Halloween is around the corner, and if you are lucky, shortly droves of all candy-seeking ghouls and goblins will be in your door. Does your entryway show your holiday spirit? Otherwise, here are some terrific black-hued plants to produce a hauntingly unforgettable screen.
Kim Gamel
Black mondo grass makes a great addition to fall containers. Its near-black, strappy leaves bring contrast and texture to seasonal displays. It makes these pumpkins really pop.
Botanical name:Ophiopogon planiscapus ‘Nigrescens’
USDA zones: 6 to 9 (find your zone)
Water requirement: moderate humidity, well-drained soil
Light requirement: Full sun to partial shade
Mature size: 9 to 12 inches tall and broad
Kim Gamel
Could this container be more spooktacular? The leaves of ornamental millet ‘Purple Majesty’ evokes a corn stem, making it so appropriate for the season.
Botanical name: Pennisetum glaucum
USDA zones: Not applicable; increase as an annual
Water requirement: Dry to medium moisture; well-drained soil
Light requirement: Full sun to light shade
Mature size: 3 to 4 ft tall and 1 1/2 to 2 ft broad
Kim Gamel
Black pansies, for example ‘Mariposa Black’ (at the front left of the pot) add a velvety richness to container gardens.
Botanical name: Viola x wittrockiana
USDA zones: 6 to 10
Water necessity: Medium moisture, well-drained soil
Light requirement: Full sun to light shade
Mature size: 6 to 9 inches tall and 9 to 12 inches wide
Kim Gamel
Purple ruffle basil has great feel and a deep shade that blends well in nearly any arrangement. Additionally, it is edible. You will want to plant it at the hot season for a screen such as this in fall.
Botanical name: Ocimum basilicum
USDA zones: Not applicable; rise as an annual
Water requirements: moderate humidity, well-drained soil
Light requirement: Total sun
Mature size: 1 1/2 to 2 feet tall and broad
Kim Gamel
Waffle plant, using its wavy leaves, adds dimension to container screens. It has a wonderful habit of spilling over the border of planters.
Botanical name: Hemigraphis
USDA zones: 10 to 11
Water necessity: moderate to moist, well-drained soil
Light requirement: Full sun to light shade
Mature size: 6 to 9 inches tall and 12 to 18 inches wide
Kim Gamel
‘Blackout’ coral bells possess a most gorgeous colour. Because they’re a perennial in many areas, you can keep them moving in a pot or garden mattress once Halloween is over.
Botanical name: Heuchera
USDA zones: 4 to 9
Water necessity: moderate humidity, well-drained soil
Light requirement: Full sun to light shade
Mature size: 1 to 2 feet tall and 1 to 2 1 1/2 feet broad
Kim Gamel
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 anywhere as a annual
Water necessity: Medium moisture, well-drained soil
Light requirement: Complete sun
Mature size: 1 to 2 feet tall and broad
Kim Gamel
‘Black Scallop’ Ajuga is another perennial that functions well in containers. Use it like a low-growing filler and then replant it in a partially shady spot in your backyard later in this season.
Botanical name: Ajuga reptans
USDA zones: 4 to 9
Water requirement: moderate humidity, well-drained soil
Light requirement: Full sun to partial shade
Mature size: 1 to 2 ft tall and broad
Kim Gamel
‘Black Heart’ Sweet Potato Vine is readily found at many nurseries. This easy-care yearly functions in virtually every environment, making it a staple in planters. Bonus: It tolerates deer and both dry dirt.
Botanical name: Ipomoea batatas
USDA zones: 9 to 11
Water necessity: moderate humidity, well-drained soil
Light requirement: Total sun
Mature size: 6 inches to 1 foot tall and up to 10 feet wide
Kim Gamel
‘Vino’ Coleus includes a dark purple leaf that turns nearly black in sunlight. It has a very narrow green border for extra interest.
Botanical name: Solenostemon scutellarioides
USDA zones: 10 into 11
Water necessity: moderate humidity, well-drained soil
Light requirement: Partial sun
Mature size: 6 inches to 3 feet tall and 3 to 5 ft wide
Kim Gamel
My local nursery, Garden Heights at St. Louis, does a wonderful job of giving anglers inspiration for seasonal displays, and it makes no exception for Halloween.
Tell us : How will you decorate your backyard for Halloween? Share your photos in the Comments section below!