Corresponding Color in the Garden

Purple, red, yellow, pink, blue, white and orange. Spring is here and color is everywhere. This has to be one of the most colorful seasons. Though these days when I think color, I no longer think just flowers, I think foliage, stems, and berries. Using contrasting foliage and texture along with flowering perennials and annuals makes a strong, colorful statement that is pleasing to the eye.

With so many new and improved plants on the on the market, it makes it easy to create a garden that will delight your senses throughout the year. No matter what size area you have to work with, try a few new and unique plants for a fresh, colorful, eye catching combination. Here are just a few of my favorites to mix together for what I like to call "A perfect plant cocktail"!

Euphorbia characias "Tasmanian Tiger" a wonderful plant for small gardens or containers. This beauty has variegated leaves that are white with green center. Grows about 24" in height and width. Will add color and texture to any area that needs a little something.

Echinacea is a fabulous plant in the garden and are extremely easy to grow. The past few years they have introduced some wonderful new hybrids such as: "Magnus", a dwarf variety with magenta blooms; "Merlot", has black stems with purple flowers; and finally my favorite, "Tikki Torch" will take gardens by storm with its delicious orange flowers. A great accent to a colorful combination!

Heuchera is one of the hottest plants on the market, with so many shades of reds, oranges, and yellows it makes them irresistible. Most are evergreen, take minimal care and do well in the garden or containers. My new favorite is "Georgia Peach", complete with huge peach colored leaves and a large lush habit. This beautiful winner makes a bold, beautiful statement in any shady area. Other varieties such as "Obesian", and "Mocha" have dark purple black foliage and do wonderfully in full sun. Plant in masses for a shockingly yummy effect.

Phormium "Platt’s Black" is a great evergreen grass-like foliage that is almost black in color. Growing 36" to 48" tall and wide, a must have for containers or garden. Plant next to the Euphorbia "Tasmanian Tiger" for a spectacularly effect!

Campanula is another great plant to mix with this bunch. Either with blue or white bell-shaped flowers. With the plants listed above I’d go for the blues such as a low growing, free flowering "Birch Hybrids".

Color choice is very much a matter of style and opinion. A couple things to remember is those darker shades of red, yellow, orange, brown, and black create a warm effect. On the other hand, blue, white, lavender, and pink create a softer, subtler feeling. Do you remember that old saying? Reds and pinks don’t go together, I say, anything goes in the plant world! I have seen beautiful gardens planted with pinks and reds together, even flowering at the same time. I say go with what makes you feel good, and go out and try new combinations, you’ll never know what the outcome will be! Happy planting!

For more information about beautiful planting combinations for your specific area, please contact me for a consultation. I’d love to help you mix up your "perfect plant cocktail"!

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