Adding plants with dark leaves to your landscape can bring a wonderful visual interest. Among the various succulent specimens with dark foliage, the Blue Barrel Cactus is particularly noteworthy. While cacti are a type of succulent, not all succulents are cacti since “cactus” refers to a botanical family while “succulent” encompasses several botanical families.
Although some dark-leaved plants may appear almost black, many are actually shades of dark purple or blue. Nevertheless, their dark leaves can create a striking contrast with brightly colored plants, such as those with golden foliage. While some dark-leaved succulents produce attractive flowers, many people grow them primarily for their foliage.
Most succulents require little maintenance and are excellent alternatives to plants that require more attention. Their drought tolerance makes them ideal for gardeners who do not have the time or resources to water plants frequently during dry periods. If you’re interested in incorporating dark-leaved succulents into your garden, check out our list of eight excellent choices.
Black Hens and Chicks (Sempervivum tectorum)
There are numerous hens and chicks, also known as “houseleeks,” that feature dark foliage, including the appropriately named Sempervivum ‘Black.’ Typically, black hens and chicks display their dark coloring at the leaf tips. To provide a pleasing color contrast, try planting the chartreuse or golden Angelina stonecrop (Sedum rupestre ‘Angelina’) alongside them.
This succulent thrives in full sun and is hardy in USDA Zones 3 to 8. It grows to a height of 6 to 12 inches and prefers well-drained, drought-tolerant soil.
Sempervivum tectorum boasts green and black leaves on the shoots. This fleshy leaf is one of the finest black succulents. Mixing with some other succulent plants will make your garden look attractive and will attract the attention of many people. Sempervivum Tectorum from @heikemueller
One type of plant that is suitable for your garden is the sempervivum tectorum succulent. With these mini plants, your garden will look more beautiful. You can use a pot cart to give an attractive appearance. Cart Sempervivum Tectorum from @garten_tante
Sempervivum tectorum is also known as the black chick plant display a dark color on the tip of the leaves. This succulent thrives in strong, full sun. If you are lucky, it is perfect for beautifying your mini garden. Sempervivum Tectorum Succulent from @viverito.patrivi
Black Zebra Cactus, or “Haworthia” (Haworthiopsis limifolia)
Haworthias have a similar appearance to Aloe vera plants and are often grown as houseplants in northern regions. Haworthiopsis limifolia, in particular, features raised bumps on its leaves that provide both a textural and visual contrast with the rest of the leaf surface due to their brighter color.
These plants are suitable for USDA Zones 9 to 11 and can thrive in full sun or partial shade. They typically grow to a height of 6 to 12 inches and require well-drained, drought-tolerant soil.
The Haworthia succulent is similar to the Aloe Vera plant. Since this plant has a very small size and cute, you can plant them in plastic pots. Haworthiopsis Limifolia from @somaisumvasinho
One of the reasons why echeveria is the most favorite succulent is because it has a distinctive color, which is black with a reddish tint on the tip. Black and Red Haworthiopsis Limifolia from @jay_succulents
This terracotta pot is topped with fresh haworthia. Mixing it with several other types of succulents will provide an interesting garden design for you to try. It gives a fresh garden décor and provides the perfect focal point. Haworthiopsis Limifolia Succulent from @succulentsaddicted
Mexican (or Black Prince) Hens and Chicks (Echeveria ‘Black Prince’)
Sempervivum and Echeveria plants are often mistaken for each other due to their similar appearance, and both are commonly referred to as “hens and chicks.” However, Sempervivum plants typically have small teeth along their leaf margins, while the margins of Echeveria leaves are smooth. The most significant difference between the two lies in their hardiness: Sempervivum is highly resistant to cold temperatures, while Echeveria is not.
These plants are suitable for USDA Zones 9 to 12 and prefer full sun exposure. They typically grow to a height of around 4 inches and require well-drained, drought-tolerant soil.
With their stacked, towering leaves, the mini Echeveria succulents look absolutely stunning and are perfect for indoor use. With this succulent will make your room look beautiful. Having this dark color plants will give you a charming room decor. Echeveria Black Prince from @a.d.lovett
Having a mini garden using the Echeveria minima succulents as a focal point in the mini garden is a brilliant idea because Echeveria mini succulent can be the center of attention and has a charming appearance. Black Prince Succulent from @a.d.lovett
Purple Wood Spurge (Euphorbia amygdaloides ‘Purpurea’)
In addition to being an evergreen perennial, this plant has excellent deer resistance. Its greenish-black leaves, along with chartreuse bracts and red stems, create a unique visual appeal that makes it an ideal choice for rock gardens.
