Red is the Most Beloved Flower Color, According to Study

Brightly colored flowers, especially those in shades of red, are overwhelmingly preferred by individuals with a passion for gardening, according to research from the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS). The study indicates that the intensity of a flower's hue plays a significant role in its emotional impact, with vivid and saturated colors generating stronger reactions than muted, dark, or pale tones.

Red flowers ranked highest in terms of the love and admiration they inspire. Yellow followed closely, associated with feelings of happiness and joy. In contrast, grey and white blooms were perceived as calming but less engaging.

These findings stem from a study involving over 11,000 visitors to RHS Wisley Garden in Surrey. Participants viewed more than 30 flower colors on a screen for 15 seconds and recorded the emotions each color evoked. Green and cyan blooms were linked to courage and pride, while cooler shades like blue and purple primarily inspired feelings of calm and relaxation.

"Our findings highlight the psychological significance of flower colors in shaping emotional experiences," stated Professor Ross Cameron, professor of environmental horticulture at the University of Sheffield and co-author of the study. "The study provides evidence for designing gardens that support emotional wellbeing through colour selection."

Overall, vivid hues constituted six out of ten favorite shades among gardeners, followed by muted tones (18 percent), dark colors (12 percent), and light colors (8 percent). Yellow and orange blooms were most frequently chosen by those seeking joy or an energy boost. Dark-colored flowers were associated with contentment and admiration, though they scored lower for feelings of pride, love, and relief.

Professor Cameron noted that saturated warm colors such as red, yellow, and purple can be used to energize spaces, while light and muted cool colors, like blue and green, promote relaxation. He added that by considering saturation, brightness, and color, designers can more precisely shape emotional outcomes in garden settings.

Red's popularity remained consistent across most seasons, though yellow briefly surpassed it in the spring. The research, led by Dr Ashby Sachs, has been published in the journal Acta Psychologica.