Finding a perennial with flowers so dark they approach true black is the holy grail for gardeners who crave contrast, mood, and drama in their borders. The problem is that most “black” plants on the market lean burgundy, muddy purple, or chocolate brown under full sun — leaving you with a border that reads more maroon than midnight. You need a specimen that holds its darkness through the season and thrives without coddling.
I’m Mohammad Maruf — the founder and writer behind Gardening Beyond. I spend my time comparing plant hardiness data, analyzing root stock quality versus bloom color stability, and cross-referencing aggregated owner feedback to find which bareroot and live plant options actually deliver their promised hue.
Whether you are filling a moon garden, building a gothic border, or simply want a conversation piece, the right best black liquorice plant must offer reliable perennialization, true dark coloration across multiple bloom cycles, and a root system that establishes without fuss.
How To Choose The Best Black Liquorice Plant
Not every “black” perennial delivers on its promise. The key is knowing which specs separate a reliably dark, hardy plant from a disappointing purple-leaning seedling. Here are the three factors that matter most for this specific category.
True Bloom Color vs Marketing Names
Many nurseries label a deep maroon or chocolate-purple as “black” to drive sales. Look for varieties that have a track record of retaining their darkness in full sun, not just in shade or evening light. Reading grower reviews for the specific cultivar — not just the species — is essential. The Black Barlow Columbine, for example, consistently produces blooms so dark they appear nearly black in the garden, while other columbine forms fade to purple.
Bareroot Size and Plant Maturity
Seeds are cheap but can take two years to produce a flowering plant, and the flower color might not match the parent. A premium bareroot (size No 1) gives you a head start with an established root system that can push out darker, more vigorous blooms in the same season you plant it. Skip the “capsule of 20 seeds” if you want guaranteed color this year — invest in live roots or actively growing plants.
USDA Zone and Sunlight Matching
Black flower pigments are temperature-sensitive. Plants grown outside their recommended zone or in too much shade may produce lighter, greenish, or sickly blooms. Matching the hardiness zone to your region and providing the listed sunlight exposure (partial shade for columbine, full sun for rudbeckia) ensures the darkest possible petal expression.
Quick Comparison
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| Model | Category | Best For | Key Spec | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Black Barlow Columbine Root | Premium Bareroot | Best dark bloom reliability | Mature Height 30-36″ | Amazon |
| Clovers Garden Black Eyed Susan (Live Plants) | Live Plant Set | Best for immediate impact | Two 4″ pots, 4-8″ tall | Amazon |
| Cherry Brandy Black Eyed Susan Root | Premium Bareroot | Best burgundy variety | Zones 3-9, 18-24″ height | Amazon |
| Black Eyed Susan Rudbeckia Root | Budget Bareroot | Classic yellow-black contrast | Naturalizing perennializer | Amazon |
| Licorice Plant (Glycyrrhiza glabra) Seeds | Seed Capsule | Best for patient growers | Capsule of 20 seeds | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. Black Barlow Columbine Root
This is the closest you will get to a true black flower in a shade-tolerant perennial. The Black Barlow Columbine produces fully double, nodding blooms that read as deep, velvety black in the garden — especially when planted alongside white or pale pink companions. The root is a size No 1 premium bulb from Holland Bulb Farms, giving it a substantial energy reserve for first-year flowering.
At a mature height of 30-36 inches, this columbine works beautifully in the middle to back of a shaded border or naturalized woodland edge. It thrives in partial shade to full sun, though the darkest coloration occurs with morning sun and afternoon dappled light. The extended bloom period in late spring provides weeks of dark interest.
Gardeners in zones 3 through 10 can grow this as a reliable perennial, and the deer resistance is a genuine bonus for rural or suburban plots. This bareroot is the top performer for anyone whose primary goal is a bloom that genuinely looks black, not just deep purple.
What works
- True near-black double blooms, not maroon or purple
- Premium size No 1 bareroot for strong first-year performance
- Excellent deer resistance for a dark bloomer
What doesn’t
- Best dark color requires partial shade, not deep shade
- Single root — buy multiple for a dense display
2. Clovers Garden Black Eyed Susan Live Plants
If you want instant garden presence in a single purchase, this is the option. Clovers Garden ships two large, actively growing plants in 4-inch pots, each already 4 to 8 inches tall. These are not bareroots or seeds — they are live, rooted perennials that can go straight into your garden bed the day they arrive.
The non-GMO Rudbeckia produces the classic bright yellow petals with a dark brown center that reads as near-black from a distance. The flowers attract a host of pollinators, and the plants only get bigger and fuller each year. The 10x Root Development claim is backed by the vigorous growth customers report in the first season.
Packaged in an eco-friendly, recyclable box with a Quick Start Guide, this is the most beginner-friendly entry point for anyone wanting dark-centered blooms this summer. Grows in all US zones as a perennial in zone 3 and warmer.