These plants can thrive in USDA Zones 4 to 9 and prefer full sun to partial shade exposure. They generally reach a height of 12 to 18 inches and require well-drained, drought-tolerant soil.
For those of you who like succulent plants to be used as room decorations, you can use succulents like the picture above. With its unique Euphorbia amygdaloides ‘Purpurea’ succulent and zebra pattern, it looks amazing. Euphorbia Amygdaloides from @crocus.co.uk
The succulent has greenish-black leaves, along with chartreuse bracts and red stems, creating a unique visual appeal. This succulent offers an attractive design and a unique look to your garden. Euphorbia Amygdaloides Purpurea from @jeanettethysen
Black Knight Hens and Chicks (Echeveria affinis ‘Black Knight’)
Echeveria ‘Black Knight’ is another plant with striking black foliage, particularly when it produces new leaves. The inner leaves of the rosette are lighter in color, providing an attractive contrast with the darker outer leaves. As with all succulents, it is recommended to remove the dead outer leaves to prevent pests like aphids from taking up residence.
These plants are suitable for USDA Zones 9 to 11 and prefer full sun exposure. They typically reach a height of 6 inches and require well-drained, drought-tolerant soil.
Having this type of succulent Echeveria ‘Black Knight’ is perfect for decorating your room. Because with this succulent your room will look attractive. This dark color is able to give the appearance of a perfect plants Echeveria Affinis from @darkeveria
This Echeveria ‘Black Knight’ has showy black foliage. Place this plant in your garden and you can combine it with other green plants. Echeveria affinis black knight from @jardimdesuculentasdamar
Black Rose Tree Houseleek (Aeonium arboreum ‘Zwartkop’)
It’s important not to confuse “houseleek” with “tree houseleek,” as the latter is a taller plant (although it certainly isn’t a tree). The species name, arboreum, which comes from the Latin word “arboreus” meaning “of a tree,” provides an additional clue. To take advantage of this plant’s height relative to other succulents, consider placing it in the center or at the back of any grouping of succulents, where it can serve as a focal point.
These plants are best suited for USDA Zones 9 to 11 and can tolerate full sun to partial sun exposure. They can grow to a height of 3 to 4 feet and require well-drained, drought-tolerant soil.
Aeonium ‘Zwartkop’ is a branching shrub with beautiful rosette leaves. Having a black-purple color on the tip of this succulent makes it a perfect home decoration. They can grow to a height of 3 to 4 feet and require well-drained, drought-tolerant soil. Aeonium Arboreum ‘Zwartkop’ from @summerdry.gardens
Chocolate Drop Stonecrop (Sedum ‘Chocolate Drop’)
Among the cultivars of stonecrop, the popular ‘Autumn Joy’ is outshined by Chocolate Drop, which is one of its many cultivars. Chocolate Drop features stunning foliage with a deep burgundy hue that almost appears black on occasions. It also bears lovely pink flower clusters that add to its appeal. Keep in mind that this plant has a tendency to flop over, so it is advisable to provide support to ensure the best display.
USDA Zones: 4 to 8
Sun Exposure: Full sun
Height: 1 foot
Soil Needs: Well-drained; drought-tolerant.
Having a brown color on the leaves, this sedum succulent is one of plant lover’s favorite. Therefore you have to use this succulent as a room decoration. It also has beautiful clusters of pink flowers which add to its appeal. Chocolate Drop Succulent from @way_of_garden
Blue Barrel Cactus (Ferocactus glaucescens)
The Blue Barrel cactus is often mistaken for a black succulent due to its deep blue color. For those seeking a truly black cactus, Echinopsis ancistrophora ‘Arachnacantha’ may be a better option. However, it is important to be cautious of the thorns, particularly if children are playing in the area. The yellow flowers provide a striking contrast to the foliage.
USDA Zones: 9 to 11
Sun Exposure: Full sun
Height: 1 to 2 feet
Soil Needs: Well-drained; drought-tolerant
Another favorite succulent plants is the Blue Barrel Cactus succulent. This succulent has a unique texture and shape, and has thorns on the succulent part, it makes people who see it interested. Ferocactus Glaucescens from @puntoeacactus
