Jonquil
A luminous pastel yellow with verdant undertones

Jonquil is a luminous, pastel yellow with subtle green undertones. This high-key shade washes out against pure white, so pair it with deep charcoal or forest green for better contrast. It performs best as an accent rather than a dominant background. Because it provides excellent readability, black text works perfectly on this tone. The hex code for Jonquil is #eef293.
About Jonquil
Butter melting over early spring grass
What does jonquil mean?
Because it echoes spring flowers and soft daylight, jonquil often suggests optimism, new growth, and gentle cheer. Its high lightness and softened saturation give it a mellow, airy warmth that never shouts.
Where you see jonquil
- daffodil petals
- buttercream frosting
- lemon curd
- baby chicks
- banana pudding
What it works for
Use it for spring packaging, nursery walls, kitchen accents, or highlights that need warmth without glare.
What colors go with jonquil?
Sage #9caf88Both carry a soft green undertone, so the pair reads calm and garden-fresh.Charcoal #36454fDark gray grounds the pale yellow and keeps its sweetness from turning sugary.Terracotta #e2725bWarm clay against pale yellow feels sun-baked and easy, like pottery on a windowsill.Lavender #e6e6faThe pale purple leans cool just enough to keep this warm yellow awake.Navy #000080Deep blue gives the light yellow a firm anchor and a crisp edge.Olive #808000The two share a greenish base, so the pair looks natural, not forced.
Questions about Jonquil
What is the hex code for Jonquil?
Jonquil is #eef293. In RGB that is rgb(238, 242, 147), in HSL hsl(63, 79%, 76%) and in CMYK 2%, 0%, 39%, 5%.
How can I effectively use #eef293 in a UI design?
Because #eef293 is a high-key pastel, it lacks sufficient contrast against white backgrounds for standard body text. Use it sparingly as a highlight color for buttons or UI elements, and pair it with charcoal or deep forest green for optimal readability and visual impact.
Does #eef293 read as a warm or cool yellow?
Jonquil presents as a warm yellow with subtle green undertones, placing it in the cooler end of the yellow spectrum. These green hints prevent it from looking like a golden honey shade, giving it a crisper, more modern, and citrus-forward appearance.
Is Jonquil readable on white or black?
Jonquil has a 1.18:1 contrast ratio on white and 17.75:1 on black. WCAG asks for 4.5:1 for body text and 3:1 for large text, so on white it is too faint for text and on black it works for body text. Try other pairs in the contrast checker.