It was about ten years ago when I saw my first Black Lily. I was walking around my garden and noticed Walter (my Lab) had stopped dead in his tracks. He had realized something new had popped up in our little garden — a Black Lily! I had never seen anything like it before, it was amazing!
It was the Dracunculus Vulgaris (above) and is native to the Mediterranean. However, it is also known as the Black Arum, the Voodoo Lily, the Snake Lily, the Black Dragon, the Black Lily, Dragonwort, Ragon and the Stink Lily (because of its foul smell).
I was reminded of this recently because visiting Garden Design’s website, I came across an article entitled “Almost Black Plants” (photo below). I’ve been researching “black” plants lately and have been reminded of the elegant makeup of these plants. If you care to read more of the article in Garden Design, click here.
(1) Ornamental Sweet Potato Vine, (2) Small Cape Rush, (3) Black Cotton, (4) Hens & Chicks
Below, I have listed several more purple/black plants that I really enjoy.
Black Magic Elephant Ear, Colocasia Esculenta ‘Black Magic’. They can get 5 to 6 feet tall! I love to see these popping up behind something with structure, (like a dwarf yaupon or boxwood). Zones 7 to 10.
This is “Black Hens & Chicks” — a succulent that works both as a great ground cover and beautifully in a container. I love them in both settings. In places such as Southern California, this plant works great as a ground cover where frost isn’t a problem. In Central Texas, they work better in a container, especially mixed with succulents that are bright green. Zones 4 to 9.
This is the Black Mondo Grass or Ophiopogon Planiscapus ‘Nigrescens’ which is such an elegant looking plant. I know it’s just mondo grass but planted in front of a simple row of boxwood, it would be beautiful! Zones 5 to 10.
This is Purple Basil and is used the same way as Green Basil. It’s cultivated from ordinary Green Basil, so if you allow a green shoot to continue to grow, the plant will eventually turn completely green. It’s gorgeous in a salad!
All these plants are really exciting and a great addition to any garden. If you’re nervous about using them, play with them in a container first to get a feel for them and then transfer the idea to you garden.
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The Long Table 