I’ve wanted to write about the power of pink in garden design for a long time, as it seems to be a fairly polarizing color among gardeners.
Sounds crazy, doesn’t it? But as a designer and public speaker, I talk to literally hundreds of gardeners a year, and very often, gardeners will tell me they’re not a fan of pink.
My guess is that the reason it’s so divisive is due to the vast range of pinks within the color family.
On one end of the spectrum is the softest, palest pink (the least offensive), and on the other is the blindingly hot bubblegum pink (the most egregious color to gardeners who poo-poo pink.)
But here’s where things take a turn for poor pink. In my experience, the #1 divisive color is orange (definitely NOT me – I love it. Click here for proof!)
However, for those who hate the color orange (or any other color that might cause offense), it’s simple enough to keep it out of their garden.
But it’s not so easy with pink.
As hard as pink haters try, the color invariably ends up in their gardens because so many plants have gorgeous flowers in various shades of pink.
My theory is this – we’re at the nursery, forgetting the fact that we don’t like pink, and BAM, there’s a new variety of fill-in-the-blank that ends up jumping into our carts.
It happens to us all.
And that’s okay! It’s okay if you don’t like a certain color, you’ll get no judging from me.
However, keep an open mind because there are so many shades of pink out there that you just might change your tune – especially when I share a few different ways to incorporate pink in the garden.
1. Combining Pink w/Cool Colors (gray, green, blue & purple)
Surrounding pinks with cool colors from the color wheel can help tone down the intensity of the pink while also highlighting any subtle blue undertones that may be present (which is often the case with pink flowers.)
When surrounded by cooler tones, pink blooms stand out while still remaining somewhat calm and lush.
I especially love how pairing pale pinks with gray foliage results in a very soft and romantic combination.
Even the brighter pinks are toned down just a bit when surrounded by gray foliage.
Can you see how blue tones are pulled out of the pink colors, thanks to the surrounding greens, purples and blues?
2. Combining Pink w/Warm Colors (maroon, orange & yellow)
Surrounding pink blooms with warm colors (the upper half of the color wheel, left) creates a rich and vibrant garden palette. Maroon (or burgundy) is one of my favorite colors to use with pink, adding visual depth and contrast. Combining pink with fiery oranges and golden yellows resemble a sunset’s glow.
3. Incorporating Pink Color Echoes as another way to help the colors blend with your garden
4. And now for some of my favorite sources of pink in the garden – from flowers, foliage, stems, and berries.
Phew – what a long post! Believe it or not, I could probably add another twenty pink plants here, but don’t worry, I won’t!
So tell me – what are your thoughts on pink in the garden? Do you love it? Hate it? Have any favorites?
8 Comments
Thank you Rebecca for the “Pink Flowers” article! The color pink can set a calm tone or an exciting tone for a garden space as you have demonstrated in your inspiring photos.
Pink is probably my favorite!
I love pink in the garden! Most of my pink is from peonies and roses, and I’ve added a bunch more bareroot roses this winter (Dee-lish, Big Momma, Amazing Grace and Paris de Yves St. Laurent). Thank you for this post. This gives me lots of ideas for adding additional plants to complement my existing garden. I think my climate in Chico is pretty similar to yours.
Hi Patty – wow, I had to look up some of those roses you bought and they’re gorgeous! Yes, I think Chico and Granite Bay both have ridiculously hot summers so if a plant grows in my garden, it’ll grow in yours! Happy Gardening!
Great job as always, Rebecca. Thanks for all the great examples.
Thanks, Barbara, I appreciate it! 🙂
I absolutely love pink of all shades in the garden. Your article was fabulous. I will try and delay the opening of some of my peonies this year to be able to enjoy them later on. We moved from our relatively large garden into a smaller house once the family had gone and we have a small garden now with a spectacular view of Howe Sound and the mountains and when the garden wakes up in the spring with bulbs, rhodos two Pink flowering Dogwoods it’s heaven.
Thank you, Phillippa and WOW – your garden sounds incredible with your view of Howe Sound! I’ve had such amazing luck with refrigerating peonies so yes, you definitely should try it. They lasted for weeks and weeks versus only lasting a few days. Enjoy your spring with all the lovely shades of pink in your garden! 🙂