Pink-Flowering Plants

The plant kingdom is full of annuals, perennials, and shrubs that flower in tones of pink. From tender blush blossoms to bold magenta flowers, there are variations of pink for every garden and gardener. Many plant families including Peonies, Roses, Begonias, Impatiens, Dahlias, and Zinnias encompass the full spectrum of pinks, a circumstance that invites gardeners to create swaths of graduated color or to mix multiple shades in containers and garden beds. There are countless other options as well. Pink’s opposite on the color wheel is green, so it’s no surprise that these two colors flatter each other to perfection. When pairing pink with green, try to match the tones: a plant that flowers in pastel pink looks classic and stunning partnered with the sage or gray-green foliage of a Lavender, Perovskia, Helichrysum, Artemisia, or silver-leaf Stachys (Lamb’s Ears). If your taste runs to hot pinks, match them up with plants that sport bright lime leaves or blossoms. (Try Hakonechloa ‘All Gold,’ zesty Aralia ‘Sun King,’ Zinnia ‘Queen Lime,’ or Coleus ‘Dragon Heart,’ for starters.) Pink-flowering plants also pair well with almost any other color on the wheel. Try them with yellow-flowering companions for a cheerful and vibrant alliance of opposites. Or mix pinks and purples for a sweet palette. Pink and orange bring tropical heat to any garden, while pinks blended with blues create more subtle and moody moments. Tender, brash, sweet or hot, there is a rainbow of pinks for every garden.