Orchid is a reddish purple or pinkish purple color that is inspired by the flowers of some species of orchids. The exact hue can vary depending on the specific type of orchid, but orchid colors are generally light purples with hints of pink. Orchid sits between purple and pink on the color wheel and can sometimes be classified as either depending on the specific shade. In the following article, we’ll explore what defines the orchid color, how it relates to purple, examples of orchid shades, and whether it qualifies as a shade of purple or is better classified on its own.
Defining the Orchid Color
Orchid is considered a tertiary color, meaning it is created by combining a primary color and a secondary color on the color wheel. In the case of orchid, it is made by mixing red and purple. Red is a primary color and purple is a secondary color created by combining the primary colors blue and red. By adding extra red to purple, the orchid hue is formed.
The exact proportions of red and purple can vary to create different shades of orchid. More red added to purple produces pinkish orchid tones, while more purple retains a stronger purple undertone in the orchid shade. But all orchid colors blend red and purple together in some capacity.
Orchid vs Purple
As a reddish shade of purple, orchid is highly related to and associated with the purple family. But while orchid contains purple, it is distinguished from true or pure shades of purple by also containing red. Some key differences between orchid and purple include:
Hue
– Purple hues are created by mixing blue and red on the color wheel. They do not contain extra red beyond the red needed to make purple.
– Orchid hues add extra red to purple, pushing the color closer to pink. The increased red content gives orchid a subtler, softer look than true purple.
Brightness
– Purple can range from being very deep and dark to quite bright and light. Brighter purples move toward lavender or lilac shades.
– Orchid is inherently a bright, soft pastel shade. The added red gives it a delicate look compared to bolder dark purples.
Feeling
– Purple is associated with luxury, royalty, spirituality, mystery, and magic. Darker purples can seem somber or moody.
– Orchid’s soft, feminine quality evokes romance, affection, and charm. It has a gentle, delicate feeling compared to standard purple.
Examples of Orchid Shades
There are many specific shades of orchid found in nature and used in fashion, design, and marketing. Here are some examples of popular orchid tones:
Phalaenopsis Orchid
This common moth orchid has petals that range from soft blush pink to reddish purple. They perfectly embody the orchid color palette.
| HTML color code | #E6A8D7 |
| RGB values | R: 230, G: 168, B: 215 |
Orchid Pink
A vivid reddish tone of orchid that clearly shows its pink leanings.
| HTML color code | #F2B2E4 |
| RGB values | R: 242, G: 178, B: 228 |
Orchid Purple
A mid-range orchid with balanced red and purple tones.
| HTML color code | #B048B5 |
| RGB values | R: 176, G: 72, B: 181 |
Rich Orchid
A darker, moodier orchid closer to purple than pink.
| HTML color code | #8B00FF |
| RGB values | R: 139, G: 0, B: 255 |
Is Orchid a Shade of Purple?
Based on the information provided, while orchid is highly related to purple and contains purple tones, it differs enough in its added red content to stand sufficiently separate from purple. Some key reasons why orchid is considered its own distinct tertiary color rather than simply a shade of purple include:
Unique Hue Combination
– Orchid mixes the hue of purple with extra red, creating a new subtle color different from pure or primary shades of purple.
Reddish/Pinkish Tone
– The red added to purple gives orchid a unique pinkish quality not found in other purple shades.
Softer, Brighter Look
– Orchid’s increased red content gives it a delicate, bright, pastel appearance compared to the deeper, darker tones purple can have.
Different Emotional Associations
– While purple is associated with luxury and mystery, orchid evokes romance and femininity due to its soft pinkish tone.
Conclusion
In summary, while orchid is highly related to and influenced by purple, the addition of extra red hue separates it enough from pure purple to be considered its own distinct tertiary color. Orchid mixes red and purple together to create subtle pinkish-purple tones that have a softer, brighter, more delicate look and feel than standard purple shades. For these reasons, orchid stands as its own unique color rather than simply being a shade of purple.