Very few shrubs are able to boast such rich, almost black foliage, but this recently introduced Elder does just that. The striking, fine cut leaves are an intense shade of dark purple, changing to a vibrant red in autumn. In summer, large clusters of small fragrant pink flowers are borne, which are later replaced by glossy black berries, especially attractive to birds, but can be left to ripen to make a wonderful wine. Sambucus nigra f. porphyrophylla ?Black Lace? is an easy to grow, hardy, deciduous shrub and grows best in full sun. Adapts well to most soil conditions and very easy to maintain, making an attractive addition to borders, woodlands and wildlife gardens. Height: 3m (10?). Spread: 2m (6?).
These terrific tulip flowers make a wonderful splash of colour in March-April and their frosted, frilly-edged petals are an extra treat! The dark ?black cherry' petals of ?Gorilla' are a fascinating contrast to the frosted mauves of ?Cummins'. Ideal in patio containers or grouped in a border. Ht. 40cm. Supplied as bulbs.Useful links:How to plant bulbs, corms and tubersUseful links:How to plant bulbs, corms and tubers
Dramatic velvety maroon-black blooms with a silky sheen. Plant tulips in groups and delight as they open to reveal their superb colouring.
Dark-flowered Hellebores are prized for their enigmatic blooms that make an alluring display in early spring. Hellebore 'Double Black' is one of the darkest you?ll find, with layer upon layer of maroon-black petals which contrast beautifully with its apple-white stamens.
The perfect blackberry plant if you love the taste of these favourite autumn fruits but don?t have the space for one of the large, rambling bushes! Blackberry ?Opal? is a dwarf variety that has a compact habit and is actually perfect for growing in patio containers too.
This truly unique hydrangea comes from a development in recent breeding which boasts stunning colour and flower shapes. Bursts of unusual purple-pink-blue flowers are produced on dark, almost black stems - and the colours look different every time you look at it! This hydrangea plant will provide total colour coverage from June to November once established. The perfect hydrangea for gardeners looking for incredible garden performance, really unusual colour-changing flowers and something different to plant in borders and large containers this season.
The easy way to move heavy pots around the garden. Metal frame with 4 wheels.
No cottage garden is complete without drifts of statuesque Delphiniums! Delphinium 'Black Knight' produces upright spires of indigo-blue flowers in June and July, and will often flower again in late summer. Simply stunning for adding height to sunny herbaceous borders, Delphinium flowers are also excellent for cutting for a vase indoors. The blooms are also attractive to bees and other pollinating insects. Height: 1.7m (5.5'). Spread: 75cm (30).
A tough, drought-resistant grass which loves an exposed location. The jet-black swords of 'Black Velvet' can be used to great contrasting effect with your favourite cottage garden plants and seasonal bedding. For a really contemporary look, grow this black New Zealand flax in aluminium pots or white glazed containers. Ht. 2m.
From late spring, Ajuga reptans 'Black Scallop' produces violet blue flower spikes that really stand out against its thick mat of shimmering black foliage - which becomes even darker when grown in full sun. ?Black Scallop? is more tolerant of sun that many other Bugle varieties, and makes an excellent groundcover plant, thriving in almost any soil conditions. Use it to attract pollinating insects to your wildlife garden, or allow it to creep through rockeries or the front of borders. Height: 15cm (6). Spread: 60cm (24).
A wonderfully decorative shrub with black foliage and panicles of starry pink, citrus fragranced, blooms from early summer. Autumn sees the emergence of glossy black berries that are a useful food source for birds. Ideal for a patio container when young, then transfer to the garden when larger. Ht. 4-6m.