Cacti are succulents, but not every succulent is a cactus. “Cactus” is a botanical household, while “succulent” refers to a more comprehensive group consisting of several botanical families.
While some plants are nearly a real black, many are actually dark purple or, less frequently, dark blue. Regardless of their accurate shade, their dark leaves can supply a striking color contrast with plants that have bright leaves (for example, golden foliage). A few of them have attractive flowers, too, but more frequently people grow them for their foliage.
Most succulents are excellent low-maintenance options to plants that require more of your attention. Thanks to their drought-tolerance, they are simply the important things for garden enthusiasts who do not have enough to be continuously watering plants that can’t get through a dry duration on their own. Learn about eight fantastic choices in succulents with dark foliage.
1. Black Hens and Chicks (Sempervivum Tectorum) – 8 Eye-Catching Black Succulent Varieties
Often, the types of hens and chicks plants that certify as black plants bear their dark color at the tips of the leaves. Plant the chartreuse/golden Angelina stonecrop (Sedum rupestre ‘Angelina’) as a buddy plant to develop a good color contrast.
USDA Zones: 3 to 8
Sun Exposure: Full sun
Height: 6 to 12 inches
Soil Needs: Well-drained; drought-tolerant
2. Black Zebra Cactus, or “Haworthia” (Haworthiopsis Limifolia) – 8 Eye-Catching Black Succulent Varieties
The Haworthias will advise much of Aloe vera plants. Both are treated as houseplants in the North. The raised spots on Haworthiopsis limifolia are bumpy to the touch and stand our aesthetically given that they are brighter than the rest of the leaf surface.
USDA Zones: 9 to 11
Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
Height: 6 to 12 inches
Soil Needs: Well-drained; drought-tolerant
3. Mexican (or Black Prince) Hens and Chicks (Echeveria ‘Black Prince’) – 8 Eye-Catching Black Succulent Varieties
Sempervivum plants and Echeveria plants are very comparable in appearance; in fact, both can have the typical name of “hens and chicks.” Sempervivum usually bear little teeth along their leaf margins, while Echeveria leaf margins are smooth. A more important distinction between them is this: Sempervivum is really cold-hardy, while Echeveria is not
USDA Zones: 9 to 12
Sun Exposure: Full sun
Height: Usually about 4 inches
Soil Needs: Well-drained; drought-tolerant
4. Purple Wood Spurge (Euphorbia Amygdaloides ‘Purpurea’) – 8 Eye-Catching Black Succulent Varieties
This evergreen seasonal likewise boasts great deer resistance. Greenish-black leaves, chartreuse bracts, and red stems all integrate to guarantee that this plant will include interest to any rock garden.
USDA Zones: 4 to 9
Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
Height: 12 to 18 inches
Soil Needs: Well-drained; drought-tolerant
5. Black Knight Hens and Chicks (Echeveria Affinis ‘Black Knight’) – 8 Eye-Catching Black Succulent Varieties
Another noticeably black plant is Echeveria ‘Black Knight.’ It’s particularly attractive when it develops brand-new leaves. There’s a contrast in between the lighter inner leaves (which is the brand-new development) of the rosette and the darker outer leaves. Just like all succulents, the external leaves must be eliminated as they pass away to prevent them from harboring aphids and other bugs.
USDA Zones: 9 to 11
Sun Exposure: Full sun
Height: 6 inches
Soil Needs: Well-drained; drought-tolerant
6. Black Rose Tree Houseleek (Aeonium Arboreum ‘Zwartkop’) – 8 Eye-Catching Black Succulent Varieties
As the “tree” in the typical name suggests, the latter is a taller plant (although barely a tree). Take advantage of this plant’s height relative to numerous other succulents and position it in the center or to the back of any grouping of succulents so that it serves as a focal point.
USDA Zones: 9 to 11
Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial sun
Height: 3 to 4 feet
Soil Needs: Well-drained; drought-tolerant
7. Chocolate Drop Stonecrop (Sedum ‘Chocolate Drop’) – 8 Eye-Catching Black Succulent Varieties
Chocolate Drop is simply one of many cultivars of stonecrop, the best-known cultivar being ‘Fall Pleasure.’ Chocolate Drop has much more interesting foliage than does its better-known relative: an abundant burgundy that approaches black at times. Chocolate Drop likewise sports pink flower clusters that are fairly appealing. It does tend to flop over, so give it support for the very best display screen value.
USDA Zones: 4 to 8
Sun Exposure: Full sun
Height: 1 foot
Soil Needs: Well-drained; drought-tolerant
8. Blue Barrel Cactus (Ferocactus Glaucescens) – 8 Eye-Catching Black Succulent Varieties
Heaven Barrel cactus is such a deep blue that some individuals consider it as a black succulent. Those who look for a more truly black cactus may prefer Echinopsis ancistrophora ‘Arachnacantha.’ If you have kids playing in the backyard, see out for the thorns. Yellow flowers add interest to the foliage.
USDA Zones: 9 to 11
Sun Exposure: Full sun
Height: 1 to 2 feet
Soil Needs: Well-drained; drought-tolerant
