I am the first one to use black when showcasing my flowers, and I love the dramatic and timeless statement it makes.  It also blends well with neutrals and provides a base like an anchor to spin-off black decor. You may have heard that black is not a good color for planters because it absorbs heat and will dry out the roots of whatever is planted.  No, and maybe yes is the answer.  Certain materials and planter construction will determine how the sun and heat will affect your black planter.  I know that if I love a black planter, regardless of the material or how it's made, I will find a workaround to make it effective. Planters come in black for several reasons, including collecting warmth and sun for new seedlings in the spring and fostering succulent growth.  Most flowers and plants that end up on porches will not be able to tolerate black planters in full sun in the summer, especially if you live in the South.  Some exceptions to this rule are geraniums, salvia, marigolds, and sunflowers.  For more information about having black planters, check out Take A Yard. I have many black pots, and my workaround has always been to insulate the soil, so the roots don't burn.  Black planters can be ovens.  Bake a plant.  The thicker the planter wall, the better for the moisture in the soil, and your plant roots won't get stressed out and unhealthy, leading to disease, bugs, and wilting; you get the idea. Concrete is a natural insulator, as is stone.  Metal and terracotta will be your driest. Fill a large planter with 1/3 bubble wrap, foam, old blankets, or other insulators.  Wrap the sides of the planter with the insulation as well.  Remember that roots need more depth to grow than it would seem.  Leave 5" to 9" of deep soil to ensure roots can stretch out and not get into a tangled, unhealthy white mass at the bottom of the planter. Look at This Old House for instructions on how to insulate your plants! Gardeners are usually in-tune with weather changes, and that will play out well when maximizing your flower's beauty.  South facing sun-baked porches will provide a different environment than North facing shaded porches.  A good investment is a temperature gun to see the actual amount of heat your plants are getting.