Color for Container Gardens

Color of Garden Planters:

If you live in a hot climate, look for garden planters that are light in color to reflect some of the heat and to keep the roots cooler. Dark metal planters or black pots should only be considered in cooler climates or in locations where the pot will be shaded by plantings or other pots.

Generally planter colors that compliment their surroundings are the most appealling. Consider the surface the garden planter will sit on as well as any surrounding elements such as walls, railings, outdoor furniture or other planters when making your color selection.

Of course, the planter's color should compliment and enhance the foliage and or flower colors of the plants it will hold. Natural materials (and their resin or fiberglass planter alternatives) suit most garden spaces and designs, but careful selection can produce stunning results when the right colors work together.

The Many Moods of Plant & Flower Color

From the passion inspired by red, to the soothing effect of lavender or blue...color in the garden can create any mood of your choosing. This, then, is the very first decision to be made...what kind of impression, mood, feeling or sensation would you like to create with your garden planters.

For subtle, sophisticated beauty, select plants in various shades of the same color or closely related colors such as blue and purples. The white garden is considered a classic and can bring a serene and spiritual feeling to your garden space. Garden planter groupings with white flowers can be provide a beautiful evening treat when subtle lighting is added.

For vibrant, visual excitement, experiment with bold, intense color combinations such as reds and purples, or yellows and oranges. My favorite groupings include bright clear tones of reds, oranges and pinks—a lively combination that pushes the borders of 'monochromatic'! Choosing primary, strong-colored flowers, rather than the pastel shades, will bring your planters alive.

And don't forget about green...the blue-greens, silver-greens and yellow-green of plant foliage. Experimenting with the many color and textural variations of plant foliage can be a very rewarding aspect of container gardening. Often foliage combinations by themselves can create a very effective display and act as a kind of a restful pause in your container garden groupings.

More Color Tips for Container Gardening

Color Combinations II

Plant Colors for Container Gardens