Bring On The Black

Black & black-like plants are finally getting the recognition they deserve.  Black plants are alluring as they create excitement while making other colors come alive in the garden.  If you select black foliage or flowering perennials, they will come back year after year.

Yellow Creeping Jenny Lysimachia adds SIZZLE when combined with Black Scallop Ajuga

The problem with black  that left alone in the garden they can appear dull and uninteresting. Given the right companion can make all the difference in making this color explode with excitement.
BLACK PERENNIALS TO CONSIDER
Actaea Black Negligee – black lacy foliage all summer!
Helleborus London Fog - Deer & drought proof shade groundcover with black flowers
Ophiopogon (Black Mondo Grass) - Narrow black foliage. is used as a groundcover or in containers.
Ajuga Black Scallop (Bugleweed) – Low growing black foliage groundcover for sun or shade
Sambucus Black Lace – A  black foliage Japanese Maple Look-alike – Pair  this with Sunny Knock Out Roses!
Heuchera Obsidian - sun makes the foliage color shimmer just like the stone obsidian!
Here are a few tips to make this gothic color come alive!
Tip # 1

Two plants that do a Tango!

If you really want to add some crackle n’ pop with black foliage combine with Yellow/Gold foliage plants.
Here’s two combinations that really tango when paired together – Lysimachia Aurea and Ophiopogon Nigrescens or Black Mondo Grass
Need other ideas to add some POP?

Love Story - Helleborus London Fog & Hakonechloa All Gold

Plant low growing Ajuga at the base of  gold/yellow Hostas such as Sum & Substance or June Fever.
A magical almost spring love story happens with drought proof Helleborus London Fog & Hakonechloa All Gold
Try Rose Sunny Knock Out with Sambucus Black Lace for a oh-la-la effect.
Tip #2
To bring out the best color in black-foliage perennials give them some sun – morning sun or afternoon sun. Black foliaged plants that are grown in complete shade will appear dull and uninteresting.
Tip #3
Use black plants sparingly.  If planted in large groupings, they’ll create a large dark & dreary spot in the garden.
Tip #4
Use black plants in containers. Select a light color container to make the colors jump.  I’ve used a white container with black-foliage Heuchera Obsidian and boy did that bring out the color.  Or surround your black plants with lighter colors such as golds, or oranges.
Certainly there are other colors that will play well with black. The important thing  is that black plants need some play on color to make them stand out.
Bring on the black in your garden and have sun fun coming up with exciting combinations that you’ll love!