A soft, billowy white chosen for a world ready to exhale.
(December 4, 2025) – After several years of what Pantone calls overstimulation, uncertainty, and nonstop visual noise, the color-forecasting firm has picked an unusual choice for their 2026 Color of the Year: Cloud Dancer.
According to Laurie Pressman, Vice President of the Pantone Color Institute, the color was chosen because they believe people are “looking to step back.” This soft, airy white represents clarity, calm, and the collective craving for space to reset.
Katie Dubow, president of Garden Media Group and trend forecaster, notes that the choice echoes the emotional landscape her team has been tracking across the industry.
“This calm, pared-back moment is exactly why we selected the Kusumi palette, in particular, Faded Petal as our 2026 Garden Trend color,” says Dubow. “This color wheel offers a soft embrace., but unlike white, we believe also offers a touch of optimism. It’s a gentle reminder that even in quiet periods, color still has the power to soothe and lift us.”
However, Pantone will still make waves with their choice, so Garden Media has selected their favorite Cloud Dancer’s white blooms and cream variegated plants that will no doubt surge in popularity in the coming year.
Cloud Dancer in the Garden: Top Plant Picks for 2026
White Wedding® Hydrangea
A cloudlike hydrangea that mirrors Pantone’s pick with its pure white blooms and strong, supportive stems. This Southern Living® and Sunset® Plant Collection standout offers drought tolerance, low maintenance, and lush flowers ideal for both landscapes and cut arrangements.
Autumn Ivory® Encore® Azalea
A compact reblooming azalea that delivers soft white blooms in spring, summer, and fall. At just 2.5’ tall and hardy in Zones 7a–9b, it’s perfect for containers, moon gardens, and calming entryways.
It’s a Breeze® Rose in Ivory Blush
This groundcover rose produces abundant ivory blooms kissed with blush pink all season long. It’s fragrant, easy to grow, and exceptionally disease resistant — a low-stress rose for a low-stress year. Hardy in Zones 4a–11b.
Thai Constellation Monstera
Cream and white variegation is trending indoors, and no plant embodies that better than this celestial monstera. Its striking marbling and dramatic leaf fenestrations offer a living expression of Cloud Dancer’s softness.
Jackson & Perkins® Big Ben Climbing Rose
This vigorous, elegant climber reaches 8–10’ and produces generous blooms in shades of white, cream, and pale yellow. It creates a luminous vertical display that epitomizes the calm, airy spirit of Pantone’s pick.
Why Cloud Dancer Matters
Pantone says that Cloud Dancer isn’t just a color; it’s a mindset. As people seek emotional clarity and relief from visual overload, white blooms and airy neutrals offer simplicity and grounding. The 2026 Color of the Year invites gardeners and designers to create soothing, intentional spaces that help people slow down and breathe deeply.
For interviews, high-resolution images, or additional insights into the 2026 Garden Trends, please contact Garden Media Group.
Garden Media ignites buzz for clients, offers innovative PR campaigns, and secures top media placements and partnerships. The boutique PR and marketing firm is known as the best in the home, garden, horticulture, outdoor living, and lawn and landscape industries. The annual Garden Trends Report is one of the most published garden studies in trade and consumer news. Visit www.gardenmediagroup.com for more information.