Black Cotton

Black Cotton (Gossypium herbaceum 'Nigrum')

Black Cotton, also known as Levant Cotton, is a dramatic warm-season accent that delivers near-black foliage and an unexpected flower-and-fruit sequence that keeps the garden interesting for months. In summer, hibiscus-like blooms in deep pink to burgundy tones pop against the dark leaves, then develop into ornamental bolls that split to reveal bright white cotton. The upright, bushy habit makes it easy to use as a statement plant in beds or large containers. If you want something unusual that still feels clean and intentional, this plant brings bold contrast and strong seasonal payoff.

Distinctive Features

This ornamental cotton is grown for its exceptionally dark stems and leaves, paired with showy mallow-family flowers and decorative seed bolls. Blooms typically appear in summer, followed by rounded bolls that mature and open to expose the white cotton fiber inside. The plant has an upright, shrubby look through the season, offering both foliage impact and a memorable fruiting display. Mature size is commonly about 2 to 3 feet tall and about 18 to 24 inches wide in warm, sunny conditions.

Growing Conditions

• Sun: Full sun for the darkest foliage and best flowering.
• Soil: Fertile, well-drained soil, and it benefits from added organic matter while avoiding soggy conditions.
• Water: Moderate water, keeping soil evenly moist while establishing, then watering when the top layer begins to dry.
• Zones: USDA Zones 9 to 11, and grown as a seasonal plant in colder regions.
• Notable Traits: Ornamental bolls split open to reveal white cotton and the plant does not tolerate frost.

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point: Plant a single specimen in a large pot as a focal point where the black foliage and white cotton bolls can be appreciated up close.
• Mixed Borders: Use in sunny beds to add dark foliage contrast behind brighter summer bloomers.
• Containers: Grow in containers for controlled size, easy drainage, and the ability to move it to shelter as temperatures drop.
• Cut and Display: Harvest stems with mature bolls for seasonal arrangements and tabletop decor.

Low Maintenance Care

• Watering: Water deeply, then allow the surface to dry slightly, since constantly wet soil can reduce vigor.
• Feeding: Apply a light, balanced feeding during active growth to support flowering and boll development.
• Grooming: Remove spent flowers or damaged leaves to keep the plant looking crisp and encourage steady growth.
• Cold Protection: Protect from frost, and in cold climates treat as a seasonal plant or overwinter indoors in a bright, warm spot.

Why Choose Black Cotton?

• Unmatched Foliage: Near-black leaves and stems create high contrast that elevates both modern and classic plantings.
• Seasonal Story: Summer flowers transition into bolls that open to reveal white cotton for extended interest.
• Container Friendly: A 2 to 3 foot habit works well in large pots where you can manage drainage and placement.
• Conversation Plant: Delivers an uncommon look that stands out without needing complicated care.

Black Cotton is at its best in full sun with good drainage, where the foliage stays darkest and the plant can build a strong, bushy shape. Pair it with silvers, bright yellows, or clean whites to make the contrast feel intentional, or use it as a dark anchor among warmer tones. Keep watering steady early on, then ease back once established while avoiding soggy soil. If you want a truly distinctive seasonal feature plant, this one delivers a bold finish.