Are you in search of red blooms to enhance your yard, but unsure of which flowers will thrive in your home or garden area? This article explores 61 fantastic choices to bring vibrant color that will complement any season!
Your garden is your own little slice of happiness, and nothing brightens it up quite like the color red. Red flowers symbolize love, passion, and excitement, making them a vibrant addition to any outdoor space. While you may already have some red blooms in your garden, there are plenty of lesser-known varieties waiting to be discovered!
Bold scarlet blooms are a fantastic choice for adding a pop of color to your garden. Whether you scatter them throughout your greenery for a subtle touch of red or go all out with an abundance of blooms, they are sure to leave a lasting impact.
In this detailed guide, we’ll walk you through some of our top picks for red flowers to enhance your home or garden. From traditional favorites to unique varieties, each type of flower offers a different form and shade, allowing you to create a truly special garden retreat. We’ll provide a brief overview of each flower and offer some helpful tips on how to care for them. Let’s delve into the world of red flowers together!
Alstroemeria
The first flower we’re talking about is the stunning and unique Alstroemeria. This plant produces cone-shaped flowers in vibrant red-orange hues with a golden center and deep burgundy accents. Resembling a lily, it is also known as the Peruvian Lily. Alstroemerias are tough and resilient, boasting numerous blooms from late spring to late summer. They form a full, bushy clump reaching 16 to 20 inches in height and 20 to 24 inches in width.
For optimal growth, Alstroemerias thrive in moist, well-drained, and highly fertile soil, whether under full sun or partial shade. They are low-maintenance and perfect for casual gardeners, requiring minimal effort to care for. Alstroemerias can thrive in USDA zones 8 through 10 without winter protection, with an ideal soil pH range of 6 to 7.
Amaranthus
Originally hailing from India, Africa, and Peru, the unique and exotic amaranthus plant is known for its long, tassel-like floret clusters that bloom a vibrant crimson red during the summer and fall seasons.
Standing tall at heights ranging from 36 to 96 inches and widths of 12 to 36 inches, this stunning flower with oval, light green leaves serves as a striking centerpiece in any summer garden. Thriving best under the full sun in fertile soil rich with humus, the amaranthus requires regular maintenance, including cutting back after flowering as it easily propagates.
With the ability to grow in USDA zones 2 to 11 and in soil with alkaline, acid, or neutral pH levels, this dramatic and imposing plant adds a touch of elegance to any garden landscape.
The vibrant red blooms of amaryllis can make a striking addition to any garden, with their royal and breathtaking appearance. These large, velvety flowers boast a deep, blood-red hue and a beautiful sheen around the throat.
Amaryllis is a popular choice for gardeners due to its stunning beauty and ease of care. Growing from a single bulb, this plant gracefully reaches heights of around 20 inches and produces 2 to 3 stems, each with 5 to 6 flowers. The flowers bloom gradually over an extended period of time, creating a lasting display of color.
While amaryllis is a low-maintenance plant, it should be noted that it can be toxic if ingested. However, it thrives in USDA zones 8 to 11 and can adapt to various soil types, including chalk, clay, loam, and sand.
The anemone coronaria, though not to be confused with the sea anemone from that famous fish joke, is still a delightful sight with its red double flowers and curved, poppy-like petals. While these flowers may not stick around for too long, they are beloved for their vibrant appearance and easy-to-care-for nature. Anemones thrive in sunny conditions and well-drained soil with a bit of moisture, making them a great addition to beds, borders, or rock gardens. These beauties bloom in mid to late spring and are a favorite of butterflies, attracting attention wherever they’re planted. Before planting the small corms of anemone, it’s best to soak them in water for a few hours. Growing to a height of 8 to 12 inches, these flowers do best in USDA zones 7 through 10.
Known for its natural beauty, the anthurium, also known as the flamingo flower, displays a stunning transformation from a pale rosy hue to a vibrant, waxy red as it matures. This unique flower features a heart-shaped spathe and a spadix that can be white, cream, or a striking yellow color. The entire plant glistens as if it’s been coated with lacquer, reaching an impressive height of 12 to 18 inches and spreading out to 10 to 12 inches wide.
