Goth gardening is one of the biggest trends I’m seeing right now, particularly in the United States, and I have a feeling it’s only a matter of time before it becomes huge across Europe too. The look is all about creating lots of goth tones through deep, moody colours, whether that’s almost-black flowers or deep-toned foliage.
The great thing about goth gardening is that it doesn’t mean your garden has to look gloomy. In fact, these darker plants can make other colours pop and contrast.
If you’re tempted to give your borders a gothic makeover, here are some of my favourite plants from the Heinje range that will help you achieve the look.
Rose ‘Paint It Black’
Dark roses are super goth!! For many years, ‘Black Baccara’ was considered one of the darkest roses available, but I think Rose ‘Paint It Black’ takes things even further under normal growing conditions. The blooms are a velvety, intensely dark red that can appear almost black in certain lights.
Buy it here.
Cordyline ‘Red Star’
Every goth garden needs strong structure, and that’s what Cordyline ‘Red Star’ is great for.
This evergreen shrub features long, sword-shaped leaves in deep burgundy-red tones that look fantastic throughout the year. While many flowering plants come and go with the seasons, this cordyline provides a constant source of dark colour.
I love using plants like this because they create an instant focal point and pair beautifully with silver, black and purple foliage plants.
Buy it here.
Hydrangea ‘Black Diamond’
Hydrangeas aren’t usually the first plants people think of when creating a gothic garden, but Black Diamond changes that completely.
This variety combines the large, showy flowers we all love with striking dark foliage that creates contrast throughout the growing season. The rich leaves make the blooms stand out even more.
It’s one of my personal favourites because it offers the best of both worlds: bold flowers and moody foliage.
Buy it here.
VIP subscribers can read on for a Weigela you’ve probably seen before but overlooked, and a new Sambucus from the UK!
