As the year draws to a close, trend forecasting is in full swing, from must-have plants to emerging landscape styles. But nothing signals the start of a new year quite like Pantone’s Color of the Year announcement.

And while teal will always be the COTY in our hearts, the Pantone Color Institute has chosen Mocha Mousse—a rich, comforting neutral poised to make its mark in everything from interiors to landscapes.

Pantone describes Mocha Mousse as “a mellow brown infused with a sensorial and comforting warmth.” This shade is a dramatic departure from last year’s boring Peach Fuzz. Its grounding and sophisticated tone feels perfectly on trend. As darker finishes and earth tones dominate both home and garden design, Mocha Mousse is a natural, neutral choice.

Mocha Mousse in the Landscape

While Mocha Mousse is making waves in home décor - from plush sofas and elegant wallpapers - it’s also a perfect fit for the garden. Its warm, earthy undertones effortlessly connect with nature and can serve as the foundation for on-trend garden designs in 2025.

Here are some plant and product picks inspired by this year’s shade:

• Oasis Botanical Forage bag
  Made from durable, easy-to-clean earthy brown canvas, these sling-style bags, worn off the shoulder or crossbody, feature two exterior pockets and are perfect for your future foraging adventures.
• Oasis Forage Geo Pot
  Eco-friendly containers in neutral shades are specially designed for your flower foraging creations. Available in two colors and two sizes, these lightweight but sturdy containers have a ceramic feel and are constructed from renewable materials.  
• Cast in Bronze® Distylium
  Brown-hued new growth transforms into glossy dark green on this two-toned evergreen with a naturally rounded form. Ideal for medium-sized hedges or screens, this variety of Distylium will add both the trending shade and structure to your landscape.
• Oakleaf Hydrangea
  With blooms that transition from white to a rustic brown, this shrub offers a harmonious mix of texture and color. Perfect for Zones 5-9, its dried flowers are also ideal for arrangements that bring Mocha Mousse indoors.
• Jackson & Perkins Southern Magnolia Gift Tree
  This striking tree features glossy green leaves with velvety brown undersides, embodying the timeless appeal of Mocha Mousse. Delivered in a chic jute-wrapped base, it’s an excellent houseplant or landscape addition for Zones 7-9.
• Bronze Beauty™ Cleyera
  A standout for privacy screens, this evergreen’s chocolate-hued new growth transitions to emerald green, providing year-round interest. It’s heat-tolerant and low-maintenance, thriving in Zones 7-10.
• Croton Petra
  This lush plant has captivating brown hues, unique leaf patterns, and adds a visually striking focal point to any indoor space. Whether displayed on a shelf, hanging basket, or climbing a totem, it is a gorgeous, on-trend plant.

Why Mocha Mousse Matters

Mocha Mousse is more than just a color—it’s a reflection of a larger trend toward harmony and connection with nature. Laurie Pressman, vice president of the Pantone Color Institute, notes that the shade embodies “contentment, inner peace, and balance” while helping us feel tuned in to the world around us.

Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute, explains that Mocha Mousse reflects a “desire for everyday pleasures” and offers a balance between grounded simplicity and elevated elegance.

“Sophisticated and lush, yet at the same time an unpretentious classic, PANTONE 17-1230 Mocha Mousse extends our perception of the browns from being humble and grounded to embrace the aspirational and luxe.”

In the garden, this translates to a renewed focus on earthy, grounding tones that work well with other neutrals and complement bold pops of color. Whether you’re reimagining your flower beds or looking to add structure with shrubs and evergreens, Mocha Mousse provides a versatile, timeless backdrop.

Get Inspired

Ready to embrace Mocha Mousse in your garden or product offerings? Explore more garden picks and expert tips for incorporating this trending hue. Whether you're a landscaper, garden retailer, or plant enthusiast, this rich, versatile shade is sure to make 2025 a year to remember.

What’s your favorite way to bring Mocha Mousse to life? Let us know in the comments!

If you haven't downloaded our 2025 Garden Trend Report yet, with our own color prediction, do so today.