Molten orange flows from dahlias,
nasturtiums, and roses.

Hot Colors

Florists and gardeners share this successful technique: An arrangement composed around a single color epitomizes elegance. Monochromatic plantings designed from the spectrum's warm side leave memorable impressions.

Textural interplay heightens the drama of a one-color garden. The bold trumpets of orange daylilies, for example, dance bloom to bloom with delicate plumes of pale peach astilbe and glowing wands of 'Lucifer' crocosmia. Strategic plant location also heightens the impact of monochromes. Place loose or open-branched plants toward the border front to allow a view through of more substantial flowers beyond. This down-in-front framing strategy helps create the same sense of suspense and depth as a bend in the path or a long view through an arbor.

Related Feature: Bold Colors for Your Garden

 

Daylilies, heliopsis, and coreposis
put this garden in a sunny glow.

Another design technique involves planting a bed of annuals in monochromatic bands. Beds of multicolor annuals can confuse rather than compel. If limited to a single color and specific varieties, however, the planting has stronger impact.

Light intensity also heightens monochrome drama. An all-yellow border dazzles under softly lit, overcast skies or when located in a shady nook. Orange or red schemes look stunning poised against a west-facing view, where the sinking sun backlights them with a fiery aura.

Related Feature: Easy Annual Gardens with Punch