I’ll admit it – I have a bit of an obsession with black flowers. There is something about them that grabs my attention. But here’s the thing that took me way too long to figure out: none of them are actually black! From black roses to chocolate cosmos that actually smells like chocolate – there is a black flower for every flora lover.
Black flowers mean thrill, mystery, royalty, being a bit edgy and comes with a lot of dark emotions. Here , in this article, I have listed 20 black flowers. From roses and tulips to hollyhock and calla lily, these species are stunning, easy to grow, and hold symbolic meanings.
Quick Answer
Black flowers mean farewell, power, rebirth, and elegance. The real meaning of the bloom depends on the specific species and the event they are being used in. They do not naturally exist in nature. Almost all the blooms that appear black in shade – from roses, tulips, and orchids to dahlia, pansy, or poppy – are actually deep burgundy, maroon, or purple.
What do Black Flowers Mean? Are They Real?
Black flowers are honestly one of my favourite topics to talk about, because many people think that they are spooky or something mysterious – but the reality is way more interesting than that.
True black flowers do not exist in nature. What we call as black roses, black tulips, or black dahlias – are actually extremely deep shades of burgundy, maroon, or dark purple that look black under normal light.
If I speak symbolically, they are known to represent farewell, mystery, rebirth, elegance, and sometimes power or protection, depending on the species. But, it is not always gloomy! In several cultures black is also related to fresh beginnings.
Gifting black flowers to someone who you feel is bold, independent and refuses to follow conventional rules – amazing right? You can also use these to add a unique flair to your gardens or front lawns.
10 Black Flowers That You Cannot Miss
From black roses and tulips to dahlias and orchids, these 10 black flowers are popular because of their own symbolism and easy care needs. Before you jump into the list, don’t forget that no flower is 100% black. Lets see what is so special about the below mentioned blooms.
1. Black Rose (Black Baccara)
- Bloom Size – 3-4 inches
- Color – Deep burgundy black
- Vase Life – 10-14 days
The color of black bacarra appears to be jet black during the bud stage. It is only when the flower is mature when you can see the real burgundy black color of the flower. Talking about the symbolism, black rose represents farewell, mystery, and sometimes rebellious love.
You can use this species in gothic weddings, luxury bouquets, or even as statement centerpieces. It is so popular that florists use this bloom as an accent flower.
2. Black Tulip (Queen of the Night)
- Flower Height – 18 – 24 inches
- Bloom Size – 2-3 inches
- Bloom Time – Mid to late spring
The Queen of the Night is said to be the world’s only true black flower. It was also a part of Tulip Mania during the 17th century when colored tulips were insanely expensive. The bloom is known to symbolize power and royalty.
Did you know there was a time when black tulips were only owned by royal families? Nowadays you can find them in garden beds or large landscapes as a statement piece. I usually like pairing them with white or yellow flowers to create a beautiful contrast.
3. Black Dahlia (Arabian Night)
- Fragrance – Minimal
- Vase Life – 5-7 days
- Bloom Time – Summer to first frost
- Flower Height – 36-48 inches
I love how dramatic this flower looks! The Arabian Night Black Dahlia has layers of black, velvety petals which appear to be completely black, especially during night or in the shadow. Dahlias are generally known to symbolize strength and I feel the black color simply intensifies the meaning.
Know someone who stands firmly on their decisions? Gift them this black flower and appreciate their resilience. If you wish to add a depth to your cut flower arrangement, adding this dark beauty would be a great idea.
4. Black Bat Flower
- Botanical Name – Tacca Chantrieri
- Color – Deep purple black
- Native – Thailand, Malaysia, and southern China
The black bat flower is a tropical species native to Southeast Asia. Honestly speaking, this flower appeared weirdly cool to me! It is known for its striking deep-purple black blooms with long, whisker-like bracts that can grow up to 12 inches long.
If you grow this under the right indoor conditions, the flower can bloom all year round. Want to use it as a cut flower? Go ahead! The vase life of the species is 2-3 weeks.
5. Black Pansy
- Flower Height – 6-9 inches
- Bloom Size – 2-3 inches
- Fragrance – Light sweet
Black pansy generally blooms from fall to spring. This five petaled flower has a vase life of 4-6 days and is extremely pollinator friendly. You may think of it as a tiny flower but it can instantly enhance any garden space or front lawn. I have mostly seen them growing in container gardens.
Because the bloom is cold-tolerant, you can also grow them in your winter gardens. These usually symbolize remembrance and thoughtfulness, while their velvety petals represent elegance and sophistication.
6. Black Petunia
- Bloom Time – Late spring to fall
- Flower Shape – Trumpet shaped
- Pollinator Friendly – Yes, attracts bees and moths
The texture of the flower is so black and velvety that it almost looks like a fabric – isn’t it amazing? Black petunia stands out and is known to symbolize uniqueness. Whenever I see this bloom I can sense deep and dark emotions – no wonder it is used in gothic weddings for floral decorations.
