A world of colour

In this issue, we cover bedding plants, colour in design, and much more. I have also written about the marketing behind the recent flowering of Amorphophallus titanum in botanic gardens across Australia. This got me thinking about two interconnected subjects – colour and marketing!

When you think about it, colour is fundamental to horticulture. In marketing, horticulture is highly marketable, largely due to colour’s psychological impact and aesthetic appeal.

Whether in ornamental gardening, plant production, or landscape design, we all look forward to colour. As John Fitzsimmons mentions in his article, one influential guidepost is Pantone’s ‘Colour of the Year.’ This year, it’s ‘Mocha Mousse,’ accompanied by natural and earthy tones.

Plant colour is determined by pigments such as Chlorophyll (green), Carotenoids (yellow, orange, and red), and Anthocyanins (blue, red, and purple). Sunlight, temperature, and soil conditions influence the intensity of these colours.

When designing a landscape or garden, our aim is to create a visual masterpiece. Warm colours create a dramatic, attention-grabbing effect, while cool tones like blue, purple, and green evoke calmness. Colour influences emotions, behaviour, and overall wellbeing.

Shades of green help reduce stress and improve mental health. Bright, warm colours are linked to energy and positivity, while pastels promote relaxation. Therapeutic gardens are designed with these principles in mind.

When I worked in a retail nursery, I always enjoyed creating colourful displays, and every time I visit my local nursery, I am struck by the vibrant hues, soothing scents, and the relaxing atmosphere they create. I can spend hours there.

Plant breeders dedicate years to developing new plant varieties in different shades to meet market trends. Their work ensures that horticulture remains exciting and commercially viable.

From an ecological perspective, colour plays a vital role in pollination. Certain insects and birds are naturally attracted to specific colours. Every time my orange-flowering eucalyptus blooms, lorikeets arrive in droves. Bees, on the other hand, prefer blue and yellow flowers. Understanding these interactions allows us to design bird-attractant and pollinator-friendly gardens that support biodiversity.

Colour in horticulture extends beyond aesthetics – it influences human emotions, ecological interactions, and commercial success. Whether enhancing landscapes, supporting biodiversity, or driving consumer interest, the thoughtful use of colour is essential in modern horticultural practices. By understanding the science and psychology of plant colours, horticulturists and landscape designers can create visually stunning and functional green spaces that benefit both people and the environment.

How much better do we feel when there is colour around us, in our gardens, our clothes, our homes and our food.

On that note, I hope you enjoy the articles our writers have put together this month. If you’re reading this in early March and attending the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show, come say hello – we’ll be there! Gabe and some of our contributors will also be at the Landscape Conference in Melbourne. I am sure he would like to say hello to you and have a chat.

Have a colourful month, grab a cuppa, sit down, and enjoy the read.

Karen Smith and your Hort Journal Team