10 Black-Hued Plants for a Haunting Halloween Display

Halloween approaches — does your entryway show the spirit? These 10 near-black plants create unforgettable seasonal containers and beds.

1. Black Mondo Grass (Ophiopogon planiscapus 'Nigrescens')

Strappy near-black leaves add texture and contrast, making pumpkins pop. Zones 6–9; 9–12 inches tall/wide; medium moisture, well-drained soil; full sun to partial shade.

Kim Gamel

2. Ornamental Millet 'Purple Majesty' (Pennisetum glaucum)

Corn-stalk foliage evokes harvest season. Grown as annual; 3–4 ft tall, 1½–2 ft wide; dry to medium moisture, well-drained; full sun to light shade.

Kim Gamel

3. Black Pansies 'Mariposa Black' (Viola x wittrockiana)

Velvety richness in containers. Zones 6–10; 6–9 inches tall, 9–12 inches wide; medium moisture, well-drained; full sun to light shade.

Kim Gamel

4. Purple Ruffle Basil (Ocimum basilicum)

Deep color, great texture, edible. Grown as annual; 1½–2 ft tall/wide; medium moisture, well-drained; full sun. Plant in warm season for fall display.

Kim Gamel

5. Waffle Plant (Hemigraphis)

Wavy leaves spill over pot edges. Zones 10–11; 6–9 inches tall, 12–18 inches wide; medium to moist, well-drained; full sun to light shade.

Kim Gamel

6. 'Blackout' Coral Bells (Heuchera)

Gorgeous shade; perennial in many zones (4–9). 1–2 ft tall, 1–1½ ft wide; medium moisture, well-drained; full sun to light shade. Transplant to garden post-Halloween.

Kim Gamel

7. 'Redbor' Ornamental Kale (Brassica oleracea 'Redbor')

Upright frilled leaves darken as temperatures drop. Grown as annual everywhere; 1–2 ft tall/wide; medium moisture, well-drained; full sun.

Kim Gamel

8. 'Black Scallop' Ajuga (Ajuga reptans)

Low perennial filler (zones 4–9); replant in part shade later. 1–2 ft tall/wide; medium moisture, well-drained; full sun to partial shade.

Kim Gamel

9. 'Black Heart' Sweet Potato Vine (Ipomoea batatas)

Easy-care annual (zones 9–11); tolerates dry soil and deer. 6–12 inches tall, up to 10 ft wide; medium moisture, well-drained; full sun.

Kim Gamel

10. 'Vino' Coleus (Solenostemon scutellarioides)

Dark purple-to-black leaves with narrow green edge. Zones 10–11; 6 inches–3 ft tall, 3–5 ft wide; medium moisture, well-drained; partial sun.

Kim Gamel

Local nurseries like Garden Heights in St. Louis showcase inspiring seasonal displays. Share your Halloween garden photos in the comments!