How To Add Instant Color To A Garden (Proven Ways)

Whether you’re looking to liven up your garden, or simply want to add a splash of color, adding instant color is easy. 

The secret is simple: the more you mix colors together in one plant, the richer and more vibrant they’ll look together! I’ve listed 13 plants below that are sure to bring some excitement into your garden this spring.

Add Instant Colour To Any Garden
Key Takeaways
Adding instant color to your garden can be achieved through various ways, including by planting colorful flowers and plants or by using outdoor decor items.
Some of the colorful plants that you can plant in your garden include roses, hydrangeas, sunflowers, and daisies.
Incorporating bold colors in your garden can add personality to its overall look. You can add bold colors by using colorful furnishing, garden art, or planters.
Adding color to your garden during winters is possible. You can plant hellebores, witch hazel and winter jasmine to add color.
You can create a cohesive color scheme by using a color wheel to guide you. Choose a few colors that complement each other or use contrasting colors to make a bold statement.

1. Hydrangea

Hydrangea is a genus of about 100-150 species of flowering plants native to the temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. 

They are popular garden shrubs, grown for their large and showy flowerheads. Several species are cultivated in many countries as ornamental garden shrubs, particularly those with small flowers and large leaves; this includes H. arborescens, H. macrophylla, H. quercifolia (oakleaf hydrangea), and H. serrata (Japanese tree hydrangea).

Transform your garden into a winter wonderland: Winter can be tough on a garden, but with proper care and planning, you can transform it into a winter wonderland. From choosing the right plants to adding festive décor, there are many ways to make your garden shine during the colder months. Learn more about how to transform your garden into a winter wonderland with these helpful tips.

2. Geraniums

Geraniums are the classic choice for a container garden because they are hardy, easy to grow and come in a variety of colours. 

They can also be planted in hanging baskets as well as the ground. They’re useful for filling in spaces between other plants and shrubs.

Geraniums Container Garden

Geranium Container Garden Tips
Geraniums are an excellent choice for a container garden due to their hardiness and ease of growth.
Geraniums come in many colors, providing versatility when creating stunning container gardens.
To ensure the long life of geraniums, plant them in well-draining soil that is slightly dry.
Geraniums perform best in heat, so it’s crucial to keep them in sunny areas or in artificial light.
When planting geraniums, use a potting mix designed specifically for container gardens, and ensure the pot has proper drainage.

3. Petunias

Petunias are a great flower to add to your garden. They’re easy to grow, they’re colorful (especially if you choose the variety with colored petals), and they look nice in pots. 

You can propagate them by taking cuttings from established plants or seeds as well—in fact, this is one of the easiest ways to get more petunias in your garden!

13 must-have plants for a festive outdoor space: Adding plants to your outdoor space can create a festive and inviting atmosphere. To make sure you choose the right plants for your space, check out our guide on the 13 must-have plants for a festive outdoor space.

4. Nicotiana

Nicotiana is a great choice for adding (literal) color to your garden. These flowering plants grow well in containers and can be grown indoors if you have limited space, making them ideal for small gardens or those with poor soil.

Nicois are easy to grow, making them perfect for beginners. They can even be grown on balconies and window sills! 

The best part? You don’t need much help from nature when growing Nicotiana they like a little sun, but they’re not picky about soil or temperature.

Table: Characteristics of Nicotiana Plants

CharacteristicDescription
Type of PlantFlowering Plant
Ideal UsesAdding color to small or indoor gardens
Soil RequirementsDoes well in poor soil
Container GardeningGrows well in containers
Additional FeaturesFragrant blooms that open in the evening

5. Begonias

Begonias are a great choice for adding color to your garden. They are easy to grow, love the heat and are beautiful in containers. Begonias need full sun to partial shade in order to be their most vibrant, so they make a great addition to any garden.

Begonias come in a wide range of colors and varieties, with new ones being introduced all the time! Here’s how you can choose which one will work best in your space:

How to add color to garden: 14 proven ways: Color is an essential component of an attractive garden. Whether you prefer bold, bright hues or a more subdued palette, there are many ways to add color to your garden. Follow this guide on how to add color to your garden for 14 proven ways to make your garden pop.

6. Dahlias

If you’re looking for a way to add color to your garden, then dahlias are an excellent choice. Dahlias come in a wide range of colors and sizes, with single or double flowers and petals that can be spotted or striped. They also have different forms: pompom-like, globe-shaped and even bottle-shaped.

Dahlias are long-lasting plants; they bloom throughout the summer as long as they are watered regularly. 

You can plant them in pots or directly in the ground depending on what kind of soil you have. If you have limited space outside, growing them inside will provide year-round blooms without taking up much space!

7. Lobelia

Lobelia is a great plant for any garden. Not only does it look great, but it also attracts butterflies to your garden! Lobelia is an annual that grows well in pots or soil, and can be planted either in full sun or shade. 

