At SSB Garden Design we believe that the harmony of cool-coloured flowers are both dream-like and relaxing. Colours such as blue, mauve, lilac and pale pink appear more distant than they really are. White flowers also create the impression of coolness and combine well with plants with grey leaves such as a variety of sedums, hebes and irises. Add a hint of warmth to this colour scheme with dark purple flowers or reddish leaves which will enhance the effect of cooler pinks. Darker green foliage will add structure, density and substance to these combinations. Further definition can be added with the use of spiky flowers and leaves, as well as climbers and taller perennials. Light can also have a great effect upon cool colours. Lighter flowers and foliage may gleam in the shade or at dusk but fade in the midday and afternoon sun. Plant in drifts and blocks for a naturalistic design scheme.
Polemonium caeruleum ssp. caeruleum f. album and Nepeta ‘Six Hills Giant’
This combination of flowers are arranged with a similar effect therefore our eye is drawn towards the differences in the blue and white colouring. The flowers interlace together in a cool, fresh way creating a soft and informal appearance. They both produce attractive foliage. The dense clump forming stems and smaller mint-scented leaves of the nepeta counterbalance the less dense fern-like leaves of the polemonium. Aspect, sun/shade.
Hebe pinguifolia ‘Pagei’ and Glandora prostrata ‘Heavenly Blue’
The crisp, clear blue flowers of the glandora with its deep green leaves combine well with the blue tinted fresh, defined shaped leaves of this popular variety of hebe. The hebe’s small but sharp spikes of white flowers add to the blue and white combination. Once the flowers fade, the structure of both shrubs will remain. Aspect, sun/shade.
Brunnera macrophylla and Camellia x williamsii ‘Donation’
The flowers of the brunnera may be very small but the ice-blue colour complement the cool pink camellia flowers perfectly. Once the flowers have faded the brunnera’s larger clumps of rougher lighter leaves contrast with the darker, glossy and elegant foliage of the camellia. The brunnera’s leaves turn more coarse during the summer months but new leaves will appear if the plant is cut right back. Aspect, sun/shade.
Prunus serrulata ‘Ichyo’, Camassia leichtlinii ‘Blue Danube’, Tulipa ‘Purissima’ and Tulipa ‘Cafe Noir’
A breathtaking and dramatic cool-coloured scheme. This variety of prunus is a formidable specimen when its dusky pink buds open to a frothy profusion of pale pink flowers. As the flowers age, they lighten to near white. If you prefer an ornamental cherry tree with more restrained flowers, we recommend Prunus x yedoensis. We have added a blue camassia to this combination; a bulbous perennial with racemes of up to 80 lavender-blue, star shaped flowers which provide a long-lasting display in spring. If you prefer a white variety to add sparkle, we recommend C. leichtlinii ‘Alba’. The upright, leafy stems and rounded shape of the tulip flower add contrast to the camassia but reflect the contours of the prunus flowers above. Aspect, sun/shade.
For further planting and garden design advice and inspiration please do get in touch with us.
SSB Garden Design 