Ornamental Rice ‘Black Madras’ – Seeds (Oryza sativa)

Add striking contrast to your garden with Ornamental Rice ‘Black Madras’, a unique variety prized for its deep purple-black foliage and upright, grass-like habit. Its dramatic color makes it an excellent accent in borders, containers, and water gardens. While not grown for grain, this ornamental rice provides bold texture and contrast to flowering plants.

Why Grow ‘Black Madras’?

• Unique dark purple-black leaves

• Upright, grass-like growth habit

• Stunning contrast in borders and pots

• Low-maintenance and fast-growing

Key Features

• Type: Ornamental grass (annual in cool climates)

• Height: 40–50 cm

• Foliage: Deep purple-black

• Position: Full sun, moist soil

• Use: Containers, mixed borders, water garden edges

Ideal For

• Modern and tropical-style gardens

• Containers and patio pots

• Borders needing strong foliage contrast

• Water garden or pond margins

Sowing & Growing

• Sow indoors: March–April in warmth (20–25°C)

• Germination: 14–21 days

• Transplant outdoors after frost into moist soil or pots

• Keep soil consistently damp for best foliage color

Tip: Plant in groups for maximum impact and combine with light-colored flowers for dramatic contrast.