Black flower

Black flower

The magic of black flowers has attracted our attention for centuries. Black tulips and black roses appear to originate from a fairytale world. A pure black flower is the Holy Grail of plant breeders worldwide. Their improbable and “unnatural” colour inspires a powerful feeling of mystical expectation.

Black flowers were also beloved of Art Nouveau designers at the previous turn of the century. Victorians and Edwardians at the cutting edge of fashion used to collect them, going to great lengths to track down exotic species. Will they once more – at the dawn of a new century and a new millennium become a source of artistic and philosophical inspiration.

A totally black bouquet looks dark and impressive – but perhaps a little sombre. Brown-red tints can enrich the black. Mix in hypericum for example, or chilli pods. Or better still, sparkle it up with grey and silver leaves – some of which have a sensuous furry feel Very decadent.