Designing With Dark Plants – Using Dark Colors In The Garden

Dark Colored Flowers
dark plant
(Image credit: SvetlanaKlaise)
Mary Ellen Ellis
By Mary Ellen Ellis
last updated

Garden design is all about mixing colors, textures, and plant types to create a harmonious whole. There are a lot of different ways to do this. While most gardens are bright, light, and colorful, there is a place for both dark plants and dark backdrops too. Find out how to use dark colors to their best effect in your garden before making this bold statement.

Why Use Darker Colors in the Garden?

Dark colors definitely have their place in the garden. They can be used to highlight plants or other garden features that are lighter in color, for instance. Darker tones provide contrast and visual interest. They add drama to an outdoor space.

Gardening with Dark Colors

Depending on how and where you use them, darker colors in the garden can be striking and attractive. Using dark colors can also be tricky and may not have the effect you were hoping to achieve. Here are some tips for success:

  • Avoid putting darker plants in shady spots. They’ll blend in and be difficult to see. Choose full sun locations.
  • Use larger dark plants, like shrubs, as a backdrop for lighter, brighter plants.
  • Choose plants with purple foliage for dark contrast in a mixed bed.
  • Variegated foliage looks more striking next to dark plants, where they can stand out.
  • Use dark plants to make white flowers pop, especially in the light of the mood when the dark plants will nearly disappear.
  • Don’t limit dark colors to plants. Use dark walls, fences, pergolas, and even exterior paint colors to make your garden the bright focal point.

Dark Plants for the Garden

Here are some choices for plants to get you started on a dark-themed garden. These plants have dark purple to black flowers:

If you want to incorporate some dark foliage, try:

Mary Ellen Ellis
Mary Ellen Ellis
Writer

Mary Ellen Ellis has been gardening for over 20 years. With degrees in Chemistry and Biology, Mary Ellen's specialties are flowers, native plants, and herbs.