Meet Next Season’s Hottest Color: Cloud Dancer

Big news in the design world: Pantone^® has named Cloud Dancer as the Pantone Color ofthe Year for 2026! Described as a“billowy white that encourages true relaxation andfocus,” it’s a color readily found in nature. Expect to see more cloud white products onstore shelves soon, too like containers, cosmetics, paints, and housewares.

While white pigment is actually absent of color, it’s a key base neutral that allows all othercolors to shine when paired with it. White naturally draws the eye and provides a place topause momentarily when it’s surrounded by other visual distractions. Pantone calls it“awhisper of tranquility and peace in a noisy world,” which gives your mind a rest so it canreset.

A climbing Coconut A-Peel^®black-eyed Susan vine lines the rounded trellis in the corner of this calming tea garden.    

So, what does this mean for gardens and plants? 

Our gardens are a place we can go to escape the busyness that fills much of our days. If you’ve ever headed out to work in the yard “just for an hour” and came back in at sunset, you know how quickly time passes when you’re outside watering, pruning and feeding your plants. 

Pantone’s Cloud Dancer is the color of puffy cumulus clouds on a breezy summer day, the glimmering petals of cheerful daisies, and the early morning sky’s reflection on open water. It’s the color of a fresh start, spaciousness and simplicity. It’s a timeless classic that makes every other color pop against its blank canvas. 

   A classic moon garden lit by candlelight featuring Supertunia Mini Vista^® White petunias.

White and bright silver plants have long been used in moon gardens. Reflecting even the slightest bit of moonlight or ambient light, such plants are ideal for surrounding outdoor seating areas and lining walkways, and can serve as a focal point out a window you tend to look in the evening. 

Our Cloud Dancer plant palette includes an array of annuals, perennials, trees and shrubs that can be used to create a moon garden in the landscape or containers. Start an Idea Board now with your favorites and you’ll have all winter to dream up the design.

Cloud Dancer white containers complement the soft pastels used in this shaded nook.

 If colorful gardens are more your style, Cloud Dancer can play a role in them, too. Lying somewhere between bright white and pale gray, this neutral tone harmonizes easily with soft pastels, cool lavenders and blues, as well as bright warm tones like hot pink and red. Try pairing it with other horticultural “neutrals” like deep purple and green for sharper contrast. White tends to balance surrounding colors and elevate the entire grouping – whether it’s in the form of flowers, foliage, fabrics, containers or painted surfaces. 

Let’s look at a few more examples to inspire your own ideas for including Cloud Dancer white in your garden this season.

White flowers and silver plants are ideal for planting around patios, especially those used for entertaining in the evening. They reflect even the slightest amount of light, casting a beautiful glow over the space. See our moon garden container recipes.

If your home is painted a color similar to Cloud Dancer white, consider planting darker-toned flowers and plants to maximize the contrast and get that designer look. In our Enchanted Garden container recipe, notice how the creamy white Supertunia® Latte™ petunias pop against the darker Supertunia® Black Cherry® petunias and Sweet Caroline Raven™ sweet potato vines. Their light petals and dark eye tie in the tones from the home’s walls and iron railings.

Though this space is rather tight, notice how spacious it appears. White walls and containers, silver plants and glossy glass surfaces all contribute to the airy feel of this backyard greenhouse. The felted silver leaves of Angel Wings Senecio brighten up the entrance, even in the evening. Explore more silver and white plants in our line.

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Contributor Bio: Susan Martin is an avid zone 6 gardener and content creator who enjoys spreading her passion for plants to others across North America.

All images courtesy of Proven Winners.

Patent Information: Coconut A-Peel^® Thunbergia alata USPP33361; Supertunia Mini Vista^® White Petunia USPP30833 Can6295; Supertunia^® Latte^™ Petunia USPP28069 Can 5508; Supertunia^® Black Cherry^® Petunia USPP27312 Can5279 US Utility 7642436; Sweet Caroline Raven^™ Ipomoea batatas USPP31837 Can6286; Angel Wings Senecio candicans USPP28830