Monochromatic Planting Schemes: Boring? No way!

All-purple-toned flowers create an exciting display in the garden.

By Jenny Peterson

 

We're so used to seeing many different colors in our gardens that the thought of simply using one color may seem a bit boring. But don't judge the idea just yet—what might appear to be a lack of color interest and pizzazz can actually be quite stunning and elegant. The key to pulling off monochromatic, or all-one-color, planting schemes is simple: pay attention to the full range of hues and textures. Check out these winning combos for your container plantings or perennial and annual beds; you might be surprised at how effective they are. As always, check the sun and water requirements before making your final selections.

 

Reds:

Shades of red, crimson, and dark pink can be visually stunning and exciting in the garden. Combine geraniums, impatiens, petunias, verbena, roses, and begonias for a fiery hot garden that won't be easily overlooked. But be careful—some reds are more pink-based while others have an orange tinge. Stay with a range of one hue for the best impact.

 

Purples:

Look for tones of violet, lilac, lavender, and deep purple. Petunias, Persian shield, verbena, Mexican bush sage, and society garlic blooms will all deliver a lively punch to your garden. Combine these hues with variegated green and white or even silver foliage for instant drama.

 

Blues:

Looking for more of a cool touch in your landscape? The soothing blues will be a perfect choice. Agapanthus, plumbago, ageratum, blue mist flower, 'Indigo Spires' salvia, and delphinium are some gorgeous choices for solid blue plantings. This color will combine well with various green foliage, as well as silvery and variegated leaves.

 

Whites:

This might seem confusing at first glance—there aren't too many shades of white in the plant world, are there? But if you start with the brilliant white of a petunia or impatien, and then add the silvery whites of silver ponyfoot or dusty miller, you're well on your way. Then finish the combination off with variegated foliage like green and white caladiums, ivy, liriope, or hostas and you've got a subtly elegant planting scheme.