Black Flowers

I have a fascination with growing the darkest flowers. In nature a true black flower does not exist but deep purples, chocolate browns and burgundy can appear as black flowers.

These nearly black flowers can transform a cut flower arrangement or bouquet to a new level by providing the pop of dark colour that seems to bring out the hues of the flowers in the arrangement. Only a few need to be included as  to not overwhelm the arrangement.

In my garden I have Black Knight Scabiosa, Nearly Black Liliums, Intense Dark Gladioli, Black Pansies. Cornflower, Anemones with black centres, Chocolate Cosmos.

Grey Flowers have a similar impact without the heavy contrast.

Amazing Grey Poppies (papaver rhoeas) have a tissue paper appearance in shades of grey, slate, lavender, mauve, purple and can be a single or double flower. They are truly one of the most exquisite flowers in my garden and every bloom is just that little bit different. These poppies cross pollinate with other colours from the same species. I collect the seed pods and then scatter the following year. Each year I am surprised at some of the colour variations that nature has created. I germinate Amazing Grey seeds every year to ensure I have supply that flowers through spring and summer.  Papaver Rhoeas is loved by bees.

Poppies do not like being transplanted as they have a long tap root that can be damaged and the plant does not survive. I supply poppy plugs that can be put in the garden with no damage to the root system. Poppy plugs come with 3-4  plants to give variation. They do not mind being planted closely. Poppies are best picked first thing in the morning just as the bud is about to split or the first hint of colour can be seen. This prevents the flower being pollinated and improves vase life.

Corncockle (Agrostemma githago) comes in a range of colour from white to blush to purple. Each petal bears two or three discontinuous spotted black/grey lines and grey sage stems that add that hint of contrast to an arrangement. A long lived vase filler flower on tall stems. A wonderful garden plant as the tall flowers sway in the breeze. In my garden they attract a tiny beetle to the flowers. Seeds collected and sown in successive years tend to revert to purple so if you want white it is best to purchase seeds labelled white. A perfect filler flower for a vase arrangement. Corncockle white plant plugs available.