The flowers come in many different colors, making this plant easy to match with your other plants in the garden.

How to add garden lights: 14 alternatives: Adding lights to your garden can create a magical atmosphere and make your space feel cozy and inviting. From fairy lights to lanterns, there are many ways to add lighting to your garden. Check out this guide on how to add garden lights for 14 creative alternatives.

8. Crocosmia Lucifer

Crocosmia Lucifer is a perennial plant that grows to about 1 metre tall. It has dark foliage and bright orange flowers, which are a great way to add color in the spring. 

The best part is that you don’t have to wait for them to bloom they turn a brilliant red color after they die back in fall! This plant prefers full sun and well-drained soil, but it isn’t picky about its conditions. It’s hardy down to -25 degrees Celsius, so it can be grown in most areas of Canada!

9. Alliums

Alliums are a good choice for late summer and autumn colours. These easy-to-grow bulbs come in a range of colours, from pink to purple to white. They are also attractive to bees and butterflies, which will help pollinate your other plants.

How to add garden drainage: 13 ways: Poor drainage can cause damage to your property and harm your plants. To prevent this, it’s essential to have efficient drainage in your garden. Learn how to add garden drainage with our guide on the 13 ways to improve garden drainage. From French drains to permeable paving, discover the best methods for your garden.

10. Salvia Nemorosa Aflapurpur

Salvia Nemorosa Aflapurpur is a purple-blue 15cm tall, hardy perennial that has both a long flowering period and an attractive scent. It will grow well in sun or partial shade and needs well drained soil, but can be grown in full sun if you provide it with plenty of water in summer. 

This variety is ideal for smaller gardens, as it only grows to 60cm in height while still producing large amounts of colour.

11. Bamboos (for winter interest)

Bamboos are one of the easiest plants to grow, and they can provide a lot of color in winter. They’re available in all sorts of colors, including reds, oranges and greens. You can even get one that flowers throughout spring and summer!

A bamboo will last for years and years if you look after it properly. The best thing about these amazing plants is that they tolerate drought conditions so well – perfect if you live somewhere hot where water restrictions are in place!

12. Cornus Stolonifera Flavourima

Cornus Stolonifera Flavourima is a deciduous shrub with dark green leaves that turn yellow in autumn. It features small pinkish-red flowers in late summer and bright red fruits during the fall. 

It can grow up to 6 feet tall and wide, making it an excellent choice for the back or middle of your garden bed. It’s hardy in USDA zones 4-8, so make sure you check your area before planting this beauty!

13. Heuchera Bressingham Hybrid Or Noir Collection

Heuchera Bressingham Hybrid Or Noir Collection is a great plant for the garden, as it adds an instant splash of color and height to any garden border. 

The beautiful purple-red leaves of this variety look fantastic against green foliage, or you could use it in a woodland or shade border alongside other shade-tolerant plants such as rhododendrons and azaleas. 

Its long flower stems carry clusters of small pure white flowers in late summer, which are followed by red berries that attract birds in autumn and winter.

Conclusion

I hope you have enjoyed this list of plants that can bring instant color to your garden. Remember, it’s important not just to look at the flowers of the plant but also its leaves and stems. This will help you choose plants that are suitable for your conditions, such as sun or shade. 

For example, if you live in an area with long hot summers then maybe try growing some shade-loving plants such as hostas or ferns instead of annuals or perennials which need lots of sunlight every day. You can also choose native species which require less maintenance!

Further Reading

Here are some additional resources on adding color to your garden:

House Beautiful: How to Add Colour to Your Garden – This article provides tips on using color in your garden, including choosing the right plants and selecting complementary hues.

Gardener’s World: Nine Ways to Add Colour to the Garden – This article offers several creative ways to add color to your garden, including decorative containers, creative pruning, and more.

Express: How to Add Instant Colour to Your Garden with Plants and Flowers – This article provides easy tips for adding instant color to your garden with the right choice of flowers and plants.

FAQs

What are some colorful plants to add to my garden?

Some colorful plants to add to your garden include:

  • Roses
  • Lavender
  • Hydrangeas
  • Sunflowers
  • Daisies

How can I add color to my garden without using plants?

There are several ways to add color to your garden without using plants, including painted garden furniture, colorful garden accessories, and outdoor lighting.

What are some ways to incorporate bold colors in my garden design?

Bold colors can add a lot of personality to your garden. Consider using bright cushions on outdoor furniture, colorful garden art, or bold planters in your favorite hues.

Can I add color to my garden during the winter months?

Yes! There are several plants that can add color to your garden during the winter months, including hellebores, witch hazel, and winter jasmine.

What are some tips for creating a color scheme in my garden design?

Consider using a color wheel to guide your garden design. Choose hues that complement each other or use contrasting colors to make a bold statement. You can start with a few key colors and build from there, creating a cohesive look throughout your garden.