Last month, Pantone announced its Color of the Year for 2019 is Living Coral, saying the color is both vibrant and mellow.
“In reaction to the onslaught of digital technology and social media increasingly embedding into daily life, we are seeking authentic and immersive experiences that enable connection and intimacy,” Pantone says online. “Sociable and spirited, the engaging nature of Living Coral welcomes and encourages lighthearted activity.”
If your clients are wanting to create a shelter in nature that can provide a comforting escape from constant exposure to technology, you can suggest including these plants, which are a similar hue to Living Coral.
Tropicana hybrid tea rose (Rosa x ‘Tropicana’)
This hybrid tea rose features a fruity fragrance and petals that are a mixture of coral and orange. It is the winner of 12 international awards. This rose blooms in the late spring/early summer. Grows 3 ½ – 6 feet tall and 3 feet wide.
- USDA Hardiness Zone: 5-9
- Full sun
Photo: Ball Horticultural CompanyAmeriHybrid Ruffled Coral Salmon tuberous begonia (Begonia x tuberosa)
This begonia boasts of large, semi-ruffled flowers up to 5-9 inches across that bloom from midsummer until frost. These coral pleated petals pop against dark green foliage. This cultivar is heat tolerant and does best in well-drained, neutral to slightly acidic soil. It is deer and rabbit resistant. Grows 14-20 inches tall and 12-16 inches wide.
- USDA Hardiness Zone: 9-11
- Shade to partial sun
Photo: Ball Horticultural CompanyWizard Coral Sunrise coleus (Solenostemon scutellarioides)
For those wanting some coral-colored foliage, this coleus features a pink center and green edging. It has an upright habit that works well in containers or landscape features. Its color starts salmon-pink in cooler conditions and can mature to lighter pink when warmer. Grows 12-14 inches tall and 10-12 inches wide.
- USDA Hardiness Zone: 9-11
- Shade to partial sun
Photo: Ball Horticultural CompanySombrero Hot Coral coneflower (Echinacea x ‘Balsomcor’ Plant Patent #23,097)
A drought-tolerant perennial that can bring the heat to a border, this coneflower does well in sunny gardens. It blooms from late spring through the summer and does well in cutting gardens. It attracts butterflies and is deer resistant. Grows 24-26 inches tall and 16-22 inches wide.
- USDA Hardiness Zone: 4-9
- Full sun
Apricot Emperor tulip (Tulipa ‘Apricot Emperor’)
An early-blooming tulip with coral-apricot petals, this cultivar features a strong stem that can withstand both the wind and the rain. These fragrant tulips can be used for edging or in containers. Grows up to 16 inches tall and 6-9 inches wide.
- USDA Hardiness Zone: 3-8
- Full sun
Photo: Ball Horticultural CompanyHorizon Coral Spice geranium (Pelargonium x hortorum)
A perennial with rounded bright coral flowers that will bloom from late spring until the first frost. It can attract hummingbirds and is deer and rabbit resistant. It is ideal for growing in baskets, beds or containers. Grows 12-16 inches tall and 12 inches wide.
- USDA Hardiness Zone: 9-11
- Full sun to partial shade