What works
- Two established live plants, not bareroots — immediate growth
- Non-GMO and neonicotinoid-free
- Blooms from mid-summer into cooler fall weather
What doesn’t
- Yellow petals, not black flowers — dark center only
- Needs regular watering and full sun for best bloom
3. Cherry Brandy Black Eyed Susan Root
This is not a true black flower, but it offers something equally striking for the dark garden palette: deep red petals that were never seen in Rudbeckia until this variety was developed. The Cherry Brandy Black Eyed Susan from Holland Bulb Farms produces blooms that shift from burgundy to wine-red, creating a dramatic contrast against the black cone center.
The size No 1 premium bareroot establishes quickly in zones 3 through 9, reaching a compact 18-24 inches. This shorter stature makes it ideal for front to middle-border positioning, where its dark red flowers can be fully appreciated. It blooms from summer through early fall, and the extended bloom time is a real advantage for season-long color.
This is a natural choice for butterfly and hummingbird gardens, as the rich color signals high nectar content. For gardeners who want “black-adjacent” blooms with a unique ruby undertone, this root delivers consistent performance.
What works
- Unique deep red color — new for Rudbeckia species
- Compact 18-24″ height suits smaller gardens
- Premium size No 1 bareroot for reliable first-year bloom
What doesn’t
- Petals are red-burgundy, not black
- Single root per package
4. Black Eyed Susan Rudbeckia Root
This is the classic Rudbeckia that started the “black-eyed” trend — bright yellow ray petals around a dark brown-black center cone. It is a workhorse perennial that naturalizes aggressively, meaning it will spread and fill in bare spots over time without any extra effort from you. The bareroot form is budget-friendly and perfect for mass plantings.
Deer resistance is a standout feature here. In areas where white-tailed deer browse everything, this Rudbeckia is often left alone while surrounding plants are nibbled to stubs.
For gardeners who want reliable performance, winter hardiness, and a plant that multiplies each year, this root provides classic dark-cone contrast without the premium price tag of specialty hybrids.
What works
- Highly deer resistant — one of the most reliable
- Naturalizes and spreads for more plants each year
- Classic bright yellow and black cone contrast
What doesn’t
- Flowers are yellow, not black — black is just the center
- Basic bareroot without premium size guarantee
5. Licorice Plant (Glycyrrhiza glabra) Seeds
This is the only product in the lineup that represents the true botanical “Licorice Plant” — Glycyrrhiza glabra. The capsule of 20 seeds offers the potential to grow the actual plant used for licorice root extract, not merely a dark-colored ornamental. However, this is a patience game: seeds can be slow to germinate, and plants need 3-4 years before the roots are harvestable.
The flowers of Glycyrrhiza glabra are purple to pale blue spikes, not black or dark-centered blooms. If your goal is purely dark ornamental flowers, this seed capsule will disappoint. If your goal is to cultivate a historical medicinal plant with edible roots, this is the correct starting point.
Buyers should be aware that “licorice plant” in the nursery trade also refers to Helichrysum petiolare, a silver-leafed trailing plant that is completely unrelated. This product is specifically Glycyrrhiza glabra, so confirm your expectations before purchasing.
What works
- True Glycyrrhiza glabra for root cultivation
- 20 seeds provide multiple attempts at germination
- Historical perennial with medicinal root use
What doesn’t
- Flowers are purple-blue — no dark ornamental blooms
- Seeds require stratification and patience
- 3-4 year wait for harvestable root
Hardware & Specs Guide
Bloom Color Stability
The pigment intensity of dark flowers is heavily influenced by soil pH, sunlight intensity, and temperature. For true black blooms like the Black Barlow Columbine, partial shade with morning sun produces the darkest expression. Full afternoon sun can cause the pigment to fade to a deep purple, especially in warmer zones. Testing the soil pH between 6.0 and 7.0 and adding organic matter helps maintain color consistency.
Bareroot Size and Establishment
Size No 1 bareroots (like those from Holland Bulb Farms) are the industry standard for first-year bloom performance. These premium roots have more stored energy, leading to faster leaf emergence and larger flowers. Smaller or ungraded bareroots may need a full growing season to catch up, potentially delaying the dark bloom display by a year. Always check the product description for “size No 1” or “premium bulb” language.
FAQ
Will a Black Barlow Columbine bloom black in full shade?
What is the difference between Black Eyed Susan and Cherry Brandy Black Eyed Susan?
Can I grow Glycyrrhiza glabra from seed in a single season?
How long does it take for a Black Barlow Columbine bareroot to flower?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For most gardeners, the best black liquorice plant winner is the Black Barlow Columbine Root because it delivers the truest dark bloom without demanding full sun or special care. If you want immediate garden impact with classic dark-centered contrast, grab the Clovers Garden Black Eyed Susan Live Plants. And for a unique deep-red twist on the black-eyed theme, nothing beats the Cherry Brandy Black Eyed Susan Root.