Color Theory
What is a complementary color scheme?
Colors opposite each other on the wheel
What does “full sun” mean for most landscape plants?
At least 6 hours of sun a day.
What color flower would best provide contrast in a garden with mostly green foliage?
Red: Complementary colors create contrast and emphasis.
What is the primary reason mulch is added around landscape plants?
To conserve moisture and suppress weeds
How does planting in odd numbers (3, 5, 7) affect design?
Creates a more natural and balanced look
What is an analogous color scheme?
Colors side by side on the color wheel. (adjacent)
A plant that prefers partial shade should be placed:
Where it receives morning light and afternoon shade
A landscape with reds, oranges, and yellows would likely feel:
Hot and energetic
Gravel is most commonly used in landscaping for:
Creating pathways and drainage areas
If a landscape bed gets morning sun and afternoon shade, which light condition is it considered?
Partial sun / partial shade
A triadic color scheme consists of.....
Three colors equally spaced on the wheel
What does “hardiness zone” tell you?
If a plant can survive winter in your region
If a customer wants a relaxing outdoor space, you should use:
Cool colors like green, blue, and purple
What does it mean to “plant at the correct depth”?
Place the top of the root ball level with the soil surface
Repeating similar plants, colors, or shapes across a design helps achieve:
Unity
What is a tint of a color?
Adding white to a hue. Ex: mixing red and white creates pink.
What does “drought tolerant” mean?
Survives dry periods
A shady garden would benefit most from what kind of color use?
Light and bright-colored plants
What’s the best time of day to water newly planted landscape plants?
Early Morning
What is an example of formal (symmetrical) balance in landscaping?
A path lined with the same trees on both sides
Yellow-Green, Orange-Yellow, and Blue-green are examples of.....
Tertiary colors.
Proper plant spacing helps prevent:
Disease and pest spread
Why is it important to consider bloom time when applying color theory?
To ensure color interest through multiple seasons
How can mulch help plants in extreme temperatures?
It insulates the soil to protect roots
Which design principle involves creating visual movement through repetition or patterns?
Rhythm
Mixing black into a hue creates a:
Shade
Why is it important to follow planting depth instructions?
Too deep or too shallow can damage the plant
A border bed with repeating red, yellow, and blue flowers demonstrates what color scheme?
Triadic
If a plant’s mature width is 4 feet, how far should it generally be spaced from the next plant?
at least 4 feet.
Informal (asymmetrical) balance uses:
Different elements that still feel visually balanced
Orange, green, and purple are......
Secondary Colors
What is one benefit of planting native species in landscaping?
They are adapted to local conditions and pests
A client requests a flower bed in analogous colors for a modern look. Which set would apply?
Proper spacing is especially critical in perennial beds because:
Perennials live for multiple seasons and will continue to grow
An example of emphasis in landscape design would be:
A colorful tree in the center of a circular garden
What is a tone of a color?
A color mixed with gray.
What does the term “mass planting” refer to in landscape?
Using one type of plant over a large area
A customer wants a vibrant entrance planting using a complementary color scheme. Which combo would you choose?
Various acceptable answers: as long as color choices are across the color wheel from each other.
What is an annual plant?
A plant that completes its life cycle in one growing season
If a student plants tall plants in the front and short plants in the back, what principle is NOT being followed?
Proportion
Purple is made by combining:
Red and blue
The mature spread of a plant tells you:
How wide the plant will grow over time
You’re designing a flower bed next to a gray gravel path and want warm contrast. Which colors would work best?
Warm colors include: Red, Yellow, Orange
In their first year, biennials typically:
Grow leaves and roots only
Which of these is an element of design, not a principle?
A) Rhythm
B) Unity
C) Color
D) Proportion
Color
What two primary colors are mixed to create green?
Blue/Yellow
What is the first thing to consider before selecting plants for a landscape?
Light, soil, and water conditions
In landscaping, why might a designer use tints instead of pure hues?
To create a soft, calming atmosphere
Which plants are best suited for changing out color schemes in seasonal beds?
Annuals
What is the element of form in design?
The shape and structure of a plant