Plants with very dark, even seemingly black foliage are very desirable additions to a well-designed garden.

Though not common in nature, their desirability has created an ever-increasing number of cultivars of trees, shrubs, perennials, annuals, grasses and bulbs

In other words, the gardener can find a dark-leaved gem to fit in almost any site, from wet to dry, from shade to sun, and even for containers.

The cultivar names given to these plants give away their most glorious trait: “Dark Beauty,” “Midnight Lace,” “Blackie,” “Obsidian” and “Black Ruffles.”

Some names evoke the moody danger of darkness itself: “Dracula,” “Black Magic,” “Little Devil” and “Diabolo.”

There are no genuinely black-leaved plants, but there are many that approximate black.

Their leaves are deep purple, deep maroon or dark brown.

The more sun these plants have, the darker the leaves become.

On the same plant, shaded leaves are generally lighter-colored, as often are emerging leaves.

Dark leaves do contain chlorophyll and photosynthesis does occur.

The green of the chlorophyll is obscured to the human eye by other pigments.

Dark-leaved plants can fulfill many different goals in a garden design by adding contrast, variety, drama and visual interest.

They can act as focal points. They can also become backdrops to other lighter-colored plants, making them “pop.”

Black leaves especially seem to stand out against yellow, chartreuse and red.

Their darkness can evoke a moody atmosphere, making shady areas seem even dimmer or gloomier.

Dark colors recede into the background, so dark plants in an area can make it seem even deeper or larger.

Be careful: Too many dark plants can create a mass that appears as one big black hole.

In addition to foliage, black flowers and fruit can also add interest to your garden, including varieties such as “Queen of Night” tulip, “Black Cat” petunia, “Black Suited” bearded iris, “Nigra” hollyhock and “Blackstone” Asiatic lily.

Very dark foliage plants, from trees and shrubs to perennials and annuals, can add interest and drama to your garden throughout the growing season.

“Growing Green” is contributed by Diane Dorn, Lehigh County Extension Office Staff, and Master Gardeners. Information: Lehigh County Extension Office, 610-391-9840; Northampton County Extension Office, 610-813-6613