Kennedia nigricans
Plants with black foliage or flowers can be very stylish in particular landscaping situations, for example used as borders in bright areas, with white concrete, or near a white house. Don looked at two plants which might make an interesting combination in the garden – they have overlapping flowering periods, and both have black and yellow flowers.
Black Coral Pea (Kennedia nigricans)
This is a vigorous Australia native climber or fast spreading ground cover with lobed dark green leaves and attractive black and yellow pea flowers. It is a very rampant plant which needs room to grow and is probably best kept away from buildings and trees, however it is useful for quick coverage of ugly fences or banks. It is a hardy plant, tolerant of drought, light frost and shade. It does well in most areas of Australia, except for the mountains and Hobart.
Black kangaroo paw (Macropidea fuliginosa)
Beautiful kangaroo paw with yellow/green and black flowers in late spring to early summer. To grow and flower well, it needs good drainage and a frost free position with sunshine for at least half the day. It will do well in Perth, Adelaide and inland areas, and is worth a try in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.
Further information
These plants may be difficult to obtain. Ask your local nursery to order them in for you, or check with a specialist native nursery such as:
NSW
Annangrove Grevilleas Native Nursery, Kenthurst, NSW. Phone: (02) 9654 1380
Cranebrook Native Nursery, Cranebrook, NSW. Phone: (02) 4777 4256.
Sydney Wildflower Nursery West, Marsden Park, NSW. Phone: (02) 9628 4448
Sydney Wildflower Nursery South, Heathcote, NSW. Phone: (02) 9548 2818
VIC
Kuranga Native Nursery, Ringwood, VIC. Phone: (03) 9879 4076
Mt Cassell Native Nursery, Pomonal, VIC. Phone: (03) 5356 6351
SA
Nellie Nursery, Mannum, SA. Phone: (08) 8569 1762
WA
Zanthorrea Nursery, Maida Vale, WA. Phone: (08) 9454 6260
ONLINE
Tubes can be purchased online via: www.nativegrowth.com.au