The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) has revealed the 10 garden plants that match Pantone’s Colour of the Year 2026, Cloud Dancer (PANTONE 11-4201).
The ethereal hue, described as a ‘billowy, balanced white imbued with a feeling of serenity’, is the perfect blank canvas for colour exploration — both in the home and garden.
‘The choice of plants matching Cloud Dancer encompasses all seasons,’ says Yvette Harvey, Keeper of the Herbarium at RHS Garden Wisley.
‘Few things beat the wonder of seeing snowdrops carpeting the ground on a frosty morning, or even peeping through the snow, and there is something about white flowers and intoxicating perfumes, from the promise of spring provided by daphnes to exploring the garden on a warm and balmy summer evening, picking up the heady aroma of jasmine, roses and Phlox.’
Take a look at the plants below, including care tips and advice on planting times:
1. Galanthus × hybridus ‘Robin Hood’
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Snowdrops piercing through the frosty winter soil are among the first sights of spring, carpeting gardens, parks, and woodlands from January. According to the RHS, Galanthus × hybridus ‘Robin Hood’, also known as the hybrid snowdrop ‘Robin Hood’, will bring a graceful touch of Cloud Dancer to winter gardens.
‘Reaching up to 50cm and blooming between January and February, this snowdrop brings beauty to the garden during the coldest months,’ say the team at the RHS.
When to plant: autumn, before the ground freezes
2. Tulipa ‘White Dream’
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‘This beautiful tulip, with its pure white, goblet-shaped petals, will add a touch of Cloud Dancer serenity to the garden whilst also complementing a wide range of different colours due to its versatility,’ say the RHS.
This eye-catching tulip variety flowers in late spring and is an excellent choice for pots, containers or borders. Plant alongside colourful varieties, especially if layering in a bulb lasagne.
When to plant: from September to December
3. Dianthus ‘Devon Dove’
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This bushy perennial looks as lovely as it sounds. With upright stems reaching heights of up to 45cm and white, fragrant petals, it will fill your garden with a beautiful scent between early and mid-summer.
When to plant: spring or early autumn
4. Daphne ‘Spring Herald’
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If you want to fill your garden with fragrance and masses of flowers, Daphne ‘Spring Herald’ is the one to plant. Place in a sheltered spot with full sun to part shade, watering regularly for the first year.
‘Amongst glossy green leaves, this bushy evergreen shrub brings early seasonal beauty and fragrance as clusters of creamy white flowers appear between late winter and early spring,’ say the team.
When to plant: early spring or early autumn
5. Veronica ‘Wiri Mist’
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‘A compact evergreen shrub with glossy green leaves, the freshness of Cloud Dancer bursts into life as masses of white flowers bloom from late spring into summer. This low-maintenance plant is a perfect option for growing in city gardens, flower borders and beds,’ say the team.
When to plant: spring or early autumn
6. Clematis cartmanii ‘Joe’
This evergreen climber, ideal for covering walls and fences, bursts into bloom with spectacular bowl-shaped white flowers in early spring. ‘A strong choice for container planting, it thrives in full sun to partial shade,’ explain the team.
When to plant: early spring or autumn
7. Hosta ‘Vulcan’
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Most hostas are prized for their glossy green leaves, but the ‘Vulcan’ variety stands out with dramatic white streaking. Excellent as low-maintence ground covers, this variety performs especially well in shady areas along borders.
‘Blooming into pale lavender flowers in the mid-summer, this Hosta embodies the versatility of Cloud Dancer to complement other natural shades.’
When to plant: early spring or early autumn, avoiding the peak heat of summer
8. Salvia pratensis ‘Swan Lake’ (Ballet Series)
As pretty as a ballet slipper, this clump-forming perennial dazzles with pure white flowers in summer, and again in autumn if they are cut back correctly. They can reach up to 50cm and look beautiful in cottage gardens.
When to plant: April/May
9. Viburnum plicatum f. plicatum ‘Grandiflorum’
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‘Also called the Japanese snowball ‘Grandiflorum’, this bushy deciduous shrub has strongly veined leaves and large globular clusters of white flowers which turn pink with age. A low-maintenance plant well suited to planting in beds and borders.
When to plant: autumn or early spring, when the plant is still dormant
10. Camellia japonica ‘Alba Plena’
Photos from Japan, Asia and othe of the world//Getty Images
Camillas are among the more glamorous shrubs, adored for their upright leaves and layered petals. According to the RHS, the Camellia japonica ‘Alba Plena’ variety is reminiscent of the understated beauty of the Cloud Dancer shade and makes a beautiful addition to any garden.
When to plant: autumn or early winter
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Deputy Daily Editor, Country Living and House Beautiful
Lisa Joyner is the Deputy Daily Editor at House Beautiful UK and Country Living UK, where she’s busy writing about home and interiors, gardening, dog breeds, pets, health and wellbeing, countryside news, small space inspiration, and the hottest properties on the market. Previously, she has written for Conde Nast Traveller, House & Garden and Marie Claire magazine. Lisa studied at University For The Creative Arts, where she completed a BA in Fashion Journalism.
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