Darkness in Bloom: A Gothic Guide to Dramatic and Moody Plants

by Chloe Hurst

Chloe Hurst, aka The Goth Gardener, was what many people considered “odd” as a child; her favorite things to do were garden with her mother and contemplate the darker side of life. As she developed into her goth self, she realized that gardening is goth, too. Gothic is a contemporary, high-end, inspiring gift for gardeners curious about the Victorian era, vampires, ghosts, death, and everything witchy and dark, with accessible information on what every person needs to create moody, eerie undertones, incorporate dark and poisonous plants, and give that Adam's Family vibe.

There are rules, of course! Nothing vibrant, cute, modern, clean cut, minimalist, or god forbid...yellow. Black flowers are your best friend. In fact, there are countless dark-colored plants that give that spooky feel but still do what flowers do best, inviting pollinators and increasing biodiversity. Included are plant profiles, design tips, and inspiration, including information on the lore of gothic culture, and how to integrate undying dark plants (aka perennials), dark specimen repurchases (aka annuals), indoor companions (aka houseplants), and haunting decorations (aka outdoor décor/hardscape). For home gardeners and designers who are tasked with certain specific aesthetics, or just the goth-curious person who has always wanted to garden.

200 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication September 1, 2026

Reviews

[Wake Up Neo · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's a great starting point for any gardener looking for inspiration and a darker palette. The photography of the plants from Chloe's own garden is stunning. I was surprised a few common flowers didn't make the list that come in gorgeous black varieties: Black Sunflowers, Black Peonies, Snap dragons -especially their seedpods, Cosmos (Atrosanguineus) and Hyacinth but maybe the selection was limited to what the author personally planted. It would have been nice to see some poisonous specimens like Belladonna or seen the information about each plant expanded on more but this is more of a simple guide with basics to get you started so I understand that's not what the book was setting out to do. Overall I think the subject of Goth Gardening is delightfully unexpected and would make for a special gift as a little gothic coffee table book.

Thank you to netgalley for allowing me to read this book early in return for my honest thoughts and review.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Absolutely beautiful book.
The information, images and ideas are great.
Easy reading style.
Clear photos of the plants.
Names and information about each plant is easy to read and find. Basic. Care instructions given.
Overall good book.
Not to many overly common plants here in Australia however not that hard to source.
Great for a starting point and branching out with one's own research too.
Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book as an ARC. I really enjoyed this book so thank you.

[baked and booked · Rating 5 out of 5]

Net Galley ARC

This one is for the gothic garden lovers.
Complete with imagery and etymology of each species.

Would make a great coffee table book.

[pining.deciduous · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so fun! I think more and more the gothic style is becoming popular and guides like this one are super helpful. Embrace your inner dark Victorian gardener. 🖤

[Natalie all_books_great_and_small · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.

Darkness In Bloom is a stunning book about gothic plants for anyone who loves the darker things in life.
The book is set out beautifully and each photograph is absolutely stunning. There is information about each plant which isn't overwhelming and would make the perfect coffee table book or beginners guide to having gothic plants or starting your own gothic garden like the one in this book.