🌸 Color in the Garden: Using Foliage and Flowers Like a Pro

Jesse Edmondson
Jul 9
2 min read

Here in South Louisiana, our gardens have the unique advantage of a long growing season, lush soils, and a rich palette of native and heat-loving plants to choose from. Professional landscapers in our area use a mix of flowers, foliage, and creative design to bring color to life — year-round.

🎨 Start with a Color Palette

Just like designing a room, your garden will feel more polished if you choose a color scheme:

Monochromatic: Shades of white and green (calming and classic).
Analogous: Warm reds, oranges, and yellows — fiery and welcoming.
Complementary: Bold contrasts like purple and yellow or blue and orange for drama.

Pick a palette that fits your personality and your home’s style, and use plants that naturally fit those hues.

🌿 Foliage: The Unsung Hero

In Louisiana’s warm, humid climate, many plants have striking foliage that lasts longer than flowers and thrives in our conditions. Look for these local favorites:

Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior): Deep green, hardy, and perfect for shady spots.
Variegated Ginger (Alpinia zerumbet ‘Variegata’): Gorgeous gold-striped leaves with a tropical feel.
Purple Heart (Tradescantia pallida): Low-growing, vibrant purple groundcover.
Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum): Adds dramatic red or bronze tones, perfect as a small ornamental tree.
Oakleaf Hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia): Native, with bold leaves that turn red and bronze in fall.

🌼 Seasonal Flowers That Shine in the South

South Louisiana gardens can sparkle all year if you swap out annuals and lean on hardy perennials. Some favorites:

Spring & Summer:

Azaleas (Rhododendron spp.): A Southern classic for spring in brilliant pinks, reds, and whites.
Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica): Long-lasting summer blooms in pink, purple, red, or white.
Gardenias (Gardenia jasminoides): Fragrant white blooms and glossy green leaves.
Coneflowers (Echinacea purpurea): Native, drought-tolerant, and pollinator-friendly in purples and pinks.
Lantana (Lantana camara): Bright clusters of color, loved by butterflies.

Fall & Winter:

Camellias (Camellia sasanqua & japonica): Bloom in fall and winter with pink, red, or white flowers.
Pansies & Violas: Perfect for winter beds in jewel tones.
Ornamental Kale & Cabbage: Adds cool-season texture and color.

🪴 Balance Bold & Subtle

South Louisiana’s climate lets you go big, but balance is still key:

Use warm colors (red, orange, yellow) in focal areas to create energy.
Cool colors (blue, purple, white) work well in shaded spots and quiet corners.
Let native grasses, ferns, and evergreens create a soft, green backdrop for brighter pops of color.

✨ Add Color Beyond Plants

Paint fences or furniture in a complementary color — like deep green, soft blue, or classic white.
Add colorful glazed pots or decorative stones.
Use outdoor lighting to highlight blooms and foliage after sunset.