Choosing Flowers with the Color Wheel

by Mary Ann Romans | More from this Blogger

16 May 2008 10:33 AM

Whether you are planning a window box or a garden, knowing which colors of flowers go together and what their impact will be is an important planning step. You don't want your flowers to clash, overpower or get washed out. And different colors can convey different moods and looks. Using the color wheel, as well as your own common sense can help you create a beautiful display.

Before we get into the color wheel, let's talk about the color white. White isn't on the color wheel, since it is a neutral color and will compliment any others. You can use white to brighten a display or add some contrast against a vivid color, such as red or blue. Another nice display is an all-white arrangement. Seen in a window box or near the front of your home, all-white flowers will add a sense of elegance and sophistication. Just be sure to vary the heights and types of flowers to prevent the display from looking one-dimensional.

Now, let's talk about the color wheel. Designers look at the color wheel all of the time to make sure that colors and shades work together. You can do the same for your flowers. Basically, you can create a really vibrate display by pairing flowers that are on opposite ends of the color wheel: purple and yellow, blue and orange, and even read and green.

You can also pair or trio colors that are along side each other on the color wheel. This will give you a more formal or put together look. Red, purple and blue would fit the bill heres, as well as yellow, orange and red. Just be sure to select flowers with the same hue, so that they might compliment each other. A dusty orange paired with vibrant reds and yellows may look off, although don't be afraid to try it. Happy accidents occur all of the time in gardening.

Mary Ann Romans writes about everything related to saving money in the Frugal Blog, technology in the Computing Blog, and creating a home in the Home Blog. You can read more of her articles by clicking here.

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Learn more about Mary Ann Romans

Mary Ann Romans is a freelance writer, wife and mother of three children. She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, the kids and a 16-pound cat.

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Dale Harcombe (10355) 16 May 2008 05:35 PM

I laughed when I read this. Why? My garden has no white. Anything that flowers white is considered a weed and yanked out. But I'm happy with my garden of primarily blue, (I love blue flowers best of all) pink, purple, red with the occasional yellow and orange thrown in. Every garden I have ever had has been de-whited. Just my oddity.

Mary Ann Romans (26886) 17 May 2008 03:39 AM

It is funny how so many weeds are either white or yellow (I say this as I am looking at a crop of blue violets that have popped up in my yard, and I don't have the heart to yank them).

Your garden must be so vibrant!

Mary Ann Romans (26886) 17 May 2008 03:39 AM

It is funny how so many weeds are either white or yellow (I say this as I am looking at a crop of blue violets that have popped up in my yard, and I don't have the heart to yank them).

Your garden must be so vibrant!

Mary Ann Romans (26886) 17 May 2008 03:39 AM

It is funny how so many weeds are either white or yellow (I say this as I am looking at a crop of blue violets that have popped up in my yard, and I don't have the heart to yank them).

Your garden must be so vibrant!

Mary Ann Romans (26886) 17 May 2008 03:39 AM

It is funny how so many weeds are either white or yellow (I say this as I am looking at a crop of blue violets that have popped up in my yard, and I don't have the heart to yank them).

Your garden must be so vibrant!