• This black akelei is becoming an endangered wildflower species.akelei image by Chris Wrenger from Fotolia.com
  
  From a decorating point of view, black can be an important hue. Though not a true color, it has the ability to highlight other colors. Most black plants are actually deep purple, red or bronze. Gardeners have strong opinions both for or against black foliage and flowers. Those who are fond of black-hued plants continue to seek out new varieties for their collections.
  
  

Black Pansy

• Pansies provide blooms throughout the growing season.black pansy image by jeancliclac from Fotolia.com
  
  The modern pansy dates back to the dainty violet (Viola tricolor). The earliest forms had purple and yellow petals. Through the years, horticulturists developed larger flowers in many colors. Among them are those with solid-colored petals, including black. Pansies are grown as annuals in most regions. They can be planted in very early spring, and will endure until the first hard freeze.
  
  

Black Iris

• The black iris is a much sought-after flower.black iris image by Alison Bowden from Fotolia.com
  
  The Siberian black iris (Iris crysographes) is the most propagated black iris. It is a deep purple-black color with scant yellow stipling on the inner petals. The Siberian black iris ranges in size from 18 to 24 inches tall, and is hardy to USDA zone 4. It can be found in varieties such as Black Beauty, Black Gold, and Black Form. Another garden-worthy black iris is Night Ruler (Iris germanica). This plant produces a pure black bearded iris. It will reach up to 3 feet in height, and is hardy to USDA zone 3. Both of these irises grow from perennial rhizomes, and are clump-forming.
  
  

Black Grass

• Black mondo grass (Ophiopogon planiscapus nigrescens) is an ever-black perennial. Place it near red or yellow foliage, and both will stand out. It spreads in a mannerly fashion by little plantlets that can later be transplanted. Left to grow, the original clump will reach 1 foot in height. It is content in full sun or part shade, and requires little attention. Added bonuses are the grass's lilac purple flower spikes and the black berries that develop. Black mondo grass is hardy to USDA zone 5.
  
  

Black Dahlia

• Dahlias are favored for the late summer garden. Those with dark foliage are popular. Bishop of Llandaff has deep brown-black foliage, and a crimson red flower. Dahlias are hardy to USDA zone 8, but can still be lost during erratic winters. In regions colder than USDA zone 9, dahlias should be protected. The tubers can be dug in late fall, and over-wintered indoors.
  
  

Black-Leafed Elderberry

• Elderberry trees (Sambucus) with black foliage are useful landscape plants. The black leaves add foliage contrast to the upper level of the garden. They also produce ornamental pink flower clusters and edible black berries. The Black Beauty variety has typical elderberry foliage, and will reach 8 to 10 feet in height, while the Black Lace variety has finely dissected foliage, and a shorter 5- to 7-foot stature. The delicate leaves need protection from the afternoon sun. Elderberries are hardy to USDA zone 5.
  
  

Black Elephant Ear

• The dark-colored Elephant Ear, (Calocasia esculenta Black magic) creates a stunning presence in the garden. It can reach 5 feet tall, and has 2-foot-wide leaves. In warmer regions, it dies to the ground in winter, but quickly returns the following year. This Elephant Ear is cold-hardy to USDA zone 10. In colder regions, the rhizome should be dug up, and brought indoors for winter.