2025 Pantone Color of the Year

There is always a sense of excitement and anticipation for the year ahead when Pantone announces its colour of the year. Interestingly, for 2025 they chose a shade of brown. Not everyone’s cup of tea perhaps, although amusingly this shade does bring to mind hot chocolate, frothy cappuccino, and steaming mugs of tea.

Mocha Mousse in nature

There is, however, something ethereal about the images Pantone has chosen, hinting at fading petals, papery and translucent. They describe the colour as having ‘warm, natural earthiness’, which we gardeners can relate to; we love soil, so let’s celebrate this most horticultural of shades.

Fungi on tree bark at RHS Garden Harlow Carr

Pantone says, “There is a growing movement to align ourselves more closely with the natural world. Characterised by its organic nature, PANTONE 17-1230 Mocha Mousse honours and embraces the sustenance of our physical environment. The everlasting search for harmony filters through into every aspect

In gardening, ‘aspect’ refers to the direction in which a garden or plant is facing. This can affect the amount of sunlight and shade that plants receive, as well as the temperature and wind exposure. South- and west-facing aspects are usually warm and sunny, while east- and north-facing aspects are colder and shadier.

of our lives including our relationships, the work we do, our social connections and the natural environment that surrounds us.”

Immerse your whole family in the colours of nature

How to use Mocha Mousse in your garden

This year’s colour is a progression from Peach Fuzz chosen for 2024, according to Pantone. The brighter peach notes could be enhanced by the rich chocolate tones of Mocha Mousse, with ornamental grasses, interesting tree bark

Bark is the outermost layer of woody plants (trees, shrubs and woody climbers). It is several cells thick and provides protection against physical damage, disease and environmental stresses. Bark comes in a wide variety of colours and patterns, and these can help gardeners when identifying plants. The fissures and crevices of bark on older plants also creates valuable habitat for many garden creatures as well as lichens and small plants.

, coffee coloured flowers and the use of wood as a landscaping material.

The grey foliage of Santolina is a soft companion for cappuccino-coloured Stipa grasses and Digitalis

The textural tones of Betula nigra make an interesting feature

Miscanthus sinensis ‘Ferner Osten’ at RHS Rosemoor

Dahlia ‘Café au Lait’ has all the shades of Mocha Mousse rolled into a perfect bloom

Pale mocha shades contrasted by pretty pinks and vibrant blues

Find your Mocha Mousse at the RHS Gardens

Be inspired by colour in the year-round displays at the RHS Gardens and Partner Gardens and take a break in one of our cafes and restaurants for hot drinks, home-made cakes, delicious lunches and scrumptious desserts.

Samuel Booth

Look out for interesting fungi hidden in the RHS Gardens

About Pantone Color of the Year

This was the 26th year of the programme, which aims to engage the global design community and colour enthusiasts in a conversation about colour. The Institute chooses the year’s colour based on research into influences around the world, in design, art, travel, lifestyle and socio-economics. When it comes to naming the colour, they try to conjure up an image and a feeling.

About the author - Natalie Ashbee

Natalie grew up on an arable farm in North Cornwall. She was a primary school teacher, then started a gardening business, moving into garden and planting design. She spent several years in Bristol, where she was a horticulturist for garden TV programmes. She now lives and gardens in West Cornwall.