Are you ready to paint your garden in the most dramatic color? Then you’ll definitely need red flowering shrubs to transform your landscape into a splendid visual symphony!
From the elegance of red azaleas to the fiery radiance of roses, we will reveal secrets to landscaping that will make your neighbors green with envy.
I’ll also show you what these plants need to flourish and how to choose the perfect one for your garden.
Let’s get started!
1. Azalea
Charming azaleas adorn gardens worldwide and come in many hues, but red ones definitely stand out. Red varieties have actually earned the epithet America’s favorite shrub.
One of the prettiest cultivars is the Bloom-a-Thon, a reblooming variety that leaves everyone who sees it speechless.
Fragrant blossoms will add a special touch of beauty to your garden. You can use these shrubs as foundation plants or focal points.
If you don’t have enough space, red azaleas will also be happy in containers.
These flowering shrubs are hardy in USDA zones 7 and 8.
2. Hydrangea
Some types of hydrangeas come in red and aren’t commonly seen. So, if you want a unique red garden, red hydrangeas are a great way to go.
You can grow them as a hedge or, if you lack space, simply pot them and keep them on a balcony or porch.
The most captivating cultivars that come in red are Lady in Red and Grateful Red hydrangea.
3. Chilean Firebush
Otherwise known as the Chilean Flame Flower, the Chilean Firebush is a lovely shrub with leathery leaves and fragrant scarlet blossoms.
The tubular flowers last from late spring to early summer and the plant can exceed 13 feet under optimal conditions.
This shrub has a fast growth rate, so if you need a plant for privacy, a Chilean Firebush will do the job.
It will fit into every garden design; from cottage gardens to borders and flower beds. You can also train the Chilean Firebush into a tree.
You can grow this shrub if you live in USDA zones 7 and above.
4. Bottlebrush
If you’re looking for an uncommon flower shape, a Bottlebrush is the perfect choice. The blossoms really resemble bottle brushes, so I think the name fits perfectly.
These shrubs have a long blooming season and you can enjoy the splendid blooms all summer long.
Bear in mind that the Bottlebrush thrives in warmer temperatures, so you can grow it outdoors if you live in USDA hardiness zones 8 through 11.
You can also grow it as a tree and it will reach 15 feet tall if you meet all its requirements. Alternatively, prune it heavily and plant it in a container.
5. Red Flowering Quince
This is one of the most popular shrubs out there and gardeners choose it because of its low care requirements.
This shrub can reach 10 feet in both height and width, and has a pretty messy growth habit. However, once the red blossoms appear, Flowering quince looks breathtaking.
Flowers last approximately 2 weeks and the plant generates edible yellowish-green fruit. I especially like their flavor in jellies.
You can successfully grow this shrub if you live in USDA zones 5 through 9.
6. Red Knock Out Rose
Landscaping with knock out roses is always an excellent idea. Some cultivars come in red and will definitely add a touch of elegance and vibrancy to your garden.
Roses can be fussy about growing conditions, so if you’re a beginner I highly recommend growing knock out rose varieties.
They tolerate cooler temperatures and the flowers can last from May until the first frost. Additionally, these rose types aren’t prone to diseases.
Many gardeners avoid deadheading these shrubs but I think the spent blossoms look pretty unattractive, so feel free to remove them. This method will also encourage your red knock out roses to produce more captivating flowers.
How To Choose The Perfect Red Flowering Shrub
Now that you’ve seen some beautiful red flowering shrubs, I’m sure you’re wondering which one to choose. Well, there are a few factors you should consider before your purchase.
Seasonal Delights
The first thing to consider is the season of interest. If you want to add red shrubs to your summer garden, bear in mind that you won’t have blossoms in winter and vice versa.
You can get a colorful garden by combining red flowers for every season. You can add some shrubs, climbing plants, and even fruit and vegetables to get all-season interest.
Also consider the shape and color of the foliage. Some shrubs have green blossoms year-round and look amazing even when the plant isn’t in full bloom.
You can also choose deciduous shrubs; their leaves will drop off in the winter but look outstanding during the fall.
Shade Of Red
There are many shades of red, so the precise color you’re after is another thing to consider when purchasing red flowering shrubs.
If you’re a fan of more subtle garden designs, then it would be best if you chose flowers with bright shades of red, such as azaleas.
Deep red flowers, such as those of knock out roses and red hydrangeas, will add a more dramatic touch to your garden.
If you want to combine red flowering shrubs with other hues such as purple or orange, I recommend choosing crimson or scarlet varieties.
Scent
Many growers decide on scented gardens and if you’re one of them you should grow red shrubs that generate fragrant blossoms.
If you want to add these shrubs near a seating area, you should choose varieties with delicate fragrances.
Some varieties emit a strong fragrance and I recommend planting these shrubs in borders. The fragrance will be carried by the wind and your entire neighborhood will smell great.
Location
After you decide where you’ll plant your red shrubs, you should see how much sun the location receives. This is essential because some plants require full sun and others prefer shadier areas.
For instance, if the spot receives a lot of direct sunlight, Red flowering quince is a perfect choice.
If the spot is a bit shady, choose azaleas or hydrangeas. Sufficient light can encourage plants to generate another set of blossoms during the season.
On the other hand, if the plant receives either too much or not enough light, it can affect flower production. For instance, hydrangeas won’t bloom if you grow them in full shade or full sun.
Space
Another factor to consider is the size of the shrub. Some varieties grow very tall and need more space. They often deplete the nutrients from the soil, which can result in poor growth of surrounding plants.
Additionally, tall shrubs will create shade and can filter the light for the surrounding sun-loving plants, which can result in stunted growth.
Also consider the width of each shrub and check with the authorities to see if the plant is invasive and could harm your area.
Care Requirements
Last but not least, you should check the care requirements of each shrub, especially if you’re a beginner.
Some shrubs don’t need much to thrive and show great resistance to drought and other environmental changes.
Pruning can be challenging to novice gardeners, so if you’re a newbie, go with plants that require little to no pruning.
If you’re a seasoned gardener, then none of the plants above will be problematic. Of course, this refers to gardeners that have a lot of free time.
Creating a garden with red flowering shrubs requires patience and care, but it’s worth every second you spend on it. You’ll get a splendid oasis of elegance, romance, and passion.
Until next time!