Bruno Pugh
Nature loves to surprise us, and these 20 color-changing plants prove that point beautifully. These blossoms morph as they mature, shift with the seasons, or respond to sunlight while creating stunning displays. Explore the spectacular plants that dazzle with their color-changing abilities—and discover why and how they do it.
Hydrangeas
Color-changing hydrangeas offer a beautiful color transition based on soil pH. Acidic soils with aluminum create blue flowers, while alkaline soils lead to pink blooms. Neutral conditions produce purple hues. Gardeners can alter hydrangea colors by adjusting soil pH using aluminum sulfate for blue or garden lime for pink.
Four O’Clocks
Four O’Clocks shift hues as the night progresses due to pigment changes. Their flowers may start yellow and gradually turn pink or red. Genetic traits like chimerism also cause different colors to appear on the same plant. Environmental factors like temperature can influence these color shifts.
Morning Glory
As the day unfolds, Morning Glory flowers often shift in color, going from vibrant hues of blue or pink at dawn to softer pastels by afternoon. Cooler morning temperatures maintain bright hues while rising midday heat causes pigments to degrade, resulting in paler shades before the flowers close.
Lantana
Flower clusters of Lantanas open with vibrant yellow hues and gradually shift to orange, pink, and red as they mature. The color change is driven by increasing anthocyanin levels as the flowers age. This constant change adds to their visual appeal, which helps attract pollinators like butterflies throughout the blooming season.
Hibiscus
These flowers thrive in the sun and love to show off by changing color with exposure. Varieties like Confederate Rose bloom as white and then turn pink or red by evening. ‘Voodoo Queen’ transitions from pink to yellow, while ‘Sleeping Beauty’ displays striking shifts between blue, red, and multi-colored hues.
Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow
Brunfelsia latifolia’s flowers open vibrant purple on the first day, transition to pastel lavender by the second day and finally fade to nearly white before wilting. These changes stem from the breakdown of anthocyanins influenced by temperature and light exposure to create a visually pleasing display, hence the name Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow.
Bougainvillea
Colorful bracts, often mistaken for petals, surround the small white flowers of Bougainvillea. Initially, these bracts may appear bright magenta, shifting to softer pinks or deeper reds as they mature. Factors such as sunlight exposure can intensify these colors, while cooler temperatures may lead to a gradual fade.
Tulips
Certain tulip varieties exhibit captivating color changes as they bloom. For instance, The Queen of Night opens as dark purple and transitions to rich burgundy with maturity. Sundowner begins as buttery yellow with cherry red accents, then deepens to nearly all red. Montevideo starts lemon yellow and turns to rosy red.
Daylilies
Known for their ephemeral blooms, Daylily flowers last just one day. They open in the morning and wilt by night. Daylilies can display variations in color intensity throughout the day, influenced by light conditions. Their petals may appear more vibrant in direct sunlight and softer during morning or evening light.
Chameleon Plant (Houttuynia cordata)
The leaves of the Chameleon Plant transition from green to vibrant red and yellow as they mature. Small clusters of inconspicuous white or yellow flowers emerge but are overshadowed by the foliage. Sunlight enhances leaf colors, with brighter conditions intensifying reds and yellows, while cooler temperatures deepen the shades.
Calibrachoa (Million Bells)
Often mistaken for petunias, Calibrachoa is a charming flower known for its unique color variations due to sunlight exposure and watering habits. These petite blooms can range from sunny yellows to deep purples. Calibrachoa’s optimal growth occurs in full sun, and consistent watering maintains its vibrant colors and prevents fading.
Camellias
While most elegant Camellias maintain their original hue, certain varieties may show subtle fading or softening of color as they mature. For example, ‘Pink Perfection’ transitions from deep pink to a lighter shade, while ‘Lady Campbell’ features a rich pink with white edges that softens slightly over time.
Pansies
Appreciated for their vibrant blooms, pansies can experience color changes influenced by temperature. Cooler conditions intensify their shades, while warmth can cause fading. Seasonal shifts also impact vibrancy, with colors becoming less vivid in summer. Notably, yellow varieties may show the most significant changes, which adds visual interest to gardens.
Petunias
A wide range of colors characterizes these Petunias. They often include vibrant reds, yellows, and purples. Temperature and sunlight can subtly alter color intensity. Notably, genetically engineered varieties exist, capable of color changes, like transitioning from pink to blue based on their circadian rhythm or ethanol exposure.
African Violets
Available in shades like deep purple, pink, and blue, African Violets can show subtle color intensity variations. Bright, indirect light enhances vibrancy, while insufficient exposure may lead to paler blooms. Certain varieties may also feature a gradient effect that showcases different shades on outer and inner petals.
Roses
Some rose varieties exhibit natural color gradation as they bloom. ‘Knock Out’ roses start medium pink in cooler temperatures and fade to white in heat. ‘Joan Fontaine’ can shift from white to blush pink based on environmental conditions, while engineered ‘Rainbow Roses’ achieve vibrant hues through water absorption techniques.
Lilies
The “Stargazer” lily features vibrant pink petals that subtly fade at the edges as they mature, creating a softer appearance. This fading is not a dramatic color shift but a transition to lighter hues. Cooler temperatures may enhance color intensity, while excessive heat can lead to fading.
Heuchera
Commonly grown for its striking foliage, Heuchera exhibits vibrant leaf colors ranging from deep purples to bright greens. Seasonal temperature shifts can enhance leaf vibrancy, while flowers remain consistently white, pink, or red without significant color changes. The appeal lies primarily in its diverse foliage rather than flower variations.
Chrysanthemums
Celebrated for their vibrant fall colors, they can subtly shift hues as they mature, such as deep red petals changing to bronze or gold. While genetic traits among hybrids can influence color variability, significant changes often depend on their environment. Additionally, some flowers may be artificially colored.
Crape Myrtle
Crape myrtle trees add vibrant color to summer gardens with blooms that shift shades as they mature. Bright pinks, purples, and reds can fade to softer tones, while purples may take on bronze or gold hues. Their extended bloom season ensures an eye-catching presentation from mid-summer to early fall.