Some flowers stand out not just for their hue, but for where and how that color appears: blue blooms framed by black calyces, iris petals patterned with veins, and glossy spathes that look nearly black. Here are seven unusual flowers with distinctive colors, along with the growing conditions that help you judge whether they suit a garden, greenhouse, or conservatory.
Seven unusual flowers and what makes their colors distinctive
| Flower | Color and form | Best-fit growing setting |
|---|---|---|
| Salvia guaranitica ‘Black and Blue’ | Dark blue flowers rise from black calyces | Sunny outdoor planting with well-drained soil |
| Iris paradoxa | Standards and falls can show contrasting veining, dark tones, blue, or yellow | Sunny site with very well-drained soil |
| Vanda coerulea | Best-known variation is pale blue; three natural color variations are noted by RHS | Greenhouse or conservatory for many growers |
| Anthurium black | Glossy, heart-shaped spathes described as dark purple-black | Warm indoor or protected growing space with bright indirect light |
| Azorina vidalii | Large, waxy pink-and-white bells | Frost-free or sheltered setting |
| Iris ‘Deep Black’ | Dark purple-black flowers with blue-black beards | Sunny outdoor site with moist but well-drained soil |
| Moraea species | Species in the genus can have contrasting blackish, navy, emerald, or iridescent markings | Depends on the species; the cited source describes the genus-level color patterns |
1. Salvia ‘Black and Blue’
Salvia guaranitica ‘Black and Blue’ pairs dark blue flowers with black calyces, the structures that hold the flowers. That contrast makes the plant’s “black” element a frame around blue blooms rather than an entirely black flower. The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) recommends full sun and well-drained soil. Its H3 hardiness rating is for UK conditions, so it should not be treated as a universal frost rating. RHS plant profile.
2. Iris paradoxa
This iris is notable for variation between the flower’s upright standards and downward-facing falls. RHS describes standards ranging from white with blue-violet veining to deep purple, pale blue, or pale yellow; the falls can be dark, veined, or golden yellow. It needs full sun and very well-drained soil, and the plant becomes dormant in late summer. RHS plant profile.
3. Vanda coerulea
Known as the blue vanda, Vanda coerulea is a tropical epiphytic orchid. RHS notes three natural color variations, with pale blue the best-known. Its tropical, epiphytic nature makes it a greenhouse or conservatory prospect for many gardeners, rather than an easy outdoor perennial. RHS plant profile.
#1 Best Overall
- Freshest Wildflower Seeds: Our hummingbird and butterfly wildflower mix includes 24 beautiful annual, perennial and biennial plants. We offer the freshest seeds to enhance the quality of your garden, we ensure a high germination rate, 99% pure live seed, no filler
- Attract Pollinators: These flowers will attract pollinators to the garden, such as many beautiful butterflies, bumblebees, bees, ladybugs etc. It can beautify the environment and keep your garden alive!
- High Germination Rate: We meticulously test the germination rates of our seeds to ensure that a high proportion of the seeds you plant will successfully sprout and grow. These wildflowers grow well in spring and summer. They grow to an average height of 12 to 48 inches, covering 194 SQ.FT, about 5-10 days to germination, 35-75 days to flower
- High Quality Packaging: Our seed packs are resealable and provide optimal storage conditions to keeps seeds fresh. Our packaging material is aluminum foil, waterproof and moisture resistant. The planting instructions are displayed on the back of each package, You can also use our online guide to Learn how to grow wildflowers like a professional gardener
- Great Gift Choice: Groundio wildflower seeds make an ideal holiday gift. Perfect for Birthdays, Mothers' and Fathers' Days, Weddings, Thanksgiving Day, Valentine's Day and so on. You can also make the perfect combination of wildflower seeds for kids. Planting hummingbird and butterfly garden seeds is an easy and educational way to do it
4. Anthurium black
RHS describes Anthurium black as rare in cultivation, with glossy, heart-shaped spathes that appear dark purple-black. The striking feature is the spathe, not a black petal. This tender plant needs protection from cold, bright indirect light, and an acidic potting mix. For this Anthurium specifically, RHS recommends two parts ericaceous peat-free compost, one part horticultural grit, and one part orchid bark; the recipe is not a general mix for the other flowers here. RHS plant profile and RHS Anthurium growing guide.
5. Azorina vidalii
The Azores bellflower has large, waxy bells in pink and white and a semi-succulent habit. RHS says it is not frost tolerant, so choose a frost-free location or provide reliable shelter suited to your local climate. RHS plant profile.
Rank #2
- Easy-Growing Wildflowers: This Early-Blooming, Carefree Wildflower Seeds Mix Includes 14 Of North America’s Most Beautiful Wildflower Varieties; This Gorgeous Blend Will Quickly Delight Pollinators And People Alike
- Pollinator-Friendly: Bees And Butterflies Will Flock To The Colorful Buffet Of Flowers; Good For Your Garden And For The Environment; The Bulk Seed Bag Contains Over A Dozen Wildflower Favorites In One: Cornflower, Zinnia Elegans, And More
- 25,000 NON-GMO Seeds: Easy-To-Sow Perennial Flower Seeds Mix Covers Up To 1,000 Square Feet And Is Ideal For Most Soil Types; Select A Sunny Area To Scatter The Seed Outdoors For Planting After Danger Of Heavy Frost
- Burpee Seeds Grow: Burpee Offers The Highest Quality, NON-GMO Seeds Hand-Picked By Expert Horticulturalists For Growing In The Home Garden; Burpee Has Been Loved By Gardens And Trusted By Gardeners For Over 140 Years
- Since 1876: Generations Of Customers Have Trusted Burpee To Deliver The Highest Quality Products And Service; Gardeners Rely On Burpee For Accurate Plant Information And How-To Tips That Make Gardening Easier And More Successful; Let’s Grow Together
6. Iris ‘Deep Black’
This named iris cultivar has dark purple-black flowers and blue-black beards. RHS recommends full sun and soil that is moist but well drained, or simply well drained. Its dark appearance is a horticultural color description; it should not be mistaken for evidence that the flowers are literally black. RHS plant profile.
