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.

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'