Mimosa inspires color trend. © Fotolia
In keeping with the theme of change, the Pantone Color Institute has picked mimosa, “a warm, engaging yellow” as the 2009 Color of the Year.
Forget about all those negative meanings of yellow, such as cowardly or sickly. Instead, think positive.
“The color yellow exemplifies the warmth and nurturing quality of the sun, properties we as humans are naturally drawn to for reassurance,” said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute, which has been setting the standards of colors used in paints, inks, fabrics and other design elements for 45 years. “Mimosa also speaks to enlightenment, as it is a hue that sparks imagination and innovation.”
First Lady Michelle Obama chose the color lemongrass, a hue of yellow, for her inaugural outfit, which commentators said symbolized hope and optimism.
‘Amber’ Flower Carpet Rose
Whatever the meaning, look for mimosa yellow to show up this year is accessories in fashion, home and garden.
The plant world, too, will join the celebration with flowers and foliage plants. Proven Winners ‘ ‘Tropical Mimosa’ lantana (Lantana camera) is one example. Other plants will be marketed as complimentary colors for mimosa, such as
Proven Winners’ ‘Tropical Mimosa’ lantana
the new for 2009 Flower Carpet rose (Rosa) ‘Amber’ , a lovely specimen that I grew last year.
The color is inspired by the tropical mimosa tree (Mimosa farnesiana), which sometimes is listed as Acacia farnesiana, and the popular cocktail.
