'Black Panther' Streptocarpus

I thought about starting this post out with something exhilarating like "there's a 'Black Panther'  lounging on my kitchen counter," but I knew I couldn't fool you.  Besides, if there was truly a feline of that nature in my house, I would not be on the computer.  You can bet your best perennials on that.  However, there is a 'Black Panther' of the Streptocarpus nature blooming by my kitchen sink ~ I even have proof:

I can tell you, it's soothing my already winter-weary gardener's soul and it's a lot less threatening than the feline variety! 

Have you noticed how anything dark purple, automatically gets assigned the name "black?"  Everything I've ever grown (from tulips to iris & violas, etc.) that are supposed to be "black" turn out to be deep purple.  Not that I'm complaining ~ I just find it interesting.

If the lighting isn't as good, the blooms can appear to be rather black (as in the photo above).  The moment the sun hits tho, they are decidedly purple!

 

I'll probably continue to purchase plants prefaced with that color since they intrigue me ~ I have no idea why??  Experience tells me not to be disappointed tho if the flower doesn't bloom true to the name.

Maybe someday I'll be in for a surprise?  There's always the possibility.  That's the fun of the hunt, right?  Have you had anything bloom in that elusive of all colors??  I'd sure love to hear so I can track it down!

Comments

[Marnie]

Your photo is lovely.

Misleading color description is one of my pet peeves. I've had several 'black' flowers that weren't. Roses are the worst for misleading color descriptions. There are no purple or blue roses except in catalog descriptions;) Not only plants, animals too. Gray cats and dogs are called blue. Roan horses are either blue or red when in fact they are neither. Really, it makes no difference, it just seems they could be accurate;)
Marnie

[Gail]

It's a pretty velvet eggplant colored flower, for sure;-) But, not black! gail

[Rothschild Orchid]

Very pretty :o)

[Janet]

That is so pretty.

[Sweet Bay]

The only true black flower I've ever seen was a pansy, and quite frankly I think they look rather ghastly. lol Although perfect for Halloween or a Death Day party.

The flowers of your 'Black Panther' are making my mouth water. Such a velvety gorgeous shade of purple.

I love flowers that are labelled black because they *are* usually such a beautiful shade of dark purple. There's a few very dark red iris labelled as black too.

[Catherine]

It really is a pretty deep purple color. It does seem that most plants labeled black end up being a very deep purple. I bought a Penstemon this summer that had the word Raven in the name, but it's about the same color as your flower.

[Racquel]

Gorgeous color and bloom!