There’s something bold and beautiful about red flowers—they just know how to steal the spotlight. Every time I plant a new one, it instantly wakes up the whole garden.
From fiery scarlet to deep crimson, these blooms bring serious color and energy. I’ve also got a few tips to help you keep that wow factor going all year long.
Let’s turn your garden into a red-hot stunner that never fades.
1. Roses
Nothing says romance quite like these classic beauties that have captivated gardeners for centuries. The velvety petals come in various shades from bright scarlet to deep crimson.
Plant them in a spot with at least six hours of sunlight and good air circulation to prevent disease. With proper pruning and fertilizing, these perennial favorites can produce stunning blooms from late spring through fall.
2. Tulips
Heralding spring’s arrival, these cup-shaped blooms bring cheerful color after winter’s gloom. Available in countless red varieties from simple single petals to elaborate fringed or parrot forms.
Fall planting is essential for spring blooms, so tuck these bulbs into well-drained soil about 6-8 inches deep. For dramatic impact, plant them in clusters rather than single rows to create vibrant pools of crimson throughout your garden.
3. Geraniums
Beloved for their reliability, these cheerful blooms thrive in containers and garden beds alike. The bright clusters of flowers stand proud above rounded, sometimes scented foliage that adds texture even when not blooming.
Even novice gardeners find success with these forgiving plants that tolerate drought once established. In warmer zones, they’ll flower nearly year-round, while in colder areas, you can bring potted specimens indoors to enjoy their blooms through winter.
4. Dahlias
From dinner-plate sized blooms to petite pompoms, these show-stopping flowers offer incredible variety. The geometrically perfect petals arrange themselves in mesmerizing patterns that draw both human admirers and beneficial pollinators.
Summer-blooming dahlias require full sun and regular feeding to produce their magnificent flowers. Dig up the tubers in fall if you live in zones colder than 8, storing them in a cool, dry place until spring planting time arrives again.
5. Poppies
With tissue-paper petals that dance in the slightest breeze, these enchanting flowers bring ephemeral beauty to early summer gardens. The brilliant scarlet blooms often feature dramatic black centers that create striking contrast.
Annual varieties self-seed readily, creating new surprises each year. Perennial oriental poppies offer larger blooms but shorter flowering periods, going dormant in summer heat – plant companions nearby to fill the gap when their foliage disappears.
6. Amaryllis
Traditionally enjoyed as holiday houseplants, these impressive blooms feature trumpet-shaped flowers atop tall, sturdy stalks. Each bulb typically produces multiple blooms, creating weeks of dramatic display.
In zones 9-11, amaryllis can be planted outdoors as perennials in well-drained soil. Northern gardeners can move potted bulbs outside for summer, then bring them in before frost. After flowering, continue watering and fertilizing to build energy for next year’s blooms.
7. Canna
Tropical flair meets easy-care performance with these bold beauties that feature paddle-shaped leaves and clusters of orchid-like blooms. Some varieties offer burgundy foliage that doubles the red impact in your landscape.
Summer heat brings out their best flowering, making them perfect for hot, humid regions. Plant the rhizomes after all danger of frost has passed, and you’ll enjoy their dramatic presence until autumn. In colder areas, dig up rhizomes before frost for winter storage.
8. Begonias
Available in countless forms from upright to trailing, these versatile plants offer something for every garden situation. The waxy petals resist rain damage better than many flowers, keeping displays looking fresh even after summer showers.
Shade tolerance makes begonias perfect for brightening darker corners where other flowers struggle. Choose tuberous varieties for the largest blooms or fibrous types for non-stop flowering. In containers, they’ll provide months of color with minimal maintenance.
9. Zinnias
Heat-loving and pollinator-friendly, these cheerful annuals offer weeks of brilliant color from midsummer until frost. The daisy-like blooms come in various sizes from button types to larger varieties with layered petals.
Direct sowing after danger of frost has passed yields the best results. Deadhead regularly to encourage continuous blooming throughout the season. Their long, sturdy stems make them excellent cutting flowers, so you can enjoy their vibrant color both outdoors and in vases.
