Unveiling the Mystery: Do Black Flowers Actually Exist?
Color and shape capture the imagination of plant lovers and botany. The number of color variations in flowers is mind-blowing. From brilliant red to soft white flowers, all the colors and the numerous shades in between are there. Regardless of the colors present in flowers, such as pink, yellow, orange, purple, and plum, one question still remains to capture the interest of plant lovers and gardeners: Are there real black flowers?
To many, the idea of a flower being black seems as if it belongs to a twisted, dark fairy tale. From underneath the surface, a flower is something much more complex. Based on the data, while real black flowers are extremely hard to find, they do exist. What most people consider as "black flowers" are not truly black, as they do not exist in the purest sense of the word. Rather, they are much darker shades of purple, deep red, and maroon, which, in the right lighting, can appear to be black.
This post is going to walk you through the different elements of black flowers, including their botanical construction, cultural symbolism, and captivating features which makes them uniquely alluring.
Botanical Science of Black Flowers
The notion of black flowers seems strange and perhaps, impossible at first. According to common knowledge of botany, flowers get their color from pigments, such as anthocyanins (reds, blues, and purples), carotenoids (yellows and oranges), and even chlorophyll (green). Black, in this case, seems to be a total lack of color, especially in the world of flowers.
Still, our world is endlessly inventive, perhaps more than we give it credit for. Black flowers, for instance, owe their unusual characteristics to a blend of light sponge, gene mutations, and dark, deep pigmentation. Flowers that owe their hues to anthocyanins pigments are usually dark. These pigments are so dense in some flowers that they absorb almost all the light falling onto the flower resulting in an almost black flower.
Consider, for instance, the Black Tulip. Though it is certainly not black, it is a so-dark purple blossom which from a distance or low light appears black. The same goes for the "black" roses. The so-called Black Rose is a variety of dark red roses which is one of the most popular black flowers. The misunderstanding seems to arise from the period of blooming where these flowers can be observed, and how richly pigmented they seem.
Famous Black Flowers
Some flowers may be called ‘black flowers’, but the truth is, not many can be classified as such. Here are some mind-blowing examples of these flowers.
Black Bat Flower (Tacca chantrieri)
It is the closest flower to blooming black. Its light and petaled bracts resembling whiskers have a macerated dark color, making the flower look as if it’s dressed in roses for a midnight party. The Black Bat flower is not only pretty but is also one of the rare and exotic flowers a person may come across, and is only found in the remote parts of Southeast Asia.
Black Prince Lily (Fritillaria camschatcensis)
Also another flower alive that looks black. Its deep purple petals, shaped like a lily, has one of the closest shades to a dark rose color. Its presence in gardens all around the parts of Europe adds a hint of elegance with a twist of drama.
Black Calla Lily
This flower, along with the black Bat flower, is one of the most popular choices for bouquet styles used in exotic floral arrangements for weddings and events. More than often, the black calla lily is last forgotten and is used to symbolize death, which is not the case. Slipping into a dark room with a pinch of light above, the black calla lily reveals its truth, which is actually a dark purple.
Bat Orchid (Tacca palmata)
This is yet another instance of a flower that is almost completely black. Its wide "bat-winged" petals provide contrast to the rest of the flower, making it exotic and visually stunning, a wonderful addition to any plant collection.
Black Dahlia
Contrary to the dark, gothic aesthetic that the flower often is accompanied with, the black dahlia is a dark red/maroon variety. While dahlia flowers are often associated with black, it is the dahlia's color that is prized the most.
The Cultural Symbolism of Black Flowers
The black flower symbolism is culturally important. Along with the rest of the flora, flowers of black color possess a unique quality and a special meaning. Because of the connection to the color black, black flowers are shroud with the meaning of death, at times associated with memorial sites, and sorrow.
