Black Flowers: Do They Exist and Which Are Near-Black

Strictly speaking, black flowers do not exist: plants have no black pigment. What we see as a "black" tulip or calla is a very dark purple or burgundy produced by a high concentration of anthocyanins. Here is where that shade comes from, which near-black flowers exist in nature and in the shops, and how to use them in a bouquet. More flowers with photos, names and meanings are in our guide to types of flowers.

Flowers delivered across Kyiv: spray roses and flowers in a box.

Why a flower looks black

Most red, purple and blue flowers get their colour from anthocyanins. When there is a lot of pigment, the petal absorbs almost all visible light and looks black, especially in shade. In sunlight or held against the light, a deep wine, plum or dark blue undertone usually shows through.

• Breeding. Most "black" varieties were created by people, with breeders selecting the darkest plants generation after generation.
• Nature. Near-black flowers also occur in the wild: the black iris (Iris nigricans) of Jordan and the Middle East, for example, or the tropical tacca with its dark "wings".
• Growing conditions. Temperature, light and soil affect colour intensity, so the same variety can be darker or lighter in different places. The best-known example is the Halfeti black rose from Turkey.

View full-size photo

Near-black flowers you can find

Tulips

'Queen of Night' has been around since the mid-20th century and is still one of the darkest tulips — deep maroon with a satin sheen. 'Paul Scherer' is another popular choice.

Callas

Hybrid callas come in deep burgundy and aubergine shades. They last well as cut flowers and are common in modern bouquets.

Petunias and violas

Petunia 'Black Velvet', launched in the 2010s, was one of the first truly "black" petunias. Violas and pansies also include near-black varieties.

View full-size photo

Tacca, the bat flower

A tropical plant with dark, wing-like bracts and long thread-like "whiskers". In temperate climates it is grown only indoors.

Chocolate cosmos

Cosmos atrosanguineus is a maroon-black flower with a scent reminiscent of chocolate and vanilla. It is considered extinct in the wild in Mexico but survives in cultivation.

Dahlias, hellebores, hollyhocks

Dahlias, hellebores and hollyhocks (Alcea rosea 'Nigra') also have varieties with very dark, almost black flowers.

View full-size photo

What dark flowers mean

There is no single "language" of black flowers. In modern floristry dark shades suggest elegance, depth and character rather than mourning. For funeral arrangements in Ukraine white and red flowers are more common, with dark burgundy used as an accent.

• A dark bouquet suits someone who loves the unusual, minimalism or gothic style.
• At "dark romance" weddings, burgundy-black callas and dahlias are paired with white roses and greenery.
• For Halloween and themed parties — dark flowers with orange and copper accents.

View full-size photo

How to use near-black flowers in a bouquet

1. Contrast. Next to white, cream or peach flowers, dark ones look more striking — see our guides to colour combinations and white roses.
2. Tone on tone. Burgundy, wine, plum and near-black together create a deep, velvety bouquet.
3. Texture. Dark flowers need light around them: glossy greenery (gaultheria, ruscus) or silvery eucalyptus.
4. Proportion. 20–30% dark flowers is usually enough — otherwise the bouquet reads as one dark patch indoors.

View full-size photo

Near-black flowers you can find at a florist

Garden “black” varieties are rarely sold as cut flowers, but florists regularly use a few dark ones:

• Black Baccara rose — the best-known “black” rose, with velvety wine-dark petals that look almost black in shade.
• Dark calla varieties — glossy aubergine “goblets” that last up to two weeks in a vase.
• Dark anthuriums — a lacquered, nearly black “heart” that is very long-lasting in arrangements.
• Dark purple scabious — small pincushions for light texture.
• Chocolate cosmos — burgundy-brown flowers with a noticeable cocoa scent, mostly in summer designer bouquets.

Dark flowers work best next to pale ones: a white rose, cream lisianthus or silvery foliage makes the “black” stand out and keeps the bouquet from looking gloomy.

Caring for dark flowers

Care is the same as usual: clean water, recut stems and a cool spot. Dark petals heat up more in the sun, so keep the bouquet in the shade to preserve its rich colour. Dark tulips and callas typically last about a week in a vase.

View full-size photo

FAQ

Do black roses exist?

There are no naturally jet-black roses. There are very dark burgundy varieties, and "black" roses sold in shops are usually dyed.

How can I tell a dyed flower?

Dyed flowers usually have uneven colour: the dye collects along the veins and petal edges, and the vase water may turn coloured.

Can I grow black flowers in my garden?

Yes: 'Queen of Night' tulips and dark varieties of dahlia, hellebore, hollyhock and viola are all easy to find for temperate gardens.

View full-size photo

Author: Maria Svitlovir

Graduated from Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Institute of Biology and Medicine (2001). BSc in Biology, MSc in Horticulture. Writes about plants, works at a garden centre selecting and repotting plants, and contributes to plant reference guides.

About the author →