The Flower You'll See Everywhere In 2026 That Embraces The Gothic Garden Trend

If you had a goth phase in your teens, but now you're a suburban gardener, you'll be happy to know that goth gardens are going to be all the rage in 2026. It's time to bring out your inner goth and add a dark, moody vibe to your flower bed. Adorn your backyard with deep hues of maroon, violet, dark chocolate, and other blooms so deep and shadowy they would make Morticia Addams proud. One perfectly pulchritudinous perennial to add to your garden is the 'Nightrider' lily (Lilium 'Nightrider'). A hybrid of the trumpet and Asiatic varieties of lily, the 'Nightrider' has a traditional lily shape in an untraditional hue. Colored a dark violet — so deep it looks black in certain light – this lily fits in with the goth aesthetic perfectly.

With all things gothic seeing a resurgence in popularity, it was only a matter of time before the trend showed up in your garden. While there are many great ideas for a stunning flower garden, this one has the potential to turn your backyard landscape into a showstopping display. Most flower gardens are known for beautiful blooms of rainbow colors, but black (or almost black) flowers are rare — and that's what makes this look so interesting.

This trend is a unique and beautiful opportunity to express your individuality in your flower beds. Whether you want to add a 'Nightrider' lily as a contrasting feature plant to a colorful garden, or you plan on turning your whole flower bed into a dark display — it's sure to be a conversation piece for your summer gatherings.

'Nightrider' lilies are the perfect choice for your goth-themed garden if you live in USDA Hardiness Zones 3 through 8. Plant the bulbs in the spring for beautiful, deep violet blooms in the early summer. They do well in full sun to partial shade and can grow up to three feet tall. To ensure the health of your lily plants, you should also make sure their soil drains well, as standing water can promote disease. This deep-colored lily is a great addition to transform your yard into a hauntingly beautiful goth-inspired garden. Not only is it a beautiful flower, but it is also a great plant for beginners because it is so low maintenance.

'Nightrider' lilies are perennials, which means with proper care they will return year after year. If you live in the cooler end of the USDA zone, you should consider providing these flowers with mulch over winter. They make a lovely addition to any flower garden, not only for their stunning blooms, but also because they smell amazing and attract a variety of pollinators.

If you are wanting to create a dramatic garden with only stunning black flowers, there are a few others you can try. Plant taller flowers like 'Nigra' hollyhocks (Alcea rosea 'Nigra') in the back of your bed, 'Nightrider' lilies in front of the hollyhocks, and then 'After Midnight' poppies (Papaver somniferum 'Midnight') and 'Black Velvet' petunias (Petunia 'Balpevac') in front for a step-down effect.