10 Boo-tiful Black Plants for Halloween
Could this container be more spooktacular? The foliage of ornamental millet 'Purple Majesty' evokes a corn stalk, making it so appropriate for the season.Botanical name: Pennisetum glaucum USDA zones: Not applicable; grow as an annualWater requirement: Dry to medium moisture; well-drained soilLight requirement: Full sun to light shadeMature size: 3 to 4 feet tall and 1 1/2 to 2 feet wide
Black pansies, such as 'Mariposa Black' (in the front left of this pot) add a velvety richness to container gardens.Botanical name: Viola x wittrockianaUSDA zones: 6 to 10Water requirement: Medium moisture, well-drained soilLight requirement: Full sun to light shadeMature size: 6 to 9 inches tall and 9 to 12 inches wide
Purple ruffle basil has great texture and a deep color that mixes well in nearly any arrangement. Plus, it's edible. You'll need to plant it in the warm season for a display like this in fall.Botanical name: Ocimum basilicumUSDA zones: Not applicable; grow as an annualWater requirements: Medium moisture, well-drained soilLight requirement: Full sunMature size: 1 1/2 to 2 feet tall and wide
Waffle plant, with its wavy leaves, adds dimension to container displays. It has a nice habit of spilling over the edge of planters.Botanical name: HemigraphisUSDA zones: 10 to 11Water requirement: Medium to moist, well-drained soilLight requirement: Full sun to light shadeMature size: 6 to 9 inches tall and 12 to 18 inches wide
'Blackout' coral bells have a most gorgeous shade. Because they are a perennial in many areas, you can keep them going in a pot or garden bed once Halloween is over.Botanical name: HeucheraUSDA zones: 4 to 9Water requirement: Medium moisture, well-drained soilLight requirement: Full sun to light shadeMature size: 1 to 2 feet tall and 1 to 1 1/2 feet wide
The dark purple folliage of 'Redbor' ornamental kale is stunning. Its upright leaves with frilled edges will darken and intensify as night temperatures continue to drop. Botanical name: Brassica oleracea 'Redbor'USDA zones: Grows everywhere as an annualWater requirement: Medium moisture, well-drained soilLight requirement: Full sunMature size: 1 to 2 feet tall and wide
'Black Scallop' Ajuga is another perennial that works well in containers. Use it as a low-growing filler and then replant it in a partly shady spot in your garden later in the season.Botanical name: Ajuga reptansUSDA zones: 4 to 9Water requirement: Medium moisture, well-drained soilLight requirement: Full sun to partial shadeMature size: 1 to 2 feet tall and wide
'Black Heart' Sweet Potato Vine is easily found at many nurseries. This easy-care annual works in nearly every environment, making it a staple in planters. Bonus: It tolerates both dry soil and deer. Botanical name: Ipomoea batatasUSDA zones: 9 to 11Water requirement: Medium moisture, well-drained soilLight requirement: Full sunMature size: 6 inches to 1 foot tall and up to 10 feet wide
'Vino' Coleus features a dark purple leaf that turns almost black in the sun. It has a very narrow green edge for added interest.Botanical name: Solenostemon scutellarioidesUSDA zones: 10 to 11Water requirement: Medium moisture, well-drained soilLight requirement: Partial sunMature size: 6 inches to 3 feet tall and 3 to 5 feet wide
Black mondo grass makes a great addition to fall containers. Its near-black, strappy leaves bring texture and contrast to seasonal displays. It makes these pumpkins really pop. Botanical name: Ophiopogon planiscapus 'Nigrescens' USDA zones: 6 to 9 (find your zone)Water requirement: Medium moisture, well-drained soilLight requirement: Full sun to partial shadeMature size: 9 to 12 inches tall and wide
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