No, it's not a summary of your potted orchid's state of health; it's this year's colour - official.

Each year, Pantone, the world-renowned authority on colour, experts in classification, matching and standardising, reveal the colour of the year. And this year, it's Radiant Orchid, left.

Described by Pantone thus: 'Radiant Orchid blooms with confidence and magical warmth that intrigues the eye and sparks the imagination. It is an expressive, creative and embracing purple - one that draws you in with its beguiling charm. A captivating harmony of fuchsia, purple and pink undertones, Radiant Orchid emanates great joy, love and healthates great joy, love and health.'

I think it's a jolly, vibrant shade of pinky-purple. Since it was announced as Colour of the Year 2014, I've noticed it on the lining of my coat, a box of tea and, of course, the orchid on my desk.

It's safe to say it's a shade we'll be seeing a lot more of, used in everything from nail varnish to cushions.

For interiors, Pantone suggests pairing Radiant Orchid with olive and hunter greens, or turquoise, teal and even light yellow.

For fashion and beauty, the colour is eye-catching and flattering to many skin tones and hair colourings and produces a healthy glow on the skin.

If you'd like to add some radiant orchid to your life, here are a few quick picks. Clockwise, left to right: Anglepoise Type 75 lamp, £76.50 from The Conran Shop; John Lewis Easycare Polycotton Fitted Sheets, £9 to £16 Rimmel Salon Pro Nail Colour in Disco Fever, £4.49.

And if you do want 'radiant' to be a good description of your orchid, here's our advice on looking after orchids.