One of the best sources for color combinations is P. Allen Smith. I still have an article of Mr. Smith’s from a 2003 issue of Woman’s Day that shows some of his favorite color combinations. I have used several of them to great success. Also, by using his combinations as a starting point, I have come up with my own favorite combinations.
I’ve learned from P. Allen Smith the importance of foliage color in combinations (this is where that combining green thing comes in!). For example, one combination he suggests is lavender, burgundy, magenta, gray and cream. Flowers provide the lavender, magenta and cream colors while the foliage provides the burgundy (wandering jew, some wax begonias) and the gray (lamb’s ear, helichrysum).
Foliage colors can be used to tie a combination together, add depth and interest or provide a pop of color on their own. Silvery grays (Artemisia, lamb’s ear, dusty miller) can be used to harmonize color combinations. This color is particularly striking with blues, lavenders, purples and pinks. White or variegated foliage (English ivy, lamium, basket grass) adds sparkle and works well with blues, soft yellows, creamy whites and corals. Use burgundy or dark red plants (wandering jew, wax begonias, blackie sweet potato vine, and purple fountain grass) to add depth and color without competing with the flowers. Chartreuse (marguerite sweet potato vine, creeping jenny, lemon thyme) will supercharge a combination. I love chartreuse with purple, burgundy and blue.
Now armed with all this information where do you start? Go back to your surroundings. What colors will compliment the exterior of your home? What color combinations do you find inside your home? In your wardrobe? Do you want a more serene feeling in your garden? Choose complimentary colors. Are you looking for something bold and dynamic? Use contrasting colors. Again, choose a color theme of 3 to 5 colors and go from there. And whatever you do, don’t forget to use foliage to add color as well.