A scene in white may conjure up an image of a sophisticated summer wedding, a quiet forest freshly dusted in snow, romantic candlelight or ethereal cherubs. When it comes to gardens, an all-white theme can be both an elegant classic and supremely practical.
British author and bohemian spirit Vita Sackville-West dramatically broke with tradition when she introduced the first all-white garden in the 1950s.
But all-white gardens can be a sensible solution for people who work all day and want to relax or entertain in the garden at night.
When using a single color, or monochromatic theme in the garden, it’s important to include plants with eye-catching foliage, in addition to those with white flowers. Lively variegated and soft, silvery-gray foliage both work well with an all-white theme.
If you’re searching for a way to create something artistic in your garden, a single color theme in any hue can work well, says Panayoti Kelaidis of the Denver Botanic Gardens. “In Colorado, single-color gardens are a subtle intensification of our native landscape, rather than a dramatic contrast.”
An important consideration for Colorado gardens is picking the right plant for the right place, and this is especially significant when the focus is on one color.
“Species selection is critical,” says Jonathan Rehborg, horticulturist at Hudson Gardens. “Some perennials traditionally chosen for an all-white garden aren’t appropriate in our arid climate, but there are still many that will work here.”
Kelaidis agrees. “The tendency is to plant an all-white garden in shade because our intense light brightens the whites during the day. But shade-planting lessens the enjoyment at night and reduces plant choices.”
Rehborg recommends sun-loving, xeric species with white cultivars such as Aquilegia, Campanula, Cerastium tomentosum, Chrysanthemum maximum, Dictamnus alba, Echinacea, Iris and Liatris.
Remember these tips when planting an all-white garden:
Choose a sunny, well-drained spot near a window, patio, or outdoor gathering area to enjoy the garden in the evening.
Select species recommended for Colorado.
Consider non-flowering plants, such as grasses and shrubs, with eye-catching foliage and flowering perennials, vines and groundcovers.
Deadhead frequently, particularly during the hot time, to increase the number of blooms.
Susan Perry is a Colorado State University Cooperative Extension master gardener in Douglas County.
