Pantone Colour of the Year 2023
In a complete contrast to the more muted shades of the past couple of years, the Pantone colour for 2023 is a blast of pure energy. Described as ‘powerful and empowering’ and ‘vibrating with vim and vigour,’ Pantone Executive Director Leatrice Eiseman promises that Viva Magenta will ‘galvanise our spirits and help us to build our inner strength.’
Related article: Interior plant styling: the Pantone Spring 2022 Palette
Bold Claims for a Bold Colour!
The dictionary defines magenta as a light, mauvish crimson which descends from red, its selection for 2023 was inspired by cochineal, a natural dye originally obtained from insects. On the colour wheel its complementary is green.
What Tints, Tones & Shades Work with Viva Magenta?
The vividness of magenta can be overpowering especially when alongside similarly strong hues. It is at its most effective when tempered with more delicate colours such as lilac or shades of grey, pink and pale blue. It’s a colour that works well for florists as flower-wise there is plenty to choose from.
Viva Magenta in Flowers
The Scabious Scoop Series developed by Danziger is a great fit for this year’s choice with names suggestive of the colour itself such as Sweet Cherry and Raspberry Ripple. Multi-petaled textured flowers with intense hues, they are available all-year-round but come into their own in summer. Also, look out for natural magenta in plants, both cyclamen and Miltonia orchid are good examples.
You will also find magenta in varieties of…
Amaranthus, anemone, hyacinth, celosia, cymbidium, tulip, zantedeschia ('Captain Romance' is spot on) peony and Vanda orchid, with varieties such as 'Candy Pink' and 'Raspberry Cerise'. Don’t forget carnations either such as 'Farida' and 'Neon Cherry', or in Chrysanthemum look for 'Pip Purple' or 'Red Dream'.
Contrast Viva Magenta with...
The pale blue of Muscari, lilac freesia or ageratum in spring, in summer it will work beautifully with agapanthus, cornflower and echinops. Sweet peas in shades of pink and lilac, scented stocks or tall delphiniums can also be added into the mix.
Enjoy experimenting!
Su Whale is a florist and freelance writer with over twenty-five years' experience in the floristry industry. She is the author and publisher of three best-selling books: Cut Flowers, 4th edition (2020) Cut Foliage, 2nd Edition, (2021) and Houseplants (2019), all bookshelf essentials for the professional florist.
