Pantone Colors of the Year 2021: Ultimate Gray and Illuminating

Here are some of the motifs that inspired the colors of 2021, along with some ways IGCs can incorporate these hues into all things gardening.


Published January 08, 2021
In December, Pantone unveiled its 2021 Colors of the Year: Pantone 17-5104 Ultimate Gray and Pantone 13-0647 Illuminating. These were selected because they are “two independent colors that come together to create an aspirational color pairing, conjoining deeper feelings of thoughtfulness with the optimistic promise of a sunshine filled day,” according to Pantone’s official announcement. After a year filled with uncertainty, it’s time to reset and restart with a brighter color palette. Here are some of the motifs that inspired the colors of 2021, along with some ways IGCs can incorporate these hues into all things gardening. To make its yearly selection, Pantone draws on inspiration from emerging trends in art, entertainment, fashion, lifestyle, technology and more.
SOURCES: pantone.com/color-of-the-year-2021
gardenersworld.com/plants/plants-with-silver-or-grey-foliage/
proflowers.com/blog/yellow-flowers 
PHOTOS FROM ADOBE STOCK: MARIGOLD: YUTTHANA, CALLA LILY: SANSA55, HIBISCUS: DENNIS GROSS, COTTON LAVENDER: JUVER; CURRY PLANT: PILALOHA LAMB'S EAR: JUSTIN; AGAVE: ALEXANDRA PHILLIPS; SUNFLOWER: VOLODYMYR
January 2021
Explore the January 2021 Issue

Check out more from this issue and find your next story to read.

Latest from Garden Center

More from Garden Center

Blue Grass Farms acquires Brehob Nursery

Seed Your Future aims to double 2025 total for 'Round-Up at the Register' 2026 campaign

Beacon Impatiens partners with Roots for Youth in 2026

New internship data empowers horticulture employers

American Horticultural Society announces winners of 2026 Great American Gardeners Awards

Sustainabloom releases new sustainability template for wholesale florists