Ornamental pepper (Capsicum annuum 'Black Pearl')
Capsicum annuum 'Black Pearl' is a striking Ornamental pepper prized for glossy black foliage and hot, pearl-like fruit. Easy to grow annually.
Complete Plant Information
Overview
The Ornamental pepper, specifically Capsicum annuum ‘Black Pearl’, is highly valued in the garden for its dramatic, glossy black foliage that sets it apart from common peppers. This cultivar creates an excellent textural and color contrast in mixed plantings. While frost-tender and often grown as an annual, Capsicum annuum ‘Black Pearl’ provides consistent visual impact throughout the warm season.
Its growth habit forms an upright, bushy mound, ideal for focal points in containers or tight border spaces. This plant offers the dual benefit of ornamental beauty combined with technically edible but extremely hot, small black fruit that eventually matures to red, fulfilling its designation as an Ornamental pepper.
Gardening with this cultivar is generally low maintenance, provided the heat-loving nature of the pepper is respected. Successful cultivation of Capsicum annuum ‘Black Pearl’ relies on consistent warmth and excellent drainage to ensure the best development of its dark, stunning leaves throughout summer.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Solanaceae
- Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 9-11
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 1-1.5 ft
- Spread: 0.75-1 ft
- Bloom Time: Flowers not showy
- Bloom Description: Purple
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Water Needs: Medium
- Maintenance Level: Low
How to Grow
Sow seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last expected frost, starting them in a sunny, warm location using peat pots. Transplant seedlings into the garden only after all danger of frost has passed and night temperatures remain consistently above 55°F, as peppers strongly dislike cold. Plant them 18 to 24 inches apart in fertile, well-drained soil amended with organic matter.
Once established, maintain consistent moisture; do not allow seedlings or plants to suffer from drought or chilling temperatures. Pinching young plants will encourage a bushier form, improving its density for ornamental display. Mulching around the plants helps conserve moisture and moderate soil temperatures, which peppers appreciate.
For long-term enjoyment or year-round interest, Capsicum annuum ‘Black Pearl’ performs well in containers and can be brought indoors for wintering, provided a sufficiently sunny location is available. Avoid planting in areas where tomatoes or eggplants recently grew, as this rotation helps prevent the buildup of shared soil-borne pathogens.
Landscape Uses
The dramatic coloring of Capsicum annuum ‘Black Pearl’ makes it perfect for highly visible accent plantings. Its compact upright size lends itself beautifully to container gardens, adding dark contrast to brighter annuals or silvery foliage companions. Use it liberally in window boxes where its color can be appreciated up close.
Planting this Ornamental pepper along border edges showcases its dense, mounding habit. For mass plantings, repeating the dark foliage creates a strong, unifying backdrop in summer borders. Though the true value is ornamental, they can anchor vegetable garden beds or fill spaces between taller specimens needing a dark, sturdy base.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Insignificant
Fruit Qualities
- Showy
Noteworthy Characteristics
Most cultivated peppers fall into general categories like sweet, hot, or ornamental, though these distinctions often overlap. Capsicum annuum ‘Black Pearl’ is most celebrated for its glossy black foliage, which holds its color well, and its small, pearl-like fruit (3/4” diameter) that starts black and matures to cherry red. This 2006 All-America Selection winner forms a vigorous, bushy mound perfect for container culture.
Tolerances
- Good tolerance for high heat and humidity
Potential Problems
Gardeners should watch for common pepper afflictions such as fungal and bacterial leaf spots, wilt, and mosaic virus, which can affect plant health and appearance. Stem and root rot are particular concerns if drainage is poor or watering becomes excessive. Insect pests like aphids, white flies, cutworms, pepper maggots, and Colorado potato beetles may also try to feed on the foliage or fruit. Ensure good air circulation and avoid overhead watering to mitigate many fungal issues, and inspect plants regularly for early signs of pest infestation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Ornamental pepper suitable for?
Capsicum annuum ‘Black Pearl’ is hardy in USDA Zones 9 through 11, though it is most frequently grown as a warm-season annual in cooler regions.
How large does Capsicum annuum ‘Black Pearl’ grow?
This plant typically reaches a height between 1 and 1.5 feet tall, spreading approximately 0.75 to 1 foot wide, forming a neat, bushy mound.
What sun exposure does Capsicum annuum ‘Black Pearl’ need?
For the best development of its signature dark foliage, this Ornamental pepper requires full sun exposure.
When does Capsicum annuum ‘Black Pearl’ bloom?
The small, purple flowers appear in clusters during the summer, but the blooms themselves are not considered showy elements of the plant.
Conclusion
The striking foliage and unique progression of dark fruit make Capsicum annuum ‘Black Pearl’ an essential annual addition for gardeners seeking high-impact texture and near-black color. This Ornamental pepper tolerates heat well, making it a reliable performer when warm weather hits. Before planting, confirm your region has consistently warm nights, or plan to start seeds indoors early to maximize your display season.
Companion Planting
When selecting neighbors for your Capsicum annuum ‘Black Pearl’, focus on plants that share similar needs for full sun and consistent moisture without demanding exceptional soil fertility. Silver-leaved plants, like Dusty Miller or Artemisia, create a stunning complementary contrast against the deep black of the foliage. Low-growing, bright-flowering annuals such as petunias or calibrachoa work well at the base of containers housing this pepper.
Container Growing
Because peppers dislike having their roots disturbed, container culture is an excellent way to manage Capsicum annuum ‘Black Pearl’ successfully, especially when ensuring optimal soil conditions. Use deep pots to accommodate the root systems and select a high-quality, well-draining potting mix. Watering needs must be met diligently, as containers dry out faster than garden beds, but never allow the soil to become soggy, which invites root rot in this species.
