The Dark Side of the Garden

Discover the darker side of the garden. The Dark Side of the Garden brings together plants with almost black, deep red or dark purple foliage and flowers in rich, dramatic shades.

A selection for gardeners looking for contrast, depth and character.

234 Plants in The Dark Side of the Garden

Black and dark-leaved plants

Truly black plants are rare. What we perceive as black in the plant world is usually made up of very deep shades of burgundy, purple, brown or violet. These subtle differences are exactly what make dark plants so interesting.

They can add depth to a planting scheme, make pale flowers stand out more strongly and create striking combinations with green, silvery grey and fresh yellow-green foliage.

A selection with character

For this selection, coolplants looks beyond literal flower or foliage colour. Growth habit, texture and the overall effect of a plant also determine whether it fits the theme. This means you will find both subtle dark accents and more dramatic statement plants.

The Dark Side of the Garden was created as a theme for the Tuindagen van Beervelde, but remains an inspiring selection for anyone who wants to add a darker touch to the garden.

Frequently asked questions

Good to know

Do truly black plants exist?

Completely black leaves and flowers are rare. The darkest plants usually have very deep shades of purple, burgundy, violet or brown that appear almost black in the garden.

What combines well with dark plants?

Dark plants combine beautifully with fresh green, yellow-green, silvery grey and white or pale flowers. They can create both contrast and extra depth in a planting scheme.

Are all plants in this selection dark-leaved?

No. The selection can also include plants with dark flowers, stems, seed heads or other characteristics that fit the overall dark character of the theme.

Be inspired by The Dark Side of the Garden and discover plants that bring extra character to the garden through dark colours, distinctive forms and strong contrasts.