10. Dianthus
Often called ‘pinks’ despite their red varieties, these charming flowers feature distinctive fringed petals and a spicy clove-like fragrance. Low-growing forms create beautiful edging while taller varieties work well in mixed borders.
Many varieties bloom heavily in spring, take a break during summer heat, then produce a second flush of flowers in fall. Their compact size makes them perfect for rock gardens or the front of borders. Most appreciate well-drained soil and resist deer browsing.
11. Pentas
Star-shaped florets cluster together to form rounded flower heads that attract butterflies and hummingbirds by the dozen. The non-stop blooming habit ensures continuous color from spring until frost in most climates.
Heat and humidity tolerance makes pentas ideal for challenging summer conditions when other flowers might struggle. In frost-free areas, they’ll perform as perennials, while northern gardeners treat them as annuals. Their relatively compact size works perfectly in containers or as bedding plants.
12. Crocosmia
Arching stems hold dozens of tubular, iris-like flowers that appear to float above sword-shaped foliage. Hummingbirds find these nectar-rich blooms irresistible, making them wonderful additions to wildlife gardens.
Plant these summer-blooming corms in spring for dramatic mid to late summer color. ‘Lucifer’ is the most popular red variety, featuring brilliant scarlet blooms. In zones 5-9, they’ll return reliably each year, gradually forming larger clumps that can be divided every few seasons.
13. Salvia
Spiky flower stalks create vertical interest in the garden while attracting beneficial pollinators. The tubular blooms appear in whorls along the stems, creating dramatic architectural elements in mixed plantings.
Drought tolerance makes these plants perfect for water-wise gardens. Annual varieties like ‘Vista Red’ bloom continuously, while perennial types often have specific blooming seasons. Many salvias also feature aromatic foliage that deer and rabbits typically avoid.
14. Celosia
Uniquely textured blooms resemble either plumed feathers or corrugated brain-like forms depending on the variety. The velvety flower heads maintain their vibrant color for weeks, even drying beautifully for arrangements.
Summer heat brings out their best performance, making them ideal for hot, sunny locations. Their distinctive appearance adds interesting texture to garden beds. Some varieties reach impressive heights of 3-4 feet, while dwarf forms stay compact for containers.
15. Gaillardia
Often called blanket flowers, these daisy-like blooms feature red centers that radiate outward to yellow-tipped petals. The two-toned effect creates eye-catching displays that bloom from early summer until frost.
Exceptional drought tolerance once established makes them perfect for low-maintenance gardens. Most varieties are short-lived perennials but self-seed readily. Their compact size works well in containers or front-of-border positions where their continuous blooming habit provides reliable color.
16. Bee Balm
Shaggy, exotic-looking blooms resemble fireworks frozen in time, creating focal points wherever they grow. Native to North America, these plants support local pollinators while adding vibrant color to summer gardens.
Spreading gradually through underground rhizomes, they form impressive clumps over time. Plant in moist, well-drained soil with good air circulation to prevent powdery mildew. Deadheading spent blooms encourages additional flowering through the summer months.
17. Columbine
Delicate, nodding flowers feature distinctive spurred petals that dance above fern-like foliage in spring gardens. The unusual shape attracts hummingbirds while adding unexpected form to woodland settings and cottage gardens.
Early spring blooming makes them valuable for providing color when many perennials are just emerging. They self-seed readily, creating natural drifts over time. The red varieties often show contrasting yellow centers or white-tipped spurs for additional visual interest.
18. Cardinal Flower
Named for resembling a cardinal’s bright robes, these native wildflowers produce intensely red spikes that attract hummingbirds from far and wide. The dramatic vertical form creates stunning accents in late summer when many gardens need fresh color.
Unlike many red flowers, cardinal flowers thrive in partial shade and moist conditions. They’re perfect for rain gardens or pond edges. Though short-lived perennials, they self-seed when happy, creating sustainable colonies that return year after year.