With the right care, anthuriums can bloom throughout the year, boasting 4 to 6 flowers annually when planted in a container indoors with a soil mix containing peat, compost, or ground bark to ensure rich and well-drained soil. These plants thrive in filtered light and require consistent moisture, as well as a stable temperature of around 16 degrees Celsius, with increased humidity during the summer months. Anthuriums flourish in USDA zones 11 and 12, making them a delightful addition to any indoor garden.
Armeria, also known as ‘Ballerina red’, is a vibrant red flower that blooms in a large sphere of densely packed florets. This gorgeous plant can bring charm to any garden with its mid to late spring blooms, and occasional flowering in the summer and fall.
Despite its stunning appearance, Armeria is easy to care for and can thrive in dry, less fertile soil. However, when planted in richer soil, it may have fewer leaves towards the center. This flower can grow up to 8-10 inches in height and width, with a recommended spacing of 10-15 inches from other plants. Armeria is both drought resistant and adaptable to partial or full sun exposure.
With proper care, Armeria can produce multiple blooms per bush and can be encouraged to bloom again through deadheading. This flower does best in USDA zones 6 to 7 and heat zones 6 to 7.
Aster
The aster, also known as royal ruby, is a strikingly colorful flower with deep mulberry-red petals and a vibrant yellow-gold center. Originating from North America, this flower blooms from late summer to early fall and brings a delightful charm to any garden with its stunning appearance. Gardeners looking to attract birds and butterflies will love the aster, as its sweet nectar is a favorite among these creatures.
Asters are low-maintenance and thrive in both full and partial sun, preferring well-drained soil with moderate moisture levels. Good air circulation is key to preventing powdery mildew. These flowers grow upright and bushy, reaching heights of 18 to 20 inches and widths of 12 to 18 inches. With its resilience, the aster can flourish in USDA zones 4 to 8.
Commonly known as the Flame Azalea, this stunning flower features a wide range of fiery hues, from dazzling golden-yellow to vibrant red with striking orange markings. The buds of this flower resemble flickering candle flames and develop into a breathtaking, loosely round bloom that eventually unfurls into an exquisite, fiery star-shaped blossom.
While these flowers are toxic to humans, they are a favorite among various bird species, particularly hummingbirds, making them a popular choice for butterfly gardens.
Azaleas thrive in areas with full or partial sunlight and prefer acidic, well-drained soil enriched with humus. To help maintain moisture, control weeds, and keep the soil cool, it is recommended to apply a layer of mulch, such as leaf mold, around the plant.
This shrub grows upright and spreads out, reaching heights and widths ranging from 48 to 96 inches. The best time to plant Azaleas is in USDA zones 5 to 8 during the spring, summer, or fall.
Begonia
The begonia is a resilient plant that blooms continuously, displaying a variety of large and magnificent flowers. Often likened to carnations, begonias are strikingly beautiful with their crimped and ruffled scarlet-red petals that stand out against the deep green, waxy foliage. They are relatively easy to cultivate in well-drained soil with a slightly acidic or neutral pH level, preferably under some shade.
Ideal for low-maintenance gardens, begonias are resistant to deer and rabbits, growing up to 12 to 14 inches tall and spreading around 12 to 16 inches wide effortlessly. However, these delicate flowers are sensitive to strong winds, cool temperatures, and frost, requiring proper air circulation and storage in a dry area during the winter months. They are best suited for planting in USDA zones 9 through 11.
Bergamot
Cherry Pops, also known as bergamots, are stunning perennials that boast vibrant cherry-red flowers in dense clusters. These flowers make a lovely addition to informal garden borders, attracting butterflies and hummingbirds while deterring deer and rabbits. They thrive in well-drained, fertile soil and can tolerate either partial shade or full sun. Proper aeration is key to prevent powdery mildew. With deadheading, Cherry Pops will produce more blooms and can even be enjoyed as cut flowers. This hardy plant can grow up to 20 inches tall and 26 inches wide, thriving best in USDA zones 4-8.
Bergenia, also known as evening bells, is a stunning winter plant with upright growth and clusters of rosy-red bell-shaped flowers. These flowers bloom on a sturdy burgundy-red stem base that has a wrinkled, leathery appearance. While bergenia can thrive in various soil conditions, it prefers average, moderately moist, well-drained soil rich in humus. It can thrive in full sun, partial sun, or even heavy shade as long as the environment is not too hot or dry.
