Water Your Plants” for help with determining your watering strategy.
Monitor drought conditions. Some plants with dark leaves can handle dry spells, while others need extra attention during hot weather. Visit the US Drought Monitor map to see if your area is currently experiencing a drought.

By following these tips, you’ll help your plants with black leaves thrive and keep their bold color all season long!

Design Strategies for Plants with Black Leaves

Incorporating plants with black leaves into your landscape design creates depth, contrast, and drama. Here are some creative ways to use them effectively:

Enhance contrast: Black foliage pops against bright flowers, silvery greens, or golden hues, creating striking visual interest in your garden.
Layer for depth: Position black-leaved plants in front of or behind plants with varied textures and colors to create a dynamic, dimensional effect.
Balance wisely: Too many black leaves can feel heavy, but when used strategically, they add a touch of elegance and mystery to your landscape.
Guide the eye: Placing black foliage plants at intervals along pathways or garden beds creates a natural flow and sense of movement.
Embrace the gothic aesthetic: Pair black foliage plants with deep purple, blood-red, or even white flowers for a hauntingly beautiful goth garden, and pair with goth garden decor.
Use as a focal point: A single bold, black-leaved plant can serve as a dramatic centerpiece in a flower bed or container arrangement.
Mix textures: Combine glossy black foliage with feathery, spiky, or broad-leafed plants for a rich and layered effect.
Create a modern edge: Black-leaved plants in sleek, minimalist containers bring a contemporary feel to patios and entryways.
Play with lighting: Position plants with black leaves where they will catch dappled sunlight or contrast against lighter backgrounds to enhance their impact.