Moody, Broody Flora. In its latest trends report, the Garden Media Group cites ‘goth gardening’ as one of the upcoming trends to look out for in 2024. There has been a rise of magical and goth gardens on social media - which can be attributed to the admiration of dramatic landscapes by Gen Z. Goth gardens aren’t as much off the beaten track as you might think: they resemble a vintage Victorian Era aesthetic that embraces the possibilities of creating a haunting, yet cosy appearance in outdoor spaces. The main focus of this trend is on incorporating attractive, intensely dark-as-midnight flowers and foliage to the landscape, garden or patio. 

Considering another trend of Gen-Z spending more and more in garden centres, it wouldn’t hurt to keep an eye open for trends that catch their interest. 

Varieties such as Persicaria Red Dragon and Physocarpus Little Ninja stand out with deep burgundy and dark purple foliage, adding drama and intrigue to the landscape. And have you heard about Astilbe Dark Side of the Moon? Its name says it all – deep burgundy foliage contrasting beautifully with delicate pink flowers. For an even more striking effect, try Phormium Black Adder or Cordyline Superstar with their near-black foliage. 

If low maintenance is key, look no further than the revolutionary xSemponium series, consisting so far of four cultivars: Destiny, Diamond, Sienna and Vortex. Groundbreaking intergeneric crossings between Aeonium and Sempervivum. 

With purple-black foliage, Cotinus Dusky Maiden and Heuchera Dark Secret with intense maroon foliage will add a brilliantly dark depths to borders and containers alike. 

Hardy, low-maintenance and spectacular year-round colour. That would be one way to describe the new Ajuga Feathered Friends®: a series of (so far) four small-leaved and three large-leaved Ajuga with striking, uniquely bright colours. The Feathered Friends® bloom profusely in the spring and provide colour all year round in any type of garden. The series consists of a wide range of different innovative colours and growth habits that suit any type of garden. ‘Fierce Falcon’ and ‘Noble Nightingale’ stand out with dramatic dark foliage - perfectly suiting a landscape that’s ready to make an impact. 

Another evergreen that boasts glossy, dark foliage and stunning flowers is Camellia Femme Fatale®: a unique Camellia with an aesthetic that will surely impress. Speaking of stunning flowers, the Dahlia Dreamy® and Dahlia Mystic series showcases velvety petals in deep shades like burgundy amongst others, decorated with the most impressive, magical blooms that add a beautiful dramatic contrast. Last but not least, Hibiscus Carousel Pink Passion boasts rich maroon foliage and vibrant pink flowers, making this hibiscus cultivar sure to make a statement in the mystical garden. 

Time to embrace the attractiveness of and the dark, dramatic landscape and add an element of magic with dark foliage.