9 Plants That Channel Pantone's 2014 Color of the Year: Radiant Orchid

If you follow fashion and design trends, you know Radiant Orchid is Pantone's 2014 Color of the Year. Gardeners draw inspiration from many sources — why not use the global color authority to choose a new landscape palette addition?

Purple has long been a garden favorite for bringing calm and anchoring color schemes. This brilliant hue is dynamic, adding excitement to even the shadiest gardens. "An enchanting harmony of fuchsia, purple and pink undertones," Pantone says, "Radiant Orchid inspires confidence and emanates great joy, love and health. It is a captivating purple, one that draws you in with its beguiling charm."

Orchids inspiring this color can be tricky without a greenhouse or subtropical locale. But you can pull in the color with these plants.

Ornamental Onion

Allium 'Globemaster'

Allium is an unusual yet striking garden bed addition. Sphere-shaped flower heads filled with tiny purple florets rise tall above foliage — the garden equivalent of fireworks.

• Hardiness: -20°F (USDA zones 5–8)
• Water: Dry to medium, well-drained soil
• Light: Full sun
• Mature Size: 1½–2½ feet tall, 1–1½ feet wide
• Bloom Time: Mid- to late spring

Hazel Spanish Lavender

Lavandula stoechas 'Larkman Hazel'

Many lavenders have light blue-purple tint, but this variety's reddish-purple cast stands out in perennial beds.

• Hardiness: 0°F (zones 7–9)
• Water: Medium to dry, well-drained soil
• Light: Full sun
• Mature Size: 2–2½ feet tall, 2 feet wide
• Bloom Time: Spring and fall

Wild Thyme

Thymus serpyllum

Fragrant ground cover for sunny, dry spots. Use this vibrant hue to brighten pathways and guide garden strolls.

• Hardiness: -30°F (zones 4–8)
• Water: Medium to dry, well-drained soil
• Light: Full sun
• Mature Size: 3 inches tall, 3–12 inches wide
• Bloom Time: Mid- to late summer

Chinese Astilbe

Astilbe chinensis 'Vision in Red'

Taller variety works well between shorter hedges and taller shrubs. Perfect for shady gardens, resistant to rabbits and deer.

• Hardiness: -30°F (zones 4–8)
• Water: Medium to dry, well-drained soil
• Light: Part to full shade
• Mature Size: 1½–2 feet tall, 1–1½ feet wide
• Bloom Time: Midsummer

Purple Rain Rose

Rosa 'Purple Rain'

Hybrid tea rose skewing purple vs. common pink or white. Pair with dark blue flowers (Salvia 'May Night') and chartreuse foliage (lady's mantle) for showstopping impact.

• Hardiness: -20°F (zones 5–9)
• Water: Medium, well-drained soil
• Light: Full sun
• Mature Size: 2 feet tall, 1–3 feet wide
• Bloom Time: Late spring to midfall

Siberian Iris

Iris 'Lady Vanessa'

Good bet for wet areas. Blooms don't last long but are stunning. Deer resistant.

• Hardiness: -40°F (zones 3–8)
• Water: Medium to wet soil
• Light: Full sun to partial shade
• Mature Size: 2½–3 feet tall, 2–2½ feet wide
• Bloom Time: Mid- to late spring

Flossflower

Ageratum 'Artist Purple'

Ideal filler for summer containers, gorgeous paired with Sedona coleus.

• Hardiness: 20°F (zones 9–10; annual)
• Water: Medium, well-drained soil
• Light: Partial to full sun
• Mature Size: 6–12 inches tall and wide
• Bloom Time: Spring through fall

Cheddar Pink Dianthus

Dianthus 'Feuerhexe' Firewitch

Spring-blooming Dianthus provides mass color at perennial border fronts.

• Hardiness: -40°F (zones 3–8)
• Water: Medium, well-drained soil
• Light: Full sun
• Mature Size: 3–6 inches tall, 6–12 inches wide
• Bloom Time: Early to late spring

Wishbone Flower

Torenia 'Amethyst'

If containers are in shade, Torenia adds vibrant purple. Profuse bloomer even with little sunlight. Spills over container edges.

• Hardiness: 30°F (zones 10–11; annual)
• Water: Medium, well-drained soil
• Light: Full sun to shade
• Mature Size: 6–12 inches tall, 2 feet wide
• Bloom Time: Spring through fall

Tell us: How do you feel about Radiant Orchid? Will you add it to your spring garden?