Black Foliage Plants

Almost none are truly black. The darkest are deep purple, chocolate or a near-black that reads as black from a short distance. Each plant page describes the real colour so you know what to expect.

Most hold their darkest colour in good light. In deep shade many turn greener, so a sunny or lightly shaded spot usually keeps the strongest tone. Check the aspect on each plant.

Black makes bright colours sing. Hot pink, orange and lime green pop against it, while white and silver give a clean, graphic contrast. It also calms a busy scheme when used as a repeated dark thread.

Yes. A dark-leaved plant makes a strong single specimen in a container and gives instant weight to a mixed pot, especially next to brighter flowers or foliage.