How about using this flower in hanging baskets or window boxes? I am sure they will give the indoor space a dramatic effect. The height of the flower is about 10-14 inches and the bloom size is 2-3 inches.
7. Black Hollyhock
- Bloom Time – Summer to early winter
- Vase Life – 3-5 days
- Flower Shape – single, funnel shaped with tall spikes
One of the most stunning black flowers, hollyhock is mainly famous for its height. It grows about 36-48 inches tall and the bloom size is 3-4 inches. You can grow this in summers. I have mostly seen them planted in cottage gardens or as border covers.
Traditionally, the flower is said to represent growth and abundance. But, I have seen many people using this for gifting purpose to convey emotions like congratulation, dedication, and even fruitfulness.
8. Black Calla Lily
- Vase Life – 7-10 days
- Botanical Name – Arum palaestinum
- True Color – Glossy deep purple black
The Black Calla Lily is widely appreciated for its glossy and waxy petals. It is one of the most elegant black flowers. You can use this in weddings or at formal events for decorations since it is considered as the symbol of sophistication, dedication, and unshakable trust.
Honestly speaking, I like the shape of the flower the most. Adding this to bouquets or simply using it as a statement centerpiece would be a great idea. The funnel-like trumpet shape of the flower looks so unique.
9. Black Iris
- Flower Height – 12-36 inches
- Bloom Size – 4-5 inches
- Color – Velvety near black purple
The black iris is the national flower of Jordan. It means strength and royalty. The petals of the bloom have a velvety texture and it is deeply pigmented which makes it so different from other flowers. You will find it growing as a wildflower in the arid regions of the Middle East.
What do I like about flowers? – Its hardy nature and the ability to grow even in difficult conditions. The species is pollinator friendly and can be added to home gardens to attract bees, butterflies and other beneficial insects.
10. Black Bearded Iris
- Color – Extremely dark purple, near black
- Vase Life – 4-6 days
- Bloom Time – Late spring to early summer
Black irises generally carry a rich symbolic history – they are often associated with power, royalty, and strength because of their deep hues. This perennial flower appears to be almost black in low light or shaded areas. I, honestly haven’t seen this flower but I am sure it will add a dramatic touch to any space.
As suggested by many gardeners, you can grow this under full sunlight. They need well-draining soil and moderate watering to perform well.
Top 10 Black Flowers For Your Front Lawn
Just like me, if you wish to add a pop of color to your front lawn, I have listed some popular black flowers in the table below. Check out their native regions and symbolism. Use them for gifting, home decor, or simply plant them in your garden, the choice is yours!
| Name | Image | Description |
| Hellebore |  | Also called as Christmas Rose in deep plum black color. |
| Orchid |  | Some rare varieties of the orchid species, found in deep maroon black color. |
| Poppy |  | The flower has dramatic dark ruffled petals. |
| Sunflower |  | Chocolate cherry variety with deep reddish black centre and petals. |
| Lily |  | Also called as black dragon lily, found in maroon black color |
| Cosmos |  | Chocolate cosmos is the popular variety, the flower even smells like chocolate! |
| Nemophila |  | This is a small five petaled flower that is black and has white rim in the centre. |
| Scabiosa |  | Similar to pincushion style flowers, this is deep maroon black in color. |
| Daylily |  | Dark bloom with velvety petals, appears almost black in shade. |
| Anemone |  | It has a dark centre with almost deep black petals, and looks striking. |
Final Words
The more I research about these black flowers, the clearer it gets that the color is associated with mystery, farewell, rebirth, power, and even royalty in some regions. But the real twist? – none of the flowers are actually black in color, they are just deeper shades of burgundy, maroon, and purple and appear to be jet black in low light or shade.
So if you are looking to add a bit of drama to your garden or want to give a stunning bouquet to someone you adore, any one of these 20 black flowers is a great option to start with.
FAQs About Black Flowers
Are there any flowers that grow black?
Black flowers do not exist naturally in nature. The blooms are usually deep shades of red, maroon, burgundy, purple, or royal blue which appear almost black when seen in shade or low light.
What is the rarest flower color?
True blue is said to be the rarest flower color. It is believed that only 10% of flowers are naturally blue and the rest are all the hybrid varieties. Delphiniums, cornflowers, and hydrangeas are examples of true blue flowers.
Is there a color that doesn’t exist in flowers?
Silver and grey are the two colors that do not exist in the flower world. Blooms get their vibrant colors from the compound anthocyanins and carotenoids, and these do not produce reflective or metallic color shades.
What flower is gothic?
Gothic or goth flowers are species that are deep and dark in color and have a velvety, fabric like texture. Voodoo lily, black mamba petunia, and black knight scabiosa are the main examples of the gothic flowers.
