Bringing colorful designs to the indoor and outdoor landscape
usually “requires” a mix of flowers and tropical
foliage. To create colorful designs with only foliage think
out of the box, think odd and keep these few color tips in mind.
These color design tips can be used in the backyard
landscape, in container gardens indoors or outdoors... but
remember these are only a few tips not rules! Get creative!
First, odd numbers of plants in the same color range and massed
create a show-stopping effect.
Mimic The Sun
Plants with gold and yellow look like nature’s artist
“dropped” a little sunlight into the painter palette.
These bright colors create a “wow” effect. Brightly
colored Crotons or a bed of Coleus stop people in their tracks.
To create an intense color effect pair up gold and yellow plants
with red or orange-leaved plants. To expand the landscape adding
landscape
lights.
Easy on the Variegated
When using variegated plants pick them with care. The problem
with many variegated is in the almost endless patterns that
may offer. This makes them difficult to use. The best way to
take advantage of variegated plants is to pick one leaf color
use the variegated plant as a companion plant for that color.
Mixing It Up
Stay away from using plants with leaves roughly the same size,
shape and texture next to each other. Use different leaf textures
to create contrast.
Show Passion with Purple
Red is the common thread running through the colors of bronze,
red, black and purple leaves. Bronze leaves can be difficult
to use in the landscape creating a dull look or hole in the
garden. When planting plants with bronze leaves use them in
areas where the sun will hit them from the side or behind to
reflect the highlights of red. Pair up bright colored plants
like purple plants with light colored foliage or blue-gray foliage.
Flowers are wonderful to enjoy and add a blast of unique beauty
to a garden, backyard or patio area. But don’t forget
– flowers are short-lived and you must wait on them to
appear in season. Foliage on the other hand can be tropical
looking, long lasting, long term and instantaneous, plus light
up any corner to create a focal point.
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