In many societies, black flowers are viewed as a representation of the unknown as well as the darker sides of the world. They are often correlated with feelings of deep thoughtfulness, death, and change. The black dahlia, to offer an example, is surrounded with a great deal of mystery. This is mainly due to the famous unsolved murder which the black dahlia is linked to.
The black flower is believed to have some positive and complicated meanings. They have been adapted in the Gothic culture and neo-romantic sub-cultures to symbolize defiance and individuality, as well as rebellion against the accepted societal ways. They have been referred to as symbols of dark beauty, sophistication, and enigmatic charm due to the beauty of black flowers like the black rose.
In addition, some have argued that black flowers symbolize strength and resilience, highlighting the ability to overcome adversity. They are found in gothy style gardens or black flowers and memorials and are associated with the sophisticated gentle strength of the reminder that beauty lies in the most unexpected places.
Why Use Black Flowers in Your Garden?
You may question why someone would choose to plant black flowers in the first place. Flowers are normally linked to happiness and cheerfulness, black flowers in gardens are quite the contrary as they add a bold and dramatic feel to the garden, which some themes may call for.
Adding dark flowers to a garden brings contrast and a dramatic sense of mystery. Dark flowers, when added to a garden featuring other, lighter flowers, help complete a garden design. In a bouquet, dark flowers steal the show providing deep colors that attract the eye, as well as a beautiful contrast to the other, lighter, more colorful blooms.
Best-selling perennials like European Ginger and Goats Beard will help add dark blooms as well to any garden to add depth and visual interest. A stunning visual effect can be achieved by juxtaposing dark flowers with Brown-Eyed Susans or Mayapples.
Black Flowers Are Rare
Even within a garden, black flowers remain incredibly unique and stand out. While black flowers exist, they aren’t as common as the rest of the flower family. Their unique nature appeals to flower collectors and enthusiasts alike. In some situations, growing black flowers can be a bit of a hassle. This is because they tend to do best in a set of particular conditions or soil types that help the flower bloom to its deep, dark potential.
Final Thoughts on Black Flowers
Black flowers are real, but as stated earlier, are not really black in the color most people assume. These rare blossoms bloom in deep shades of purple, red, and maroon, and their deep colors create an air of mystery that is truly fascinating. Black flowers are beautiful, rare, symbolic, and all of these qualities continue to intrigue and inspire people all over the globe. This is especially true for people who enjoy gardening. There is no question they are drawn to black flowers and what they have to offer.
If you are interested in these flowers, TN nursery has other rare and elegant plants you can choose from. They also have a collection of stunning plants from various other known and rare black flowers. You can use these flowers to make your garden truly elegant and one of a kind.
FAQs:
Is there any natural black flower?
While there are no black flowers in their pure form, there are a couple that come close, such the Black Bat Flower and Black Tulips. These flowers look black because the color of their maroon, purple, or dark red petals are so dark, they absorb the light and create a black illusion.
Is there such a thing as a black flower?
Yes, there exist flowers defined as black, even if they are not truly black. Some of the more recognizable black flowers are the deep red, maroon, and dark purple like the Black Bat Flower with its apt name and appearance as its petals almost velvety black.
What is the rarest color of flower?
The black flower, though more specifically dark purple and dark red flowers, is more rare than black and is elusive and unusual in the plant world.
Are black roses real or fake?
Fake black roses are a more accurate description than real. They in fact, the Black Baccara rose and other variants, can be a very dark shade of red or purple, and are classified as black roses. Black roses are considered real roses and a popular subject of a myth.
Can you buy real black flowers?
Yes, you can buy real black flowers, but most of them are not entirely black. Many users, TN Nursery included, offer these rare blooms along with other popular dark flowers like the Black Calla Lily, Black Tulip, and Black Dahlia.
Are black hibiscus real?
Although many consider “Midnight Marvel” to be black hibiscus, it is actually a variety so dark purple that it often looks black. While it lacks genuine black coloration, its deep, dark hue undeniably is a wonderful highlight to any garden.
