Viva Magenta will have you and your garden saying Viva Color

Norman Winter
·3 min read

Viva Magenta, the Pantone Color of the Year for 2023, has certainly caused a stir in the garden world.

As typical of our times, there are the lovers, and the haters. Since it is a primary color, I thought I would delve into a little thought on color. Before everyone screams, especially art teachers, I know it is not a primary color. I grew up in a newspaper family and Magenta is one of the big three with Cyan and Yellow, and of course, Black.

The whole world of glorious print color revolves around the role of magenta. With that being said, may I introduce you to Supertunia Royal Magenta.

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This mix was apply-named Surfin Safari by the designer and features Supertunia Royal Magenta petunia, Safari Sky South African phlox and Superbells Double Amber calibrachoa.
This mix was apply-named Surfin Safari by the designer and features Supertunia Royal Magenta petunia, Safari Sky South African phlox and Superbells Double Amber calibrachoa.

This incredible Supertunia has no trouble standing on its own like other Supertunias but I want you to look at it from the aspect of what else you can do with it. In the print world they call CMYK subtractive color, each color has its own plate made from a separation. The end result is that none of them will be 100% of their color but come together magically in full color.

With Supertunia Royal Magenta petunia we will use it in additive mix which is really what we do in a design. In other words, Supertunia Royal Magenta is so beautiful, what can we add to it, or partner with it to make the design even more dazzling.

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The past few years I have been able to see and photograph Supertunia Royal Magenta petunia recipes both named and experimental. I came to realize what a key ingredient this flower has become. Gertrude Jekyll at one time called it Malignant Magenta which was due to the process of getting the dye at that time and perhaps it seemed unnatural. I believe she might love it now.

The most recent combination I photographed was given the name Surfin Safari by the creator. This no doubt was due to the fact the new Safari Sky, a South African phlox or Jamesbrittenia with sky blue flowers playing a key role. The third partner was Superbells Double Amber calibrachoa. This was actually very close to the three colors of CYM appearing together in a flower recipe, and it was beautiful.

If you would like a subtle twist on the old red white and blue this summer, consider Supertunia Royal Magenta petunia, Supertunia Mini Vista White petunia and Superbena Imperial Blue verbena. You’ll have butterflies and hummingbirds too!
If you would like a subtle twist on the old red white and blue this summer, consider Supertunia Royal Magenta petunia, Supertunia Mini Vista White petunia and Superbena Imperial Blue verbena. You’ll have butterflies and hummingbirds too!

A recipe that you would just crave to have in your containers is Boost of Energy. Every time you watered it you would leave feeling exhilarated. The obvious ingredient is Supertunia Royal Magenta petunia, but the partners are two we often overlook or let slip by. The first is Blushing Princess sweet alyssum. We are so quick to buy Snow Princess we don’t see the possibilities of a lobularia or sweet alyssum with a blush of purple/pink.

May I remind you these are sweet alyssums that keep performing all summer. The third partner in the mix was just amazing and you have to see it work to understand. It was Supertunia Trailing Rose-veined petunia. This petunia gets 12-inches tall with a spread of 3-feet. It was magical the way the deep roses veined echoed the color of Supertunia Royal Magenta petunia.

The designer mix is called Boost of Energy and will literally put a spring in your step. It features Supertunia Royal Magenta petunia, Blushing Princess sweet alyssum and Supertunia Trailing Rose-veined petunia which echoes the magenta.
The designer mix is called Boost of Energy and will literally put a spring in your step. It features Supertunia Royal Magenta petunia, Blushing Princess sweet alyssum and Supertunia Trailing Rose-veined petunia which echoes the magenta.

Supertunia Royal Magenta petunia can also give you a slight twist on the old red white and blue. I had a chance to photograph this experimental recipe before it had a name and I could not take my eyes off. It features Supertunia Royal Magenta petunia, Supertunia Mini Vista White petunia and the new Superbena Imperial Blue verbena. I promise you’ll love it.

Here is a salute to Pantone 18-1750, the 2023 Color of the Year, Viva Magenta. Indeed, long lived magenta.

Norman Winter is a horticulturist. He is a former director of the Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens. Follow him on Facebook at Norman Winter “The Garden Guy.” See more columns by Norman at SavannahNow.com/lifestyle/home-garden/.

This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Viva Magenta will have you and your garden saying Viva Color