{"title":"Dark Flowers","description":"\u003cp\u003eDramatic, moody, and utterly captivating — browse our collection of dark-flowered seeds for NZ gardens. Deep burgundies, velvety purples, near-blacks, and rich crimsons bring a sophisticated drama to cottage borders, cutting gardens, and arrangements that lighter colours simply cannot match.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"papaver-laciniatum-dark-red-30-seeds","title":"Pompom Poppy Seeds — Papaver laciniatum Dark Red","description":"\u003ch2\u003eA Showstopping Dark Red Fringed Poppy — Velvety Blooms for the Cottage Garden\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePapaver laciniatum\u003c\/strong\u003e 'Dark Red' — commonly known as the Pompom or Fringed Poppy — is a breathtaking cool-season annual prized for its deeply fringed, ruffled petals in a rich, velvety dark red. Unlike the simple single poppy, the laciniatum form produces extravagant, fully fringed blooms with intricately cut petal edges that give each flower an almost carnation-like opulence. Tall, elegant stems carry these spectacular blooms above the foliage, making them a standout in cottage garden borders, wildflower meadows, and cutting gardens. Easy to grow from seed and quick to establish, this poppy self-sows readily and will return year after year once established. A magnet for bees and other pollinators, it is as wildlife-friendly as it is beautiful.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eWhy Gardeners Love It\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e🌺 \u003cstrong\u003eSpectacular fringed dark red blooms\u003c\/strong\u003e — deeply ruffled, intricately cut petals in a rich velvety dark red create a dramatic, opulent display unlike any ordinary poppy\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e🌿 \u003cstrong\u003eTall and elegant\u003c\/strong\u003e — long slender stems make it perfect for the back of borders and as a cut flower; blooms nod gracefully in the breeze\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e☀️ \u003cstrong\u003eCool-season performer\u003c\/strong\u003e — thrives in NZ's autumn and spring conditions; sow in autumn for early spring blooms or in early spring for a summer display\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e🌱 \u003cstrong\u003eEasy to grow and self-sowing\u003c\/strong\u003e — direct sow where it is to flower; once established it will self-seed and naturalise beautifully in the garden\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e🐝 \u003cstrong\u003eLoved by bees and pollinators\u003c\/strong\u003e — an excellent nectar source that supports beneficial insects throughout the season\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e✂️ \u003cstrong\u003eBeautiful as a cut flower\u003c\/strong\u003e — harvest stems when buds are just beginning to open for a striking addition to cottage-style arrangements\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003eGrowing Tips for New Zealand\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eSow Papaver laciniatum Dark Red direct where it is to flower — poppies do not like to be transplanted. Scatter seeds thinly on the surface of well-prepared, free-draining soil and press in lightly; do not cover deeply as seeds need light to germinate. Sow in autumn (March–May) for spring blooms, or in early spring (August–September) once the worst frosts have passed. Thin seedlings to 20–30cm apart. Choose a sunny to lightly shaded position with well-drained soil. Water regularly until established, then reduce watering as plants are reasonably drought tolerant once growing strongly. Allow some plants to set seed at the end of the season for a self-sowing colony that returns each year. Perfect for cottage borders, wildflower areas, and cutting gardens throughout NZ.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eWhat's in the Packet\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eEach packet contains \u003cstrong\u003e30 seeds\u003c\/strong\u003e of Pompom Poppy Dark Red (\u003cem\u003ePapaver laciniatum\u003c\/em\u003e), with growing instructions included.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Chbotanics Seeds","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45009813700677,"sku":null,"price":5.5,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0734\/2974\/5733\/files\/IMG_20250308_181508.jpg?v=1778739447"},{"product_id":"ebony-hollyhock-seeds-alcea-rosea","title":"Ebony Hollyhock Seeds — Alcea rosea","description":"\u003ch2\u003eDark Drama for the Cottage Garden\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eIf you want to stop visitors in their tracks, plant the \u003cstrong\u003eEbony Hollyhock\u003c\/strong\u003e. This striking form of \u003cem\u003eAlcea rosea\u003c\/em\u003e produces tall, stately spires of the deepest, darkest blooms — a rich, velvety near-black that creates a breathtaking contrast against lighter flowers and foliage. Moody, dramatic, and utterly unforgettable, it's the jewel of any cottage garden border.