arranging by color

Succulents come in every color of the rainbow, so it’s easy to make a beautiful arrangement based on basic color principles. Pottery also comes in many colors and you can select succulents based on the colors in your pot. Whatever you choose, arranging succulents by color is a fun way to design.

the color wheel

Consider the color wheel when selecting your container and arranging your succulents. Complementary colors are opposite each other on the color wheel, such as purple and yellow or green and red. Monochromatic colors are tints and shades of the same color, such as light and dark green. Analogous colors are next to each other on the color wheel, such as blue and green or purple and red.

complementary

Some of the best arrangements I’ve seen use succulents of complementary colors. Blues and oranges bring out the best in each other. Reds and greens are found together naturally on a wide variety of succulents. Purples and yellows can be done as well, although they are harder to find. Using complementary colors in an arrangement draws the attention to color. The contrast keeps the eye moving throughout the design. It’s a great way to create a striking arrangement.

monochromatic

Using plants of the same color with various tints and shades, as well as different shapes and textures, creates subtle visual interest. The focus is on the variations between the plants and isn’t as much about the color. With such a variety of green succulents, you’re sure to find a range of textures to incorporate into your design. The viewer will be able to appreciate the details of the plants and how they all differ from one another.

analogous

Using an analogous color scheme gives you a lot of options. You can use any colors that are next to each other on the color wheel. The pot can also play a part in the color scheme. You can use two, three, or four colors depending on how much color variation you want in the arrangement. This color scheme adds interest and contrast with color while still maintaining a sense of unity and flow.

mimic the container

A great way to design a cohesive arrangement is by using the colors, textures, and shapes from your pot or container and incorporating those elements into the design using succulents. Look for the strongest colors and for colors that just appear in accents or creases in the pottery. You can use the main color from the pot as an accent color in the plants or use it as the main color in the plants to create more repetition.