Horticulture Haute Couture – the little black plant

Horticulture Haute Couture – the little black plant
By Rebecca Stott-Savage

An important element to consider when designing a garden or even just one flower bed is the use of colour. Recent studies have suggested that colour is not seen with the eye, but felt with the heart. Perhaps this is why it can coax emotional reactions out of people.

My favourite colour is purple; lilac, lavender, violet, amethyst, aubergine ... any and every shade of purple is welcome in my home and garden. Purple, I have learned, is not just the colour of royalty but also of wisdom and spirituality; in a garden, it is often viewed as exotic or sophisticated.

Although it is not considered a colour, because it does not reflect light, black has become popular with gardeners. Often described as achromatic, black is regarded in the fashion world as representing sophistication. Similarly, black plants are becoming the horticultural world's answer to haute couture. (Please note : when discussing black in the garden we are really referring to plants with deep, dark purple tones; although there has been much hype suggesting the contrary, black has yet to be produced by horticultural scientists.)

In an article posted online,  “Black Plants Tipped for Trend”, horticultural expert Ian Howell explains how black is always in style. "It is no wonder black is becoming so popular in the garden," Howell says. "In the same way that black clothes are famously flattering and lend themselves to virtually any occasion, black flowers and plants look great in gardens of all shapes and sizes and have that same timeless quality.” http://bit.ly/hIfDiF

In fashion, black can go with anything. In the same way, black can be dressed up or down in the garden by surrounding it either with a combination of colours, which greet the viewer's eye with a pop, or by supporting it with more black, as in a monochromatic garden, which can be less-distracting to the eye, affording its owner an opportunity to focus more on texture, rhythm, form and balance.

Personally, I still enjoy the warmth and cheeriness of a multi-coloured garden, with significant purple accents, of course. For those of you interested in incorporating black into your landscaping, here is a list of plants and flowers we carry that you can try:

1.      Elderberry (Sambucus ‘Black Lace’). Cut back this fast-growing shrub in the spring, and it will still grow to eight feet by midsummer. Its pink flowers contrast elegantly with its leaves, and its dark berries can be used to make elderberry wine. Use in a mixed border, or plant en masse as a hedge. Zone 4. Sun.

2.      Bugbane (Actea simplex ‘Hillside Black Beauty’). This stunning plant’s purple leaves provide a striking backdrop for other shade lovers. In fall, its cream-colored flowers bloom on wandlike stems. Zone 3. Partial shade.

3.      Jack-in-the-Pulpit A. sikokianum, is a large flower, with a dark brown spathe that turns blackish as it ages. The other, A. costatum, has a dark purple spathe that, again, matures to black. Both plants are hardy to zone 7, or zone 5 with winter protection. These woodland plants need well-drained, rich soil and protection from strong afternoon sunlight.

Look for new “black” annuals & perennials this year.
The Psychology of Colours in brief:
Yellow is a bright that is often described as cheery and warm.
Yellow is also the most fatiguing to the
Yellow is the most attention-grabbing color
Red is a bright, warm color that evokes strong emotions.
Red is associated with love, warmth, and comfort.
Red is also considered an intense, or even angry, color that creates feelings of excitement or intensity.
Orange is a combination of yellow and red and is considered an energetic color.
Orange calls to mind feelings of excitement, enthusiasm, and warmth.
Orange is often used to draw attention, such as in traffic signs and advertising.
Pink is essentially a light red and is usually associated with love and romance.
Pink is thought to have a calming effect.
Green  represents tranquility, good luck, health, and jealousy.
Blue calls to mind feelings of calmness or serenity. It is often described as peaceful, tranquil, secure, and orderly.
Blue can also create feelings of sadness or aloofness.
Purple is the symbol of royalty and wealth.
Purple also represents wisdom and spirituality.
Purple does not often occur in nature, it can sometimes appear exotic or artificial.