White flowers help create a cool, restful mood in the garden. White gives the feeling of space. Neighboring colors seem deeper and more glowing. White flowers can separate contrasting hues without altering their color appearance, and make seemingly ‘difficult’ associations pleasing and acceptable. Plants with white variegated foliage also give white quality to the garden. Bright white will lighten up a shady corner. White flowers are an excellent choice for a garden that is visited on summer evenings. As darkness falls, white and pale pastels remain distinguishable until all light is gone. A border of mixed planting will be given direction and coherence when clumps of white are repeated at regular intervals. Listed below are some perennials which have a white blossom.

Blues can be both stimulating and restful. Blues in the distance draw the eye after them, pushing out the garden boundaries. Blue can become glowing at twilight. Blue gives a cool feeling in the garden.

Yellow is perceived by the eye before other colors. It attracts and dominates. Plan groupings of eye-catching yellow or gold as deliberate focal points to emphasize the garden features or use discreetly to make a surprise impact after a quieter planting. Yellow is warm and cheering. Like the sun coming out from behind a cloud.

Pinks are soft, gentle, and luxurious, evoking a peaceful atmosphere. Fierce sunlight can bleach the delicate tints to a washed-out paleness unless deeper tones of pink are used to add strength. In evening light however, the pale pastels appear luminous. Pinks form a gentle restful background to or interlude between a more definite area where strong complementary blues and yellows or violets and oranges paint distinct pictures, or where schemes of related colors such as vivid warm reds, oranges, and yellow focus the eye and demand attention.