The Black Flower

It can be argued that black is not a color. Nor white, for that matter. If we base the criteria on physics, with color being the visible spectrum of light waves, white is the reflection of all wavelengths, while black reflects none. Neither appears on the color spectrum.

But when it comes to art, the criteria shifts. Differing perspectives, preferences and opinions are essential to art and the idea of beauty. In art, the concept of color becomes less a matter of physics and more a matter of interpretation, as there are infinite colors to be found on the painter’s palette.

Black flowers are few and far between. Most flowers, such as dahlias, roses, sweet peas and poppies, do not actually appear black but are rather deep shades of crimson and purple. A few flowers though, such as bearded irises, pansies and petunias, do bloom in shades so intensely inky and dark that they appear entirely black.

Pansies, bearded irises and roses are my three favorite flowers. While roses don’t bloom genuinely black, I thought I would share some of the black varieties of irises and pansies that I grow, for anyone looking to add black flowers to their gardens. While not everyone sees the beauty and charm in black flowers that I do, the same could be said of red, orange and yellow flowers. I encourage you to think outside the stereotypes and consider them.  They are so rich and velvety, so elegant and timeless. Filling a lovely white ceramic vase,  mixed with blushes and creams, they are much more romantic and lovely than some might realize.

I have trialed every variety of black pansies and violas that I could find and these are my preferred few. Black pansies have been present for as long as the garden pansy itself. While we may not have the same varieties that wooed admirers in the 19th century,  these beauties are just as striking.

Black Prince

Atlas Black

Black Devil

Accord Black Beauty

Black King

The first iris I ever planted was black. I only planted three varieties that year, as I had never grown them before and wasn’t entirely convinced I was going to like them. But once I saw them bloom, no further persuasion was needed. If you live in a growing zone where they are well suited, irises are very low maintenance. Mine need very little supplemental water throughout the year and they endure even our coldest winters. May used to be the month I looked forward to the peonies, but now it is the irises I am most anxious to see return. Many have a sweet fragrance, and some will even rebloom. While I do grow a handful of dwarf bearded irises, most are tall bearded irises. They are exceptional in a vase, as the spent flowers can be easily removed and the new buds will continue to open. If you haven’t given them a chance, I highly recommend you do so.

Black Suited

Black Mirror

Blackwater

Hello Darkness

5 comments