Sachs, A. L., Larsen, E. K., Chalmin-Pui, L. S., Jonauskaite, D., Mohr, C., Christodoulou, M., Cameron, R. W., & Griffiths, A. (2026). Flower power: How favourite flower colours shape how we feel. Acta Psychologica, 269, 107507. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.actpsy.2026.107507

Review by Mark Goddard ACIEEM

How is human wellbeing impacted by the design of urban green infrastructure? Sachs et al. (2026) offer one answer, reporting a large in-situ study (n = 11,569) at RHS Wisley in which visitors used a digital colour picker to select their favourite flower colour and rated the emotions it evoked. Purple and red-hued flowers and saturated hues were the most popular. Saturated warm hues (red, orange, yellow) produced the greatest happiness and excitement, while light and muted hues were associated with relaxation. Cool hues (green, cyan, blue) and achromatic colours (grey, white, black) were also associated with calmness, boredom and mild sadness.

The study is methodologically robust and unusually well-powered, making a persuasive case for colour selection as a deliberate design lever in wellbeing-oriented planting. It is a welcome reminder that green infrastructure serves people as well as wildlife. As ecologists and environmental managers, we typically look to maximise the biodiversity value of new plantings, but if this can be reconciled with designs that enhance people’s wellbeing then we are more likely to garner public support.