9 Plants That Channel Pantone’s Color of 2014

If you’re on top of the latest trends in fashion and design, then you likely know that Radiant Orchid is Pantone’s 2014 Color of the Year. Gardeners pull inspiration from a number of sources, so why not use the global authority on color to help you choose a new addition to your landscape’s color palette?

Purple has long been a favorite hue in the garden for its ability to bring calm and anchor a color scheme. This brilliant color is dynamic and can add excitement to even the shadiest of gardens. “An enchanting harmony of fuchsia, purple and pink undertones,” Pantone says, “Radiant Orchid inspires confidence and emanates great joy, love and health. It is a captivating purple, one that draws you in with its beguiling charm.”

Orchids, which inspired this color, can be tricky to grow unless you have a greenhouse or live in a subtropical locale. But you can pull in the color by adding any of the following plants.

Ornamental Onion
(Allium ‘Globemaster’)

Allium is an unusual yet striking addition to a garden bed. With its sphere-shaped flower head filled with tiny purple florets rising tall above its foliage, it’s the garden equivalent of fireworks.

Where it will grow: Hardy to -20 degrees Fahrenheit (USDA zones 5 to 8; find your zone)
Water requirement: Dry to medium, well-drained soil
Light requirement: Full sun
Mature size: 1½ to 2½ feet tall and 1 foot to 1½ feet wide
Bloom time: Mid- to late spring


Hazel Spanish Lavender
(Lavandula stoechas ‘Larkman Hazel’)

Many lavenders have a light blue-purple tint, but this variety, with its reddish-purple cast, will stand out in a perennial bed.

Where it will grow: Hardy to 0 degrees Fahrenheit (zones 7 to 9)
Water requirement: Medium to dry, well-drained soil
Light requirement: Full sun
Mature size: 2 to 2½ tall and 2 feet wide
Bloom time: Spring and fall


Wild Thyme
(Thymus serpyllum)

Thyme is a fragrant ground cover that works well in sunny, dry spots. Use this vibrant hue to brighten the pathway and guide you as you stroll through the garden.

Where it will grow: Hardy to -30 degrees Fahrenheit (zones 4 to 8)
Water requirement: Medium to dry, well-drained soil
Light requirement: Full sun
Mature size: 3 inches tall and 3 to 12 inches wide
Bloom time: Mid- to late summer


Chinese Astilbe
(Astilbe chinensis ‘Vision in Red’)

This taller variety of Astilbe works well between shorter hedges and taller shrubs. It’s perfect for shady gardens and is resistant to rabbits and deer.

Where it will grow: Hardy to -30 degrees Fahrenheit (zones 4 to 8)
Water requirement: Medium to dry, well-drained soil
Light requirement: Full sun
Mature size: 1½ to 2 feet tall and 1 foot to 1½ feet wide
Bloom time: Midsummer


Purple Rain Rose
(Rosa ‘Purple Rain’)

This variety of hybrid tea rose skews to the purple side, as opposed to the more common pink or white varieties. Pair it with dark blue flowers (such as Salvia ‘May Night’) and chartreuse foliage (such as lady’s mantle) for showstopping impact.

Where it will grow: Hardy to -20 degrees Fahrenheit (zones 5 to 9)
Water requirement: Medium, well-drained soil
Light requirement: Full sun
Mature size: 2 feet tall and 1 foot to 3 feet wide
Bloom time: Late spring to midfall


Siberian Iris
(Iris ‘Lady Vanessa’)

If you have an area that’s wet, Siberian Iris is a good bet. Although the blooms don’t last long, they are quite stunning. They are also deer resistant.

Where it will grow: Hardy to -40 degrees Fahrenheit (zones 3 to 8)
Water requirement: Medium to wet soil
Light requirement: Full sun to partial shade
Mature size: 2½ to 3 feet tall and 2 to 2½ feet wide
Bloom time: Mid- to late spring


Flossflower
(Ageratum ‘Artist Purple’)

An ideal filler for summer containers, this variety of Argeratum would look gorgeous paired with Sedona coleus.

Where it will grow: Hardy to 20 degrees Fahrenheit (zones 9 to 10; annual)
Water requirement: Medium, well-drained soil
Light requirement: Partial to full sun
Mature size: 6 to 12 inches tall and wide
Bloom time: Spring through fall


Cheddar Pink Dianthus
(Dianthus ‘Feuerhexe’ Firewitch)

Spring-blooming Dianthus provides a mass of color at the front of a perennial border.

Where it will grow: Hardy to -40 degrees Fahrenheit (zones 3 to 8)
Water requirement: Medium, well-drained soil
Light requirement: Full sun
Mature size: 3 to 6 inches tall and 6 to 12 inches wide
Bloom time: Early to late spring


Wishbone Flower
(Torenia ‘Amethyst’)

If your containers are in the shade, Torenia is an excellent way to add this vibrant purple. It’s a profuse bloomer, even with little sunlight. Use it to spill over the edge of your containers.

Where it will grow: Hardy to 30 degrees Fahrenheit (zones 10 to 11; annual)
Water requirement: Medium, well-drained soil
Light requirement: Full sun to shade
Mature size: 6 to 12 inches tall and 2 feet wide
Bloom time: Spring through fall

Tell us: How do you feel about Radiant Orchid? Will you be adding it to your spring garden?

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