Carnation 'King of the Blacks'

Dianthus caryophyllus 'King of the Blacks'

Continuing my obsession with near black flowers, this carnation has just started to bloom. At first I was disappointed as the buds emerged a deep crimson and were even flecked with a few tell tale white spots , a sign that aphids had spread one of those microscopic viruses to the plant.Then after a few days the flowers started to get darker before eventually turning an inky black. So I picked a small bunch and mixed them with silver foliage and grasses in a vase. Terrific clove scent is a bonus with all Dianthus species. Amongst this batch are some single flowered specimens which are equally as appealing. Like some throwback to a Renaissance flower painting and the colour of the robes of a titled gentleman from that period. Now I just need some tips on how to photograph dark flowers and capture the true colour.