Bergenia is a low-maintenance plant that can be propagated through division or by sectioning root rhizomes in spring or fall. It is well-suited for city or coastal gardens, being disease-resistant and serving as effective ground cover along pathways. When planted in large groups, bergenia provides a striking visual impact. In USDA zones 4 to 8, bergenia can grow as wide as it is tall, reaching heights of 12 to 18 inches.
The enchanting bleeding heart plant, also known as “Valentine,” boasts a mesmerizing appearance with its graceful arching flower stems. Each stem bears multiple heart-shaped flowers in a deep scarlet-red hue, accented by delicate white petals. These blooms last for 4 to 6 weeks during late spring and early summer before fading away, leaving behind lush green foliage in a dormant state.
Reaching heights of up to 30 inches and spreading generously, bleeding hearts flourish in well-fertilized, humus-rich soil that drains well. While they prefer shaded areas, they can also thrive in full sun if the soil remains consistently moist. Suitable for USDA zones 3 to 9, these plants should be handled with care as they can cause discomfort if ingested.
Calla Lily
Originating from South Africa, calla lilies are a vibrant addition to any garden during the summer and fall seasons. Known for their striking appearance, these plants feature trumpet-shaped flowers that transition from a golden-yellow hue to a fiery orangish-red with yellow speckling in the throat. Their unique stalk in the center adds to their charm. Calla lilies come in various colors, including white and a rare deep black variety.
These elegant flowers typically reach a height of 14 to 18 inches and a width of 12 to 24 inches, making them popular choices for wedding bouquets due to their graceful form. Despite their stunning appearance, calla lilies are low-maintenance plants, ideal for novice gardeners. They thrive in moist, well-drained soil under full sun or partial shade. While they are resistant to deer and rabbits, it’s important to note that their sap can irritate human skin and eyes, and ingestion can lead to severe discomfort. Calla lilies flourish in USDA zones 8 to 10.
Overall, calla lilies are a beautiful and easy-to-care-for addition to any garden, providing a pop of color and elegance throughout the warmer months.
Known by the charming nickname “Crimson Bottlebrush,” callistemons are delightful plants with a sweet aroma that attracts a host of birds and butterflies with their generous nectar production. Their leaves emit a lemony fragrance when crushed. These evergreen shrubs boast spiky flowers resembling brush-like thistles, blooming in a vivid crimson hue.
To thrive, callistemons require moist, well-drained acidic soil and regular watering in full sun or partial shade. They are generally resistant to pests, though spider mites, mealybugs, and scale insects may be a concern when cultivated in a greenhouse. In their native Australia, these plants can reach tree-like heights of up to 25 feet and widths ranging from 3 to 22 feet. Callistemons are particularly well-suited for USDA zones 10 to 11.
Camellia
The popular and elegant camellia flowers are known for their variety of colors and forms, with over 30,000 cultivars to choose from. Among these, the red camellias stand out with their large size and dense center.
These semi-double blooms boast a deep red hue with striking golden stamens peeking through the delicate ruffled petals. They bloom abundantly for months on end, creating a stunning garden display from spring through winter.
Camellias thrive in acidic, well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter and retains a moderate level of moisture. They prefer partial to full shade, as they are not fans of direct sunlight. While camellias are generally low-maintenance plants, they should be protected from pests like vine weevils, aphids, and scale insects. In USDA zones 7 to 9, camellias can grow as tall and wide as 6 to 8 feet.
The canna plant, also known as the “Ambassador,” has an impressive and eye-catching appearance. It can grow to heights of 5 to 6 feet and spread out to 18 to 24 inches wide. The plant produces stunning, iris-like flowers and has lush, emerald green foliage. Its velvety flowers come in a variety of colors, including a vibrant, deep red shade. Cannas add a burst of color and tropical feel to any garden.
Cannas are low-maintenance plants that are easy to grow. They can thrive in different soil conditions but do best in well-drained, organic-rich soil under full sun. These plants are generally resistant to pests, but it’s important to watch out for slugs, snails, Japanese beetles, and caterpillars, which can cause damage to the foliage. It’s also worth noting that cannas are not tolerant of frost and are most suited for USDA zones 8 to 11.