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By Kathy Torres
The impressionists were masters of color and very clever in how they used contrasting colors to create stunning visual effects. Take a look (left) at Vincent’s Bedroom in Arles, 1889 by Vincent Van Gogh. As a general rule, contrasting colors are directly across from each other on the color wheel. Note the very intense red of the bedsheet which compliments the dull green of the floor and the intense orange of the bed frame which stands out against the weaker blue of the walls and door.
Interior décor is absolutely a result of the designer or owner’s personal taste in terms of color, however, to achieve interest, balance, warmth, drama, etc., using complimentary color combinations or various tones of the same basic color are necessary to create a visual that is pleasing to the eye. Typically, contrast or complimentary colors come into play through wall and trim colors, or accompanying linens, accent pieces and art.
Think of your landscape as a piece or art or décor. With the same idea of adding color or contrasting tones with a combination of shrubs, trees, perennials and annuals, the result can greatly enhance your landscape and the basic curb appeal of your home! It’s easy to get stuck in an “all green” landscape plan when installing foundation plants or establishing garden beds, and while the plants may be lovely, the total picture just doesn’t POP. The view of your yard can be more lush and beautiful by adding evergreen trees and shrubs with varying foliage colors, as well as annuals and perennials with striking bloom color combinations. Using contrasting color in your shrubs and trees will provide interest even in winter months when flowering annuals and perennials are dormant.
Luckly, there are a number of evergreen trees and shrubs that fit the bill. The best way to decide on plants to add contrast is to stroll through the nursery and look for any that are not green! Believe it or not, simply adding a different shade of green as an accent will do the trick, but you may prefer chartreuse or burgundy foliage. Here are a few varieties that can complement those solid green shrubs:
Angelica Blue Juniper
Densely branched, wide-spreading shrub with a mature size of 6-10 ft W x 5-6 ft T. This variety is one of the low growing junipers admired for its bright blue-green needle foliage. Its branches are more arching than creeping. Plant in full sun to part shade.
Carolina Sapphire Cypress
Cypress trees are evergreen, with scales instead of leaves. Developed by Clemson University and the South Carolina Forestry Commission, the Carolina Sapphire is a silver-blue, fast-growing, pyramid-shaped tree with an airy, loose branch structure. Great for privacy screening or a focal point in the landscape. Tiny pinecones and yellow blooms appear in late fall; cut branches make nice holiday wreaths. Plant in full sun to part shade.
Radiance Abelia
This variegated Abelia will reach 3-4 ft Tall x 4-5 ft Wide, with a weeping growth habit. Fairly fast growing with small, delicate white blooms in late summer. Plant in full sun to part shade.
Kaleidoscope Abelia
Another variety of Abelia, Kaleidoscope’s growth rate and mature size are about the same as Radiance. The foliage offers more variegated pink and yellow hues with the same small white blooms in late summer. Plant in full sun to part shade.
Loropetalum
Loropetalum is a popular evergreen that is available in many varieties with mature sizes in the small, medium and large categories. Foliage is burgundy; some varieties are more red and some are more purple. Pink fringe-type blooms appear in spring and often repeat (not quite as profusely) in fall. Some pruning is needed to keep them in a round shape, however selecting the appropriate variety, keeping in mind the mature size, can help keep pruning to a minimum. Notice in this photo, the nice contrast next to the variegated pittosporum. Plant in full sun to part shade.
Mojo Dwarf Pittosporum
This tough, compact, evergreen shrub brightens the garden with beautiful splashes of creamy white on the edges of its shiny green leaves. Small, white fragrant flowers bloom in spring. Mature size is 3 ft T x 3 ft W. Does not like wet feet, so make sure it dries out between waterings and don’t plant in an area that stays damp. Standard Variegated Pittosporum is also available if you need a larger shrub, 6-8 ft T x 6-8 ft W. Plant in part shade.
Dwarf Nandina AKA Heavenly Bamboo is evergreen and great for grouping in plant beds. This small, airy shrub is very low maintenance with very little pruning needed. Popular varieties offer colorful foliage in reds, pinks or lime green. Plant in full sun to part shade.
Cryptomeria ‘Globosa Nana’ AKA Japanese Cedar
Japanese cedar is a woody, needled evergreen in the Cypress family. An extremely old cultivar, the dwarf dome form of ‘Globosa Nana’ is grown for its attractive foliage. Its bluish-green needles become rusty-red during the winter months, making this specimen a great addition to your winter garden. Low maintenance, little if any pruning needed. Plant in full sun.
Sunshine Ligustrum is a non-invasive member of the Privet family. Appropriately named, you will love the lime green to bright yellow foliage of this evergreen shrub. Definitely makes a statement in groupings or planted next to green or burgundy shrubs. Mature size is 3-6 ft T x 3-4 ft W. Plant in full sun to achieve the brightest foliage color.
Another possibility for adding contrasting color AND texture/shape is by adding grasses. Most are perennial, however there are a few types that last through the winter. On your next visit to Wingard’s, ask about Lomandra Breeze and Carex grasses. Most grasses prefer sun, however, Carex grass can take some shade.
So… channel your inner artist or designer and come up with a plan to enhance the color in your landscape, OR consider Wingard’s Landscape Design Program (CLICK HERE) to help you along. Adding contrast can make a major difference in the “Big Picture” of your landscape. Think about the plants above and don’t forget about colorful annuals like pansies and snap dragons, planted in a flower bed or decorative pottery. These are plentiful at Wingard’s and NOW is the time to plant them. Spring and summer aren’t the only seasons to enjoy color and contrast in the landscape. By “tweaking” things a bit, you can provide beautiful contrast that will last all year long!
