As the air grows crisp and the nights get longer, there’s something magical about spending time in the garden during the Fall. With Halloween around the corner, why not embrace the season’s spooky spirit and plant a garden that looks like it leapt straight out of a ghost story?
Whether you’re decorating for trick-or-treaters, planning a gothic inspired flower bed, or just having fun with nature’s darker side, there are plenty of plants that thrive Zone 7B and bring a touch of Halloween to your landscape.
Plants with Dark and Dramatic Foliage
Black Mondo Grass (Ophiopogon planiscapus)
If Dracula had a lawn, it would be lined with this plant. Black mondo grass has inky, strappy leaves that stay evergreen in Zone 7b, making it perfect for edging borders, lining pathways or setting off lighter-colored plants.
Coral Bells (Heuchera “Black Pearl”)
This perennial offers deep purple-black leaves with a velvety sheen. Hardy and reliable in Zone 7B, coral bells bring a gothic vibe to shady spots and pair beautifully with orange pumpkins and fall mums.
Ghostly & Mysterious Blooms
Ghost Plant (Graptopetalum paraguayense) Their powdery coating leaves a pale or ghostly appearance. While it needs some winter protection in Zone 7B, ghost plant thrives in containers and rock gardens during the growing season. Place it in a dark pot for maximum spooky effect.
Autumn Crocus (Colchicum autumnale)
Perhaps the most mysterious flower of all—autumn crocus sends up its soft lilac pink blooms without any leaves, making it look like blossoms have appeared out of nowhere. Plant the corms in late summer in well-drained soil in a spot with full sun to partial shade with the pointed end facing up, about 3-4inches deep. Hardy in Zone 7B, it’s a wonderful surprise for the Halloween Season.
Creep Shapes & Spooky Creatures
Spider Flower (Cleome Hassleriana) this flower comes in different colors. These tall annuals feature delicate, spidery flowers that sway in the fall breeze. Their name alone earns them a spot in any Halloween Garden. Plant them in clusters for a wispy, web-like effect.
Bat-Faced Cuphea (Cuphea llavea)
This quirky plant produces red flowers with purple “ears” that resemble tiny bat faces. While it’s often grown as an annual in zone 7B, it thrives in containers and adds instant Halloween charm to patios and porches.
Snapdragons (Antirrhinum majus)
Cool-weather favorites in zone 7b, snapdragons bloom through fall and early winter. Their flowers resemble tine dragon heads, and folklore suggests they ward off evil spirits—a perfect fit for the season.
Plants Steeped in Folklore
Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana)
A shrub with a storied past, witch hazel has long been associated with folk magic and healing. In late fall, it produces spidery yellow flowers that glow against bare branches, making it one of the most enchanting shrubs you can grow.
Blood Grass (Imperata cylindrica `Red Baron’)
Its green blades tipped with blood-red edges give this ornamental grass a dramatic, almost sinister look. Hardy in Zone 7B, it creates eerie movement in the wind and pairs well with pumpkins and corn stalks for natural décor.
Designing Your Halloween Garden
- Mix dark and light. Contrast black foliage (like mondo grass) with ghostly whites (like ghost plant or autumn crocus)
- Play with height. Tall, spindly plants like cleome look extra creepy when backlit at night.
- Add décor. Scatter gourds, pumpkins, and lanterns among your plants for a complete Halloween scene.
- Think Containers. Black pots or even faux cauldrons make perfect vessels for herbs, succulents, and small perennials.
Halloween isn’t just about costumes and candy—-it’s a chance to let your garden join the fun. With the right mix of dark foliage, ghostly blooms, and folklore inspired plants, your Zone 7B garden can become a delightfully spooky space that celebrates the season in style. This fall when you’re planting mums and pumpkins, consider adding a little magic to your garden with plants that whisper of witches, ghosts, and creatures of the night.
The author of this article, Jeanette Huntington is a Paulding UGA Extension Master Gardener, trained to provide education for homeowners on horticulture, sustainable landscaping, and environmentally friendly gardening practices using unbiased, research-based information from the University of Georgia. For more information, contact Paulding County UGA Extension at 770-443-7616 or view our online resources at www.ugaextension.org/paulding.