Using Color in the Landscape

Florida gardeners have a wealth of choices when it comes to using color in the garden. But the result can often be an overuse of color, or wild, clashing colors simply strewn across the landscape. By following a few simple guidelines, color can be a striking part of the landscape and create a sense of unity throughout the entire design.

One option is to choose colors from the same family, like cool blue and purple, or warm yellow and red. You can also pick colors for contrast, or choose a single color you like.

Although annuals and perennials are popular, don’t overlook trees, shrubs, and vines as color sources. Consider color not only in plants, but also in hardscape elements like arbors and brightly colored pots.

UF/IFAS Sites

• The Color Purple
• Gardening in the Panhandle: Color in the Landscape

UF/IFAS Publications

• Color in the Landscape: Finding Inspiration for a Color Theme
• Regal Splashes of Color in Your Miami-Dade Landscape (PDF)
• Some Palms Provide Blue Color in the Landscape (PDF)
• Some Sunny Garden Color (PDF)

Also on Gardening in a Minute

• Color Theory
• Gardening for Autumn Color
• Form in the Garden
• One-color Gardens
• Texture in the Garden
• Using Art in the Garden
• White Gardens
• Winter Interest in the Garden

Other Sites

• Color Rotation--Texas AgriLife Extension
• Color Techniques for Landscape Design--University of Minnesota's Sustainable Urban Landscape Information Series
• Three Approaches to Color in the Garden--Iowa State University Extension
• Use Color in the Landscape--eXtension.org
• Using Color in the Garden--University of Vermont Extension
• Using Color in the Landscape--Colorado State University Extension
• Using Color in the Landscape--Mississippi State University Extension Service