7. Moraea species
A botanical paper hosted by the Missouri Botanical Garden describes contrasting floral markings in Moraea, including blackish, navy blue, emerald green, and iridescent effects. Because the cited evidence is presented at genus level, this example is best understood as a range of color patterns across Moraea species, not as a claim about one particular species. Angiosperm Phylogeny Website, hosted by Missouri Botanical Garden.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Rank #3
- PREMIUM VARIETY: 24 perennial wildflowers seeds; High germination rate with non-GMO wild flower seeds; Creates stunning garden flowers with bold colors and textures; Perfect for butterfly garden seeds and pollinator seed mix
- EASY GROWING SUCCESS: Plant seeds directly in your outdoor gardening spaces; Includes spring flower seeds through fall flower varieties; Perennial flower seeds packets designed for beginners; Creates continuous blooms year after year
- BULK VALUE PACKAGE: Contains 90,000+ seeds (3oz) of wild flowers seeds mix; Perfect for meadows or cottage-style beds; Economical bulk wildflower seeds for large and small projects; Drought tolerant wildflower seeds for natural growth
- BIODIVERSITY BOOST: Attracts bees, butterflies, and birds to your garden; Improves soil health naturally; Features popular varieties like Purple Coneflower, Black Eyed Susan, and California Poppy; Creates a thriving pollinator garden
- COMPLETE GROWING GUIDE: Detailed instructions for successful germination; Transform gardens, meadows, or containers with these flower seeds; Includes perennial seeds for planting outdoors; Creates a continuous display of wildflower beauty
What “rare” means here
“Rare” is an informal description of unusual-looking plants or plants that are uncommon in cultivation, not a conservation designation. The cited profiles identify Anthurium black as rare in cultivation, but they do not establish threatened or endangered status for these seven examples. Their appeal is their distinctive color and form, not a verified conservation ranking.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 524 PREMIUM SEEDS – BRILLIANT COLOR, FAST GROWTH: This large pack includes 524 USA-packed, high-germination Zinnia Dahlia seeds that bloom into stunning double flowers in red, pink, orange, white, and more. Easy to grow, beginner-friendly, and perfect for bouquets, borders, and containers. Blooms in just weeks and lasts all summer!
- A TRUE GARDEN ARISTOCRAT WITH STRIKING FORM: Zinnia Dahlia is a radiant floral showstopper, beloved for its uniquely bold shape and opulent floral structure. Each bloom evokes a sense of floral nobility with plush, layered petals arranged in a near-geometric sphere. This variety of zinnia has earned its place among the top ten most cherished garden flowers, widely appreciated across the United States and beyond.
- RED FOR EXCEPTIONAL COLOR, SHAPE, AND VARIETY: Decades of horticultural development have resulted in this magnificent line of Zinnia Dahlia seeds. Carefully selected to represent the best of modern breeding, this variety offers a visual spectacle of rich tones and impressive structure. The blooms are large and fully double, featuring countless tightly arranged petals that radiate with saturated color. Each flower opens like a celebration—vivid, elegant, and unforgettable.
- EXPLOSION OF COLOR IN EVERY PLANT: This seed mix produces a stunning range of shades including snow white, coral, salmon pink, lavender, purple, bright orange, cream-yellow, cherry red, scarlet, deep crimson, and plum. Two-toned blooms with dramatic edging offer even more visual interest. Whether planted in clusters or as a standout specimen, Zinnia Dahlia puts on a breathtaking display all summer long.
- LARGE PACK FOR FULL GARDEN COVERAGE: Each seed pack includes approximately 524 premium Zinnia Dahlia seeds, giving you enough to plant a wide area—ideal for garden borders, flower beds, or large landscape designs. Enjoy continuous blooms and a high return on planting. This makes them an ideal value choice for mass planting or sharing with friends and family.
Rank #4
- Premium 23 Wildflower Seeds Annual & Perennial Mix - Special Garden Flower Seeds Blend designed for planting indoor and outdoors across North America. With over 23 varieties and 25,000 wildflower seeds, this mix is the best solution to attract pollinators - bees, butterflies & birds are essential for garden plants health.
How to choose one for your growing space
- For a sunny outdoor border: consider ‘Black and Blue’ salvia or one of the irises if your soil and local climate match its stated needs.
- For protected warmth: Anthurium black is tender, while the tropical Vanda is better suited to a greenhouse or conservatory for many growers.
- Where frost is a concern: Azorina vidalii needs a frost-free or sheltered setting; the RHS hardiness rating for Salvia ‘Black and Blue’ applies to UK conditions only.
- For color pattern rather than a single hue: compare the differently colored iris standards and falls, or look at the contrasting markings found across Moraea species.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
