We have the NEW 'Black Velvet' Petunia!

Black Velvet PetuniaI am totally excited about the new black petunia. (It’s actually a super dark purple, but looks black until you’re up very close). I know it seems kind of, well, dark for spring and summer, but the truth is it is actually quite versatile! We have planted it with a few different combinations of colors here in our Brighton store and it looks amazing!

Planter 1: Scotch Broom, Nemesia, Diascia, Vinca, ‘Black Scallop’ Ajuga and ‘Black Velvet’ Petunias

The first combination we did was with yellow scotch broom, which I like using in planters as the central vertical element. It has such a soft yet structured quality to it. Yellow and white nemesia and diascia create a balance between light and dark. I also added a light green vinca vine to spill over the container. I prefer it over potato vine for its smaller leaf scale and because it won’t dominate the planter. Lastly, I added some ‘black scallop’ ajuga which has beautiful, glossy dark purple foliage. I like to use perennials, herbs and shrubs often in my annual plantings for added foliage color and texture.

Planter 2: Mandevilla, ‘Blackie’ Potato Vine, Nemesia and ‘Black Velvet’ Petunias

Another planter we created here is an elegant terra cotta urn with a mandevilla as the focal point. It looks quite stunning with the ‘black velvet’ petunias and ‘blackie’ potato vine as an under planting. There is also some raspberry-colored nemesia which adds another shade of pink to the mix.

As long as you choose some colors on the opposite side of the color wheel to balance it, the black petunia has many possibilities and looks very pretty. What interesting and unique combination will you create?

Sara DiPalermo

Meet Sara DiPalermo, blog contributor and the greenhouse buyer and merchandiser at the Mahoney’s Brighton location. About Sara Sara grew up in Woburn and has 18 years experience in the garden center and floral industry around Boston. She is passionate about her job and loves...