2025 Pantone Colour 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

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.

aspect

Harmony brings feelings of contentment, inspiring a positive state of inner peace, calm, and balance as well as being tuned in with the world around 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, 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. 

Visit RHS Gardens and enjoy hot drinks while you wander

Be tempted by delicious home-made cakes in one of the RHS cafes

© Samuel Booth

Look out for interesting fungi hidden in the RHS Gardens

The RHS Colour Chart (Sixth Revised Edition) can be purchased by completing an order form

Order the RHS colour chart

About Pantone Colour 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 an image and a feeling.