Scientists create first black flower

November 30, 2010

Horticultural scientists have developed Black Velvet, the world's first black petunia, which is set to go on sale in the U.K. this coming spring.

According to the Daily Mail, it took scientists four years using natural breeding techniques to turn the blooms a perfect pitch of black. Black is not a pigment flowers create naturally, and the black blooms are, in fact, a very dark shade of purple created by breeding only the darkest reds and blues together, reports Channel4.com.

Experts told the news source the flowers should be a big hit considering the "wonderful contrast" they may add to colorful flowers.

"They say black goes with anything, and it really looks exceptionally striking in the garden...it's rare to get a flower as black as this," Stuart Lowen of Ball Colegrave, the company that developed the petunias, told Channel4.com.

For an interesting color complement in your bouquet, pair black (or very dark) blooms with white and other light-colored cut flowers. Petunias of all colors are commonly planted in borders, small pots and hanging baskets during spring and summer months, according to the Daily Mail, but can make an interesting addition to any flower arrangement.

This article is brought to you by Teleflora - a leader in the flower delivery service for over 75 years. Teleflora helps its customers buy flowers online and specializes in bringing the freshest available flowers for a variety of holidays and occasions - all hand-delivered in keepsake vases by the best local florists.

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