Britons with a passion for gardening are most drawn to brightly colored flowers, with red being the most popular hue, according to research from the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS). The study suggests that the intensity of a flower's color plays a significant role in its emotional impact on observers.
Scientists found that vivid and saturated colors elicit a stronger emotional connection, while muted, dark, or pale shades generate a weaker response. Yellow was identified as a close second to red, most frequently associated with feelings of happiness and joy. Conversely, gray and white flowers 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, after which they indicated the emotion each color evoked. Green and cyan blooms were linked to courage and pride. Cooler shades, such as blue and purple, were more consistently associated with feelings of calm and relaxation.
"Our findings highlight the psychological significance of flower colours in shaping emotional experiences," said Professor Ross Cameron, co-author of the study and professor of environmental horticulture at the University of Sheffield. "The study provides evidence for designing gardens that support emotional wellbeing through colour selection."
Vivid hues represented six in ten of the favorite flower shades overall among gardeners, compared to 18 percent for muted tones, 12 percent for dark colors, and eight percent for light colors. Yellow and orange blooms were most likely to be chosen by individuals 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.
"Saturated warm flower colours, like red, yellow and purple, can be used to energise spaces, whereas light and muted cool colours, like blue and green, promote relaxation," Professor Cameron stated. "By attending to saturation, brightness and colour, designers can more precisely shape emotional outcomes in gardens."
Red's popularity remained consistent across three of the four seasons, though yellow slightly outperformed it during the spring. The research, led by Dr. Ashby Sachs, has been published in the journal Acta Psychologica.