Designing a Garden With Sequential Color

Focus on plants in different shades of the same color for a gradient rainbow effect

Every garden I project has a theme , even if it is just about color . A sequent color design is not created with the aim of one plant blooming after another , although that will by nature happen in any garden . Sequential colour is about take a colouring and using plants with variations of the low-cal and dreary tint of that base colouring . Think of a pigment swatch that you might get at a home improvement store and all the variations of vividness , from almost bloodless to almost black , that you will see on it . While any color can be sequence in this way , the easy one to start with is reddish , which on the lightheaded goal is a pale powder pink and at its darkest is a deep blackish merlot . The following plant are some great choices for creating a garden figure around various shades of red .

Electric Lights™ Double Pink azalea

Rhododendron‘UMNAZ 493 ’ , zone 4–7

The first colour in the red spectrum is represented with the delightfullyfragrantspring - blooming blossom of Electric Lights ™ Double Pink azalea . This exceptional bush has buds that are hardy to – 30 ° F . It develop best in full sun to partial shade , is not particular about soil , and need mediocre wet . The upright shape of the 6 - foot - tall and 4 - foot - wide pattern makes it a consummate accent bush . It also seem full grown en masse shot in the back of a perimeter . Prune after the flowers have pass off . A favorite of hummingbirds , the wan fountain showing is bookended with rich Burgundy wine fall color .

‘Butterfly Kisses’ coneflower

Echinaceapurpurea‘Butterfly Kisses ’ , Zones 3–8

Moving forward in seasonal interest and color depth , ‘ butterfly stroke Kisses’conefloweris the sodding choice to create the next stratum in our scheme . Bred in the Netherlands by Arie Blom , this perennial feature fragrant summertime - blooming medium - pink heyday . It has a summary course , reaching only 1 to 1½ substructure tall and broad . This makes it hone for minuscule spaces , containers , and the front of a layered planting . The blossom provide late summer and drop color , and you could entrust the come heads up for winter interest during the hibernating season . With its powder - puff bivalent center , some say that this cultivar produces less pollen and nectar and few seed for wildlife . irrespective , it cause a lovely addition to any garden .

‘Bloodstone’ sea thrift

Armeria maritima‘Bloodstone ’ , geographical zone 3–8

Short in stature but not short on colour , ‘ Bloodstone ’ ocean parsimoniousness has bold , late pink flowers that grow above a tidy , smallevergreenmound of foliage . This plant does best in sterile , dry filth that would try out the mettle of fussier industrial plant . placeable by its slim , leafless flower stalks held above brusk , grassy foliage , this perennial will bloom vigorously from midspring until former summer if given the right conditions . ripe drain is necessary . employ this plant along a bouldery course , in a endocarp wall , or in ahellstrip . Deadhead to promote uninterrupted flowering .

‘Cranberry Crush’ rose mallow

Hibiscus‘Cranberry Crush ’ , zone 4–9

For the truthful red of our serial color dodging , ‘ Cranberry Crush ’ rise mallow is the arrant choice . Dark red bloom and glossy green leaf offer a bold contrast to the finer foliage of the diminished perennials sport here . Its upright cast is compact for a pink wine mallow , maturing at 4 feet tall and wide . ‘ Cranberry Crush ’ blooms from previous June until September in the Northern Plains . This perennial grows with a vigor that makes up for its recent leaping arrival . The enormous 7 - inch - full blossom add drama that is delivered by few other works .

Baton Rouge™ dogwood

Cornusalba‘Minbat ’ , zone 3–8

As we venture into deeper red tone , Baton Rouge ™ dogwoodsupplies us with bright , origin - crimson stem in winter and a striking show of cerise - purple foliage in fall . The fleeceable go away during the rest of the time of year make a endearing background to the small , livid , late - bound - blooming flowers . This shrub prosper in full Sunday topartial shadeand adapts to various soil conditions , admit defilement . The compact form grows only 4 foot marvelous and encompassing . To keep a firm production of wintertime - crimson stems , annualpruningis necessary . Remove three - twelvemonth - old wood at ground storey to boost Modern growth in late nightfall or wintertime .

‘Back in Black’ stonecrop

Sedum‘Back in Black ’ , Zones 3–9

For the darkest color in the spectrum , I have choose ‘ Back in dark ’ stonecrop . This plant features very dark foliage and flush and requires slight attention . The nigh pitch-black , purple leafage with creamy red blooms are gratifying from outflow through fall . ‘ Black in Black ’ grow 2 feet marvellous and 2½ feet wide and merit a spot in any well - drained , gay garden . It ’s repellent to foraging by rabbit and pull a variety ofpollinators .

These selections ply color along a broad range of the red ink spectrum as well as interest from spring into wintertime . An ardent nurseryman could easily add more plants with other shade of bolshy to create an even richer design . The possibility are endless . What colors would you like to search for your serial color garden ?

For more design estimate centered around color , check out :

— Marti Neely , FAPLD , have and operate Marti Neely Design and Associates in Omaha , Nebraska .

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