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eWhy Gardeners Love It\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e⬛ \u003cstrong\u003eDramatic near-black blooms\u003c\/strong\u003e — deep, velvety dark flowers with a rich, jewel-like quality\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e📏 \u003cstrong\u003eGrows 150–250 cm tall\u003c\/strong\u003e — a bold statement at the back of borders or against walls and fences\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e🌸 \u003cstrong\u003eStunning contrast plant\u003c\/strong\u003e — pairs beautifully with pale pinks, whites, and silvers\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e🐝 \u003cstrong\u003eLoved by pollinators\u003c\/strong\u003e — bees are drawn to these pollen-rich blooms\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e✂️ \u003cstrong\u003eStriking cut flower\u003c\/strong\u003e — dramatic and long-lasting in large arrangements\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e🌱 \u003cstrong\u003eEasy to grow\u003c\/strong\u003e — self-seeds freely once established for years of dark drama\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003eGrowing Tips for New Zealand\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eSow seeds in spring or early summer into well-drained soil or seed-raising mix. Hollyhocks prefer a sunny, sheltered position — against a warm wall or fence is ideal. Transplant seedlings to their final position in autumn, spacing 45–60 cm apart. They will establish over winter and flower the following summer. Allow a few plants to self-seed for a naturalistic cottage garden effect.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eWhat's in the Packet\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eEach packet contains \u003cstrong\u003e5 seeds\u003c\/strong\u003e of Alcea rosea 'Ebony'.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Chbotanics Seeds","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45028421828677,"sku":null,"price":4.5,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0734\/2974\/5733\/files\/image_e4c30447-1018-49d3-8ae4-a47ce11a3e95.png?v=1779079652"},{"product_id":"cornflower-blackball-seeds","title":"Cornflower Blackball Seeds — Centaurea cyanus","description":"\u003ch2\u003eThe Dark and Dramatic Cornflower\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCornflower Blackball\u003c\/strong\u003e (\u003cem\u003eCentaurea cyanus\u003c\/em\u003e 'Blackball') is a stunning and unusual annual cornflower bearing large, fully double blooms in the deepest, richest burgundy-black — a dramatic and sophisticated colour that is almost unmatched in the annual garden. Far removed from the classic blue cornflower, Blackball brings a moody, velvety depth to borders and bouquets alike, and is an absolute showstopper when cut and arranged with softer pastels or bold brights. A must-have for the cutting garden and any gardener who loves something a little out of the ordinary.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eWhy Gardeners Love It\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e⚫ \u003cstrong\u003eLarge, fully double deep burgundy-black blooms\u003c\/strong\u003e — a rare and dramatic colour that commands attention in any planting or arrangement\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e✂️ \u003cstrong\u003eExceptional cut flower\u003c\/strong\u003e — long stems and good vase life, stunning paired with whites, pinks, or bold colours\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e📏 \u003cstrong\u003eGrows 70–90 cm tall\u003c\/strong\u003e — ideal for cutting gardens, cottage borders, and mixed beds\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e🐝 \u003cstrong\u003eAttracts bees and butterflies\u003c\/strong\u003e — a valuable nectar source through spring and summer\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e🌱 \u003cstrong\u003eEasy to grow from seed\u003c\/strong\u003e — direct sow and largely self-sufficient once established\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003eGrowing Tips for New Zealand\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eCornflowers are best direct sown into their final position as they dislike transplanting. Sow in autumn for spring flowering, or in early spring for summer blooms. Sow seeds 1 cm deep in a sunny, well-drained position and thin to 30 cm apart. Cornflowers are wonderfully unfussy — they thrive in average to poor soils and need little feeding. Deadhead regularly to extend flowering. Performs beautifully throughout NZ in any sunny, open position.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eWhat's in the Packet\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eEach packet contains \u003cstrong\u003e10 seeds\u003c\/strong\u003e of Cornflower Blackball (\u003cem\u003eCentaurea cyanus\u003c\/em\u003e 'Blackball').\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Chbotanics Seeds","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45029102223429,"sku":null,"price":4.5,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0734\/2974\/5733\/files\/image_12678445-bc70-4a1e-ab6c-edde92ec3e50.png?v=1780791523"}],"url":"https:\/\/chbotanics.co.nz\/collections\/dark-flowers.oembed","provider":"Chbotanics Seeds","version":"1.0","type":"link"}