Pantone is THE authority on color. Their color choice for the upcoming year guides designers in just about every industry from clothing and furniture to housewares and cosmetics.
This year, they have chosen two colors – Rose Quartz and Serenity. It’s the first time they have ever chosen two colors as their Color of the Year. Leatrice Eisman, Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute states, “Joined together Rose Quartz and Serenity demonstrate an inherent balance between a warmer embracing rose tone and the cooler tranquil blue, reflecting connection and wellness as well as a soothing sense of order and peace.”
Wow, that’s a mouthful. Want more? Their website continues, “Rose Quartz is a persuasive yet gentle tone that conveys compassion and a sense of composure. Serenity is weightless and airy, like the expanse of the blue sky above us, bringing feelings of respite and relaxation even in turbulent times.”
Do gardeners pay attention to trends? Plants certainly fall in and out of favor. Succulents are hands down the most popular plants on the planet right now and hydrangeas and coral bells can’t be far behind. Foliage colors trend as well – think silver, deep dark purple and chartreuse.
Whether or not gardeners pay attention to Pantone’s pronouncements or not, they are influenced by colors trending on the runways, showrooms and red carpets. They influence our purchases of patio furniture, pots and other garden décor. Why not plants?
You probably already have several plants that bloom in these colors in your landscape. Rose pink and soft blue are common flower colors. Mertensia virginica (Virginia bluebells) and Pulmonaria ‘Bertram Anderson’ (lungwort) present both colors on the same plant – rose pink buds open to soft blue flowers.
Imagine hip plant partnerships: Delphinium ‘Desante Blue’ and Lilium ‘Roselily Natalia’, pink tulips underplanted with grape hyacinths, and Verbena ‘Estrella Pink Ballet’ tickling the toes of Clematis ‘Multi Blue’. The Pantone possibilities in the garden are endless.
Are you influenced by color trends? Whether you are a garden fashionista or prefer to garden to the beat of your own garden trowel, I hope you will garden with me!