Wisteria

#C9A0DC

Purple Family →

What Color is Wisteria

Wisteria is a whimsical, light-to-medium lavender shade named after the flowering woody vine. It sits between mauve and violet, offering a delicate balance of blue and red undertones. This color conveys a sense of vintage elegance and botanical softness.

What color is opposite Wisteria?

The opposite color to Wisteria is Moss Green (#b4dda2).

View Moss Green

Additional Information

  • Color Family: Purple
  • Temperature: Cool
  • Associated Season: Spring
  • Complementary Color: #B4DDA2
  • Brightness: 179/255
  • Saturation: 27%

Colors That Pair Well With Wisteria

Complementary

Pair with Moss Green for a harmonious, balanced look. Great for backgrounds and accents.

#C9A0DC#b4dda2

High Contrast

Use Green House for maximum readability. Ideal for text or critical UI elements.

#C9A0DC#365f23

Harmonious Depth

Use lighter and darker shades for a sophisticated, cohesive design. Great for backgrounds, text, and subtle accents.

#dfc6ea#65506e

Wisteria History

The term Wisteria as a color name first appeared in the English language in 1892. This coincided with the popularity of the flowering vine in European and American gardens during the late Victorian era. Its origins are deeply tied to the botanical illustrations of the 19th century, where artists sought to capture the specific luminescence of the plant's cascading petals.

Before the 19th century, achieving this specific lightness required a careful blend of lapis lazuli or cobalt blue with expensive carmine or madder. With the advent of synthetic dyes like mauveine, these cooler purples became more accessible to the masses. The color became a hallmark of the Impressionist movement, frequently appearing in depictions of garden scenes and floral arrangements.

Meaning & Psychology

Wisteria evokes feelings of tranquility and deep nostalgia. It is often associated with the transition between seasons, representing a state of grace and quiet contemplation. Its lower saturation compared to vibrant purples makes it approachable and less overwhelming, fostering a sense of serenity.

Culturally, this shade is linked to femininity and romanticism without the intensity of pink or the gravity of deep violet. It carries an aura of sophistication, suggesting a refined taste that values subtlety over ostentation. It is a color of dreamlike states and imaginative thinking.

In Nature

The primary source of this hue is the pendulous racemes of the Wisteria vine, particularly species native to East Asia. Beyond the floral kingdom, this shade appears in the semi-precious stone amethyst when light diffuses through its crystalline structure. It is also visible during the blue hour of a twilight sky when atmospheric scattering filters out shorter wavelengths, leaving behind a soft, purple haze.

How To Use Wisteria

In graphic design, Wisteria serves as an excellent neutral alternative to gray or beige when a touch of color is required. It is highly effective in branding for wellness, beauty, and luxury services that emphasize a gentle touch. Pairing it with deep greens or metallic golds creates a harmonious and high-end aesthetic.

For digital accessibility, Wisteria requires high-contrast companion colors to meet WCAG standards. Light text often fails on this background; therefore, dark charcoal or deep navy text is necessary for readability. It works best as an accent or a background for large-scale typography rather than body text.

Related Words

victorianbotanicalsyntheticimpressionisttranquilitygraceserenityfemininitysophisticationimaginativewisteriaamethysttwilighthazeneutralluxuryharmoniousaccessibilityreadabilitytypography

Curated Palettes

#C9A0DC
#77DD77
#9DC183
#F4C2C2
#5C4033

Botanical Garden

A natural, organic palette inspired by spring blooms and lush foliage.

#C9A0DC
#4B0082
#708090
#C0C0C0
#36454F

Twilight Mist

A cool, atmospheric selection of shades for a moody and sophisticated feel.

#C9A0DC
#FFFDD0
#D4AF37
#AD6561
#F7E7CE

Regency Elegance

A high-contrast, luxurious palette suitable for formal events and branding.

Color Conversions

Hex
#C9A0DC
RGB
201, 160, 220
RGB %
79%, 63%, 86%
HSL
281°, 46%, 75%
HSV
281°, 27%, 86%
CMYK
9%, 27%, 0%, 14%
LAB
71.37, 25.89, -24.68
XYZ
49.58, 42.73, 73.34

Color Blindness Simulation

Normal
Protanopia
Deuteranopia
Tritanopia

CSS Snippets

Text Color (Hex)
Aa
color: #C9A0DC;
Text Color (RGB)
Aa
color: rgb(201, 160, 220);
Background Color
background-color: #C9A0DC;
Border
border: 3px solid #C9A0DC;
Box Shadow
box-shadow: 0 4px 12px #C9A0DC66;
Gradient
background: linear-gradient(135deg, #C9A0DC 0%, #ffffff 100%);
Cushion Mockup
Available to Order Now

Shop Premium Products in Wisteria

This isn't just a mockup. We'll custom make high-quality home decor in this exact shade, just for you.

MaterialEco Velvet
Size30cm x 30cm
Color
Wisteria

Ships in 3-5 daysSecure Checkout

Product Details

Add a touch of luxury to your home with our premium Eco Velvet cushions. Soft to the touch, these cushions are perfect for adding comfort and style to any room.

  • Material: Soft Eco Velvet.
  • Feel: Velvety soft finish.
  • Print: Double-sided, all-over vibrant color using water-based inks.
  • Care: Machine washable at 30°C.
  • Construction: Handmade to order with a concealed zipper.
Eco Credentials

We believe in sustainable style. Our cushions are crafted with the planet in mind.

  • Made to Order: Produced only when you order, eliminating overproduction and waste.
  • Water-Based Inks: Printed using neo-pigment, water-based inks that are non-hazardous, toxin-free, and vegan-friendly.
  • Local Fulfilment: Produced locally where possible to reduce carbon emissions from transport.
  • Vegan Friendly: No animal products are used in the production of these cushions.

What Goes With Wisteria?

Explore color palettes containing Wisteria and discover harmonious combinations for your designs.

Accessibility

Contrast with Black and White

Contrast with Black

UI Examples

"Color is a power which directly influences the soul."

Contrast Ratio

0.00/ 21
Fail
AA Normal Text
Fail
AA Large Text
Fail
AAA Normal Text
Fail
AAA Large Text
Fail
Contrast with White

UI Examples

"Color is a power which directly influences the soul."

Contrast Ratio

0.00/ 21
Fail
AA Normal Text
Fail
AA Large Text
Fail
AAA Normal Text
Fail
AAA Large Text
Fail

Closest Color Matches

Best Match

Caran d'ache Luminance 6901

Manganese Violet

#112#B381BB

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Polychromos

manganese violet

#160#9A69AD

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Prismacolor

Lavender

#PC934#C39BC8

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Prismacolor

Parma Violet

#PC1008#8E69BA

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Polychromos

light magenta

#119#D786B9

Buy
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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hex code for Wisteria?
The hex code for Wisteria is #C9A0DC. The RGB values are (201, 160, 220). You can find more formats like CMYK and LAB in the Color Conversions section.
What colors go with Wisteria?
Wisteria pairs well with its complementary color, Moss Green (#b4dda2). It also works great with analogous colors (neighbors on the wheel) and triadic combinations. See our recommended pairings for more ideas.
Is Wisteria accessible for text?
No, Wisteria is not readable on white backgrounds. It is not readable on black backgrounds. For detailed contrast ratios and WCAG scores, check the accessibility section.
How do I use Wisteria in CSS?

You can use Wisteria in CSS with its hex code. Here is an example class:

.wisteria {
  background-color: #C9A0DC;
  color: #FFFFFF;
}

For more snippets including gradients, see the CSS snippets section.