In the second of an occasional series of Q&As, I've been talking to black plant expert Karen Platt, author of the book Black Magic and Purple Passion. You can find out more about black plants on Karen's website.
When did you first become fascinated by black plants?
It all started when I was young, the only plant I ever really noticed was the purple beech, Fagus sylvatica Atropurpurea Group, I was fascinated by those purple leaves. Then it lay dormant until about ten years ago when I saw the black mondo grass, Ophiopogon planiscapus Nigrescens and it was so dark, so near to black that it stopped me in my tracks. I just went off searching for another plant I could find that was dark leaved or near to black in flower. To date, I have found an amazing 2750. For me, it is linked in my mind to Mary Quant, the fashion designer, Op-Art and Jazz. I even named my book after Ella Fitzgerald's rendition of That Old Black Magic. I almost always dress in black.
My favourite black plant is Ophiopogon planiscapus nigrescens. What's yours?
It is my all-time favourite because it is so dark and it's an excellent year-round plant offering good-looking foliage, tiny mauve flowers and persistent black berries. My favourite family of dark plants is the Aroid family, in particular Arisaemas and my favourite flower is Viola Molly Sanderson, a truly sexy little number.
Black plants seem to be everywhere these days. Why do you think they've become so trendy?
I am mostly responsible for that. I have spent 10 years persuading everyone that these plants are just as worthy in the garden as any other colour and the message has finally got through. People do not always give me credit, but those in the industry know. I am the only person in the world who has done any in-depth research on this group of plants, brought them together under the heading of "black plants" and promoted them by speaking engagements and writing. I had the first black plant nursery in the world, which I have just re-launched in England where I live.
How should black plants be fitted into an existing garden colour scheme: does it work best with muted shades or is contrast the key?
I actually love black borders that simply rely on the varied tones of what are termed "black plants" consisting of anything from bronze through purple to black. However, I do use contrast in my garden too, so I have a black foliage border relieved only by the flamboyant colours of dark-leaved dahlia and bronze-leaved Canna flowers, and opposite this I have my chartreuse to golden foliage border with dark flowers such as black Iris, That Old Black Magic is a favourite and dark Hemerocallis such as Dominic. If you are in doubt, just add it bit by bit. I always ask people to think about it as dark green, then they can get over their inhibitions and see beyond the black hole.
What do you predict is the next big trend in black plants?
I think we shall see more people follow my lead and learn how to successfully use black on its own to create stunning dark borders. It is one-dimensional to always use black as solely a highlight, it has much more to offer.
Posted by: |