Here’s How to Get “Honest” Classic Blue in the Garden
December 30, 2019. By Cassy Aoyagi: The Pantone Institute has named 14-4052, Classic Blue, its Color of the Year in 2020. The calming color can be expected to drive interior decor and fashion trends in the coming year.
Vogue describes Classic Blue as “honest.” We are here for that! Is there any more honest, than LA’s all-natural, authentically blue blooms? We think not. Here are a few of our favorites.
Ceanothus
If you look closely, each Ceanothus bloom contains a multiplicity of blues. In addition to Classic Blue, we see Provence and Baby Blue, the other blues in the 2020 palette, at play.
If you look closely, each Ceanothus bloom contains a multiplicity of blues. In addition to Classic Blue, we see Provence and Baby Blue, the other blues in the 2020 palette, at play.
Large ceanothus shrubs make awe-and-Instagram inspiring focal points and dense privacy screens. I’ve been caught staring into mine, transfixed by the blooms and buzzing of the bees.
Prostrate varieties are a colorful way to cover ground or drape a fence line in color. Ceanothus blooms bring not only color but an intoxicating fragrance to lift the blues from anyone walking by.
Desert Blue Bell
Some speculate that Marmeko’s blue blooms are modeled after the individual hydrangea flowers. It seems more likely that Desert Blue Bells were the inspiration, as they are a perfect representation!
While pretty in print, sunlight filtering through their living, nearly transparent petals mesmerizes us. Desert Blue Bells are wild things and can be as ephemeral as their petals. For that reason, it’s smart to ensure they have a robust palette of companions.
Blue Eyed Grass
In addition to Classic Blue, the “grass” in Blue Eyed Grass adds a bit of Water Nymph, a complementary color in the greater Pantone 2020 palette. There are few things more delightful than gazing into a lush meadow only to see Blue Eyes staring back at you!
There are few things more delightful than gazing into a lush meadow only to see Blue Eyes staring back at you!
Nostalgic? Make it a Party!
If you lived for Living Coral in 2019, rebelled with Ultraviolet in 2018 or reveled in 2017 Greenery, rest assured Classic Blue will only bring further joy and harmony to your garden party. Here is what you can expect as you integrate the new blue.
Make It Pop – 2019’s Living Coral
For those who are not quite ready to move away from the “warmth and nourishment” of 2019’s Living Coral, notice how the Institute used Classic Blue in the background of its announcement. In my own garden the calm of Desert Blue Bells only makes a my California poppies pop!
Cuddle Up to Woolly Blue – 2018’s Ultraviolet
Does your desire for calm blues compete with the rebellion enjoyed with Ultraviolet? You are not alone. Wooly Blue Curls also balances the two within her own blooms. If your landscape is full of lilacs and purples, her blue will catch the eye.
BOP Right Along- 2017’s Greenery
Of course, all authentic LA gardens contain an abundance of year round greenery. It’s one of the things we love most. Even in a garden full of green, we can’t help but stare at the yellow-green seed heads hidden among Margarita B.O.P.’s abundant blue blooms.
More Blue
Can’t get enough blue with blooms? Here are a few more ways to give your garden the blues:
Follow FormLA Landscaping’s board A New (Bold) Look for LA on Pinterest.