Text by Elizabeth Czapski
It’s hard to believe we’re already halfway into 2023, but one thing that feels as fresh as ever is Pantone’s Color of the Year, Viva Magenta, a shade the company describes as “rooted in nature descending from the red family and expressive of a new signal of strength.” While we’ve previously shared some inspiration for incorporating the hue into your home’s interiors, the very nature of the tone lends itself to the outdoors. Viva Magenta is just what you need to enliven your garden for summer, and Katie Dubow, president of Garden Media Group, is here to help with tips from gardening experts for adding this versatile color to your landscape this season.
“Believe it or not, this perfect balance of warm and cool red tones came from an insect: the cochineal beetle,” Katie says. “Red dye from cochineal beetles has been sought after throughout history, dating back to 2nd century BC, and contemporary homeowners today have sure caught the bug for this hot hue. Infuse this bold, on-trend color into your home’s exterior through pollinator magnet plants and space-defining shrubs with abundant blooms.”
The Cottage Journal: What do you think makes Viva Magenta a great color addition to a garden—especially in the summer?
Katie Dubow: Resist the urge to settle for traditional hues when planning this season’s garden! Viva Magenta is the burst of joy we need in our landscapes to celebrate and lean into the warm summer months. It is brave and fearless in the garden and can enhance the energy of spring blooms that are beginning to fade.
TCJ: What are some tips for planting these elements around the June time frame?
KD: When planting in June, keep in mind that it’s best to plant in the morning or evening instead of in the heat of the day. This will help prevent unnecessary stress to the plant—and you! If there is an overcast or cooler day coming up in the forecast, try to schedule planting projects during mild weather.
TCJ: What are your favorite ways to incorporate Viva Magenta in a garden?
KD: Read on to discover plantings that will transform your garden from drab to fab with this captivating shade of red.
The Garden for Wildlife collection encompasses native plants that provide beauty while supporting pollinators, birds, and the other fauna in your yard. CEO of GFW Shubber Ali’s Viva Magenta picks include cardinal flowers and columbine in the Hummingbird Heroes Collection or the scarlet hibiscus in the Butterfly Buffet Collection.
For a bold statement in the garden with a Viva Magenta hue, Kristen Pullen of Star® Roses and Plants suggests you try Cherry Explosion™ Hydrangea. This lace-cap variety has charming and unique long-lasting blooms that contrast against dark green foliage. Its compact rounded form makes it ideal for containers, porches, or group plantings.
Sombrero® Salsa Red Coneflower is another vibrant option that is deer-resistant and will attract pollinators all season long.
There’s no easier way to bring Viva Magenta into your garden than by adding Dahlia ‘Night Butterfly,’ says horticulturist Peggy Anne Montgomery. Their blooms are packed with color and stand beautifully on sturdy stems. Flowerbulbs.com has several dahlia options to infuse this daring hue into your garden.
According to Jim Putnam, plant expert for Encore Azalea and Butterfly Candy™, many evergreen plants offer four seasons of foliage as well as seasonal Viva Magenta blooms, such as Autumn Bonfire® Encore Azalea. The bright evergreen foliage and compact size of this azalea are ideal as an accent, border, or container planting.
For a spring and summer stunner, the new Butterfly Candy™ Buddleia in Lil Raspberry™ can be planted en masse for a bold Viva Magenta blanket of color that will charm garden visitors, as well as every pollinator in the area.
Shop our latest issues for more inspiration!
