What Are Bicolor Plants: Tips On Using Flower Color Combinations


When it comes to color in the garden, the overriding principle is to choose colors that you enjoy. Your color palette may be a conglomeration of exciting, bright colors or a mix of subtle colors that provide an atmosphere of peace and relaxation. However, if you’re overwhelmed by the abundance of flower color combinations, narrowing the field to two colors may simplify the process. Read on to learn about two-color gardens and bicolor garden schemes.
Two-Color Gardens
Take a good look at a color wheel, and then plan (and plant) accordingly. There are many ways to use the color wheel for creating two color gardens. For example:
- Analogous colors – This bicolor scheme involves harmonious colors that are side by side on the color wheel. Two color gardens based on analogous colors may feature shades of red and orange, orange and yellow, blue and violet or violet and red.
- Complementary colors – For contrast that really pops, select colors directly across from one another on the color wheel, such as blue and orange, yellow and violet, or green and red.
- Neutral colors – Take advantage of neutral colors when selecting flower color combinations, as neutral colors can be used with any other color (or colors) without changing the overall effect of that color. In gardening, neutrals can be white, gray, silver, black brown or green.
Using Bicolors in the Garden
So what are bicolor plants? According to the Royal Horticultural Society, some bicolor flowers occur as a result of a mutation that occurs during the initial development of a flower. This random event may or may not occur in subsequent seasons. Most bicolor plants, however, are carefully and selectively bred for their bicolor features. Bicolor plants are fascinating and add real interest to the garden. However, it can be tricky to garden with bicolor plants. One solution is to plant a bicolor variety with a contrasting, solid color that serves as a backdrop. For example, locate a plant like Dianthus ‘Nova,’ a bicolor with blooms of dark and light pink, alongside colorful foliage, such as ornamental sweet potato vine (Ipomoea batatas). You can also plant a solid color flower of one of the two colors represented in the adjacent bicolor plant. For example, plant big, red or white petunias alongside Salvia microphylla ‘Hot Lips, a striking bicolor plant of red and white.
Gardening tips, videos, info and more delivered right to your inbox!
Sign up for the Gardening Know How newsletter today and receive a free download of our most popular eBook "How to Grow Delicious Tomatoes."

A Credentialed Garden Writer, Mary H. Dyer was with Gardening Know How in the very beginning, publishing articles as early as 2007.
-
15 Garden Trends To Avoid in 2024: Experts Warn Against These Outdated Designs
Garden trends come and go. We asked gardening experts to share the outdated trends that should be retired – and what you can do instead.
By Melanie Griffiths Last updated
-
How To Overwinter Ollas For Years Of Use: Get More From Irrigation Pots
If you overwinter ollas properly, you'll keep these unique watering pots from cracking. Here's how to protect them in erratic winter temperatures so they last longer.
By Mary Ellen Ellis Published
-
20 Hard-to-Find Spring Flowers & Plants That Look Amazing All Season
It’s finally beginning to look like spring! If you’re eager to find some unique, hard-to-find varietals to satisfy your spring fever, look here first.
By Caroline Bloomfield Last updated
-
How Wildflower Strips Help Attract Pollinators To Your Yard
If you have a small garden spot or strip available, fill it with wildflowers for our hungry pollinators. Click to learn more.
By Tonya Barnett Last updated
-
10 Knockout Native Flowers For A Punch Of Color
Growing native is the way to go. See our list of ten native wildflowers that will knock you out with color.
By Amy Grant Last updated
-
Pretty Plants For A Pastel Flower Bouquet
Roses aren’t the only romantic flower. Some romantic pastel flowers can fill in beautifully.
By Tonya Barnett Published
-
Soft Yellow Plants For A Sunny Pastel Garden
Click here for ideas on some pale yellow flower varieties for pastel garden designs.
By Tonya Barnett Last updated
-
Most Common Flower Color In The World
What are the most common and least common flower colors in the world? Click here to find out.
By Mary Ellen Ellis Last updated
-
Pastel Plants For A Lovely, Light Purple Flower Garden
Click here for ideas on some light purple plants for a pretty, pastel garden display.
By Tonya Barnett Last updated
-
Plant Wildflower Seeds In Fall for A Stunning Spring Display
Can you plant wildflower seeds in fall? What makes fall the best time to sow wildflower seeds? Click here for more.
By Tonya Barnett Last updated