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MARSALA
Happy New Year! How are those resolutions coming along? My resolutions this year are about getting MORE out of 2015: go to the gym more, travel more, drink more wine. Lucky for me, Pantone has declared the official color of the year to be "Marsala" which ties in nicely with that last resolution. They describe Marsala as a "naturally robust and earthy wine red" that "incorporates the warmth and richness of a tastefully fulfilling meal, while its ground red-brown roots point to a sophisticated, natural earthiness". Some fashion critics say it looks more "rusty" than "earthy" but prepare yourself to see Marsala on clothing racks and paint swatches this year.
For the last three years, the Leaf in Brief has given you plant suggestions for incorporating the official colors into your landscape. In 2015, Marsala's reddish-brown tones present a unique challenge, for it's not the showiest of colors. But you don't want all of the plants in your yard to be show stoppers. It's important to have some that are more neutral (like Marsala) to help tie everything together.
Let's give a "holla" for Marsala!
Abbey Road Masterwort Astrantia major 'Abbey Road' PP14,961 Technically Abbey Road Masterwort will bloom a dark burgundy-pink in late spring through mid-summer. However as the flowers start to fade, they definitely take on a Marsala hue. Plant this in front of the border perennial in well-drained soil where it will get direct sunlight for at least 4 hours in a day. Crimson Pygmy Barberry Berberis thunbergii 'Crimson Pygmy' Dusty burgundy leaves form a tight habit (just watch out for the thorns). The leaves towards the middle that don't get as much sun will be tinged with Marsala. Palace Purple Coral Bells Heuchera 'Palace Purple' In full sun, this Coral Bell isn't so much purple as mahogany-red. Crimson King Norway Maple Acer platanoides 'Crimson King' Often incorrectly referred to as a Red Maple, Crimson King Norway Maple has deep, maroon-red, almost purple leaves from spring until fall. The large leaves cast a dense shade, but when the sun illuminates the canopy, the color change definitely resembles Marsala. Prairie Smoke Geum triflorum One of our smaller Wisconsin natives, the tight pink buds in spring will open to airy puffs of pale wine. Best in full sun, with dry soil. Little Grapette Daylily Hemerocallis 'Little Grapette' Perhaps "Little Wino" was taken when they were naming this perennial. I think the color looks more like my favorite byproduct of a grape than the actual fruit. Autumn Joy Sedum Sedum spectabile 'Autumn Joy' I saved the best for last. The flowers of Autumn Joy Sedum are a perfect representation of Marsala. Read on to learn more about Autumn Joy Sedum, selected as our Plant of the Month!
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Johnson's Nursery, Inc.