10 Striking Dark Leaved Plants to Add Drama to Your Garden
10 Striking Dark Leaved Plants to Add Drama to Your Garden
Are you looking to add some dramatic flair to your garden? Look no further than these 10 striking dark leaved plants! From black foliage to gothic garden and contrasting colors, here are the best options for those who want to put on a show.
Introduction
Dark leaved plants can add depth and drama to any garden. They come in all different shapes and sizes, but they're united by their striking appearance. Growing dark leaved plants in your garden has many benefits beyond aesthetics, such as attracting beneficial insects and providing year-round interest. Here are some popular types of dark leaved plants to consider:
What are Dark Leaved Plants?
Dark leaved plants have foliage that is typically deep black or dark purple. They can be annuals, perennials, shrubs, or trees. Most of them require full sun to thrive, although there are exceptions.
Benefits of Growing Dark Leaved Plants in Your Garden
- Interest: Dark leaved plants provide year-round visual interest
- Attractiveness: Dark leaved plants attract beneficial insects such as bees and butterflies
- Contrast: The dark leaves make bright flowers or other colorful plants pop even more
- Low maintenance: Many dark leaved plants require minimal care as they are drought tolerant and resistant to pests
Popular Types of Dark Leaved Plants
Black Mondo Grass - With a botanical name Ophiopogon planiscapus 'Nigrescens', this ornamental grass grows well in partial shade with occasional watering just enough to keep soil moist. It's appreciated for its lush, black foliage that forms neat clumps and provides an excellent contrast to lighter-colored plants.
Black Magic Elephant Ears - Colocasia esculenta 'Black Magic', a tropical-looking plant with large, pointed heart shape leaves that are glossy black, reaching up to four feet tall. It can grow in partial shade to full sun with slightly moist soil condition.
Black Petunias - Petunia 'Black Cat' has ruffled petals that bloom abundantly all summer long. They thrive in full sun and requires minimal maintenance. Their deep black color provides a great backdrop for brighter flowers or contrasts vibrant green shrubs.
Bat Face Cuphea - With its distinctive bat-like blossoms and interesting foliage, it's no surprise what earned Cuphea llavea its nickname. Native to Mexico and South America, this shrub thrives in full sun and forms small bell-shaped flowers complemented by dark green foliage.
Moonlight Scorpionweed - Phacelia argentea, commonly called Moonlight Scorpionweed, is an annual herb that originates from California, Arizona, and Nevada. It has multiple branches that are covered with clusters of violet-blue flowers to give your garden a stunning look during summer.
Black Pearl Pepper - Capsicum annuum 'Black Pearl' features attractive deep purple-black foliage that produces tiny red fruits. They make a great addition to any container or ornamental displays for being so compact and colorful.
Black Lace Elderberry - Sambucus nigra 'Eva' have foliage that varies from dark purple to black with delicate, lacy leaves. This easy-to-grow shrub prefers partial sun and moist soil. It attracts pollinators and songbirds with their flowers, berries and creates a stunning backdrop in any garden.
Chocolate Queen Anne's Lace - A rustic plant that produces large carrot-shaped roots and delicate white lace-like blooms paired with almost-black foliage, its elegant appearance is outstanding.
Night Sky Petunia - An eye-catching annual, these unique petunias are covered with starry white freckles that burst against deep violet-blue petals to create a mesmerizing night sky effect, which makes them stand out in any flower arrangement.
Black Dragon Cryptomeria - These small trees feature rich purple foliage, providing an excellent contrast with green bushes or bright flowers. It prefers full sun conditions and slightly acidic, well-draining soils. Its columnar shape makes it ideal for vertical spaces.
Conclusion
Dark leaved plants add undeniable mystique and drama to your garden. There are so many types of dark-leaved plants, making it very important to carefully choose the kinds that suit your garden's unique micro-climate, design and soil requirements.
How to Incorporate Dark Foliage in Your Garden Design
When planning a landscape design using dark-leaved plants, keep in mind their requirements and growth rates. Place them in bright sunlight or partial shade areas where they can be easily viewed from multiple angles.
Care Tips for Dark Leaved Plants
Dark leaved plants are generally low maintenance, but like other plants, they will require some attention.
- Watering: Most of the mentioned plants thrive on slightly moist soil, so regular watering is required.
- Soil Requirements: They prefer nutrient-dense, well-draining soils that drain off excessive moisture quickly.
- Protection: Keep them away from strong winds or sudden temperature drops, which may damage foliage or stunt their growth.
- Fertilization: It is recommended yearly, but use a slow-release fertilizer that delivers nutrients over time instead of all at once.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about growing dark leaved plants:
What are some companion plants for dark leaved varieties? You can pair dark-leaved plants with fuchsia, calibrachoa, and yellow or white flowering plants, creating a beautiful contrasting appearance.
Can dark leaved plants grow well in shade? Some dark-leaved plants such as Black Mondo Grass, Black Dragon Cryptomeria, and Black Lace Elderberry can tolerate partial shade and still produce deep colorations. In contrast, many others require full sunlight to thrive.
How do you prune dark leaved shrubs? Prune them during the growing season (summer) and cut no more than a third of the plant material. Wearing protective gloves, trim below the last lateral branch to stimulate new growth.
Are there any edible or medicinal uses for these plants? Although many dark-leaved plants are used as herbal remedies, most of them are not edible for human consumption. It is always essential to verify before eating or using them medicinally.
What is the hardiness zone range for these plants? The hardiness rate differs by species, but generally, Black Dragon Cryptomeria is suited for zones 5-8; Black Lace Elderberry grows well in 3-7a zones while Bat Face Cuphea is a fit for zones 7-11.
Where can I purchase dark leaved plants? Dark leaved plants can be ordered online from reputable nurseries or bought at local garden centers and nurseries near you.
Do dark leaves attract more pests than regular plants? No, they do not. Well-cared-for dark-leaved plants are less susceptible to diseases and pests than undernourished ones. However, these plants could still be troubled by spider mites or other pests, so it's crucial to inspect them regularly.
What is the most popular dark leaved plant variety? There are various types of dark-leaved plants available, making it subjective to pick the most popular one. However, Black Mondo Grass is a common garden filler that provides jet-black foliage to elevate other plants' beauty.
Are there any toxic or harmful effects to growing dark leaved plants? While dark-leaved plants are neither toxic nor harmful when handled properly, some people may develop an allergic reaction if exposed to its sap or foliage. So, sensitivity tests are highly recommended before further contact or ingestion.
Can I grow dark leaved plants indoors? A few varieties like black mondo grass can thrive indoors if placed near a bright window or with light reflecting tented plants. However, most of the plants mentioned in this article require full sun or partial shade, making them best suited for outdoor gardening.
In creating a garden with dark-leaved plants is an excellent way to add a touch of dramatic flair and style to any garden space. With the careful selection of plants that thrive in your unique climate, you can easily bring depth and bold beauty to your landscape design.
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