Flower power: How favourite flower colours shape how we feel

Gardens are widely regarded as restorative environments, yet evidence on how specific design elements influence emotions remains limited. This study examined flower colour, a core principle of garden design, and its role in emotional responses. We collected data from 11,569 participants, who attended the interactive exhibit at RHS Wisley Garden. Participants selected favourite flower colours using a digital colour picker and reported emotions they associated with that colour. We analysed hue and cut (saturated, dark, light, muted), resulting in 36 analysed colour categories. Emotion responses were converted into weighted valence (pleasantness) and power (emotional intensity) scores. When considering all 36 categories, saturated red and saturated yellow were the most frequent favourite flower colours, closely followed by saturated purple and saturated cyan. Across the four cuts, purple and red hues were the most popular, while across the eight hues, saturated hues were the most popular. Then, saturated warm hues (red, orange, yellow) produced the highest valence (happiness, joy) and power (excitement, enthusiasm, energy), while light and muted hues were linked to low valence and power (relaxation, serenity, peacefulness). Cool hues (green, cyan, blue, purple) and achromatic colours (grey, white, black) were also associated with low valence and power (calmness, indifference, boredom, mild sadness). Demographic and seasonal effects were modest: women and younger participants reported slightly higher positivity, and valence peaked in summer and autumn. These findings highlight the psychological significance of flower colours in shaping emotional experiences. The study provides evidence for designing gardens that support emotional wellbeing through colour selection.