Grow a Halloween garden with these spooky plants

As gardening season winds down and kids pick out trick-or-treating Halloween costumes, there are some elegant, spooky plants that can be enjoyed in conjunction with this popular holiday. Keep in mind that some of these selections are frost sensitive and may require additional nurturing and consideration for best use, as well as maximum interest and impact. Here are 10 scary, creepy, and generally out-of-this-world plants to consider for the Halloween season.

1. ‘Dreadlocks’ Love-Lies-Blood

Amaranthus caudatus, annual

This annual (3 to 5 feet tall) has long, bright magenta flower clusters in striking knotted clusters. The woolly texture of these exotic flowers invites tactile engagement, and the entire plant (popular since 1881!) is a noticeable, architectural marvel.

2. 'Ghost' Hybrid Painted Fern

Atrium hybrida, zones 4–8

Reaching 24 to 30 inches in height over time, this hybrid perennial fern has brilliant silver foliage that glows with a little moonlight in the evening garden. Perfect in shade or part shade, 'Ghost' Fern is a hybrid between Lady Fern and Japanese Painted Fern. It has an upright form and attracts attention with luminous, ghostly silver as individual specimens or in groups.

3. 'Black Pearl' ornamental hot pepper

Capsicum annual, annual

The dark black foliage of this pepper is a wonderfully rich backdrop to the glossy black fruits that mature to cherry red late in the season. Fruits are very hot and not recommended to eat. Great in garden beds or containers, this heat and drought tolerant pepper reaches 18 inches tall and makes an impact as a bold accent in a Gothic garden or mix.

4. 'Dracula' Coxcomb celosia

Celosia cristata, Ann

This well-named annual plant features large, crested, coxcomb flowers in red and purplish-red tones. These dramatic, long-lasting, velvety flowers are wonderfully designed to look and touch. Reaching a height of 16 inches, the best red flower color appears in full sun.

5. 'Silver Falls' silver nickel flag

Dichondra argentea, zones 10-12 or annual

A vigorous trailing plant, 'Silver Falls' silver nickel vine excels as a ground cover or in a full sun container or basket. The small, fan-shaped leaves are a nice color and it fills to present a "silver waterfall". Heat and drought tolerance are added bonuses for this tender plant.

6. Ribbon bush

Homalocladium platycladum, zones 9–12 or annual

Typically a shrub in tropical regions, this plant has flat, glossy green stem segments that are joined at the ends. Mainly leafless, stems carry out photosynthesis. This delicate novelty plant is a conversation piece, and its appearance inspires much study. Also known as the "tapeworm plant", it is important to note its mild toxicity to humans and pets.

7. 'Pendula Bruns' weeping Serbian spruce

Picea omorika, zones 4–8

This conifer tree is a long-term investment in space and time, but with its swaying branches arranged around a strong central leader, it clearly makes an impact. No two models are alike. In the landscape, they take on personality and character as solitary elements or in groups, where their beautiful habits can be enjoyed every day of the year. Over time, the plant averages 15 feet tall and 3 feet wide.