“Bold and Beautiful: 20 Vibrant Red Flowers to Enhance Your Home or Garden”

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From tulips blooming in the spring to chrysanthemums showing off in the fall, there is a wide variety of plants with stunning red hues to choose from throughout the year. Whether it’s a blooming tree, a vibrant shrub, a perennial that comes back year after year, spring bulbs popping up, or an annual that adds a splash of color, these red plants all bring warmth and vibrance to any landscape.

Here, we’ve compiled a list of 60 plants that showcase beautiful red flowers. We’ve included popular red varieties for plants that offer blooms in multiple colors to make it easier for you to find the perfect addition to your garden.

01: Amaranth

The plant known as Amaranth is cultivated for both its delicious, seed-like grains and its attractive appearance. It features striking red flower clusters that hang down from its tall stalks.
Plant Name: Amaranth (Amaranthus cruentus)
Popular Red Varieties: ‘Red Garnet’, ‘Hopi Red Dye’
Plant Category: Annual
Flowering Season: Summer, fall
Suitable USDA Hardiness Zones: 2-11
Light Requirements: Full to partial sunlight
Soil Preferences: Moist yet well-drained
Mature Plant Size: 2-4 ft. in height, 1-2 ft. wide

Anemones are known for their delicate, poppy-like flowers that gently sway in the wind, earning them the nickname “windflower.” These perennial plants bloom in spring and thrive in USDA hardiness zones 7-10. They prefer full to partial sun and moist soil, growing to be 10-18 inches tall and 5-9 inches wide. It’s important to note that anemones are toxic to both humans and pets. Another popular plant to consider is the Annual Geranium.

Veronika Viskova / Getty Images
These tropical perennials, known for their long-lasting blooms, are commonly treated as annuals in most regions. They are especially popular for use in containers and hanging baskets.
Name:
Annual geranium (
Pelargonium
spp.)
Favorite Red Varieties:
‘Americana Red’, ‘Boldly’ Dark Red
Plant Type:
Annual
Flowering Season:
Spring, summer, fall
USDA Hardiness Zones:
9-12 (USDA)
Light Requirements:
Full sun
Soil Preferences:
Moist, well-drained
Mature Size:
10-12 in. tall, 12-20 in. wide
Toxicity:
Harmful to humans and pets
Azalea

Azaleas are shrubs that have loosely branched, shade-loving properties with either evergreen or deciduous leaves in an elliptical shape. They also produce clusters of funnel-shaped flowers. Azaleas, also known as Rhododendron spp., come in popular red varieties such as ‘Encore’ Red and ‘Red Formosa’. These shrubs bloom during the spring season and are best suited for USDA Hardiness Zones 6-8. They require full to partial sun exposure and well-drained, acidic soil. Azaleas can grow to be anywhere from 3 to 20 feet tall and wide. However, it is important to note that they are toxic to both humans and pets.

Number five out of sixty is the Bee Balm plant.

This wildflower, known as Bee Balm (Monarda spp.), is a perennial native to North America with vibrant spiky blossoms that are a favorite among pollinators. It blooms in the summer and thrives in USDA Hardiness Zones 3-9, requiring full to partial sun and moist soil. Bee Balm can grow to be 10-48 inches tall and 30-36 inches wide at maturity. Another popular plant, Begonia, is a beautiful option for your garden as well.

Anton Yakob / Getty Images There is no shortage of beauty when it comes to begonias, whether grown outdoors as annuals or kept as houseplants in cooler climates. With their long-lasting blooms, begonias are a reliable choice for any garden or interior space.

Name: Begonia (Begonia spp.)

Popular Red Varieties: ‘Double Up’ Red, ‘Surefire’ Red

Plant Type: Annual

Bloom Time: Summer

USDA Hardiness Zones: 10-11 (USDA)

Light: Partial sun to shade

Soil Needs: Moist

Mature Size: 8-24 in. tall, 8-18 in. wide

Toxic to: Pets

The Blanket Flower, also known as Gaillardia, is another stunning option to add to your garden.

Katrin Ray Shumakov / Getty Images
Known for its short lifespan as a perennial, this low-maintenance plant compensates with an abundance of vibrant, daisy-like flowers that bloom throughout the warm months.
Plant Name:
Blanket flower (
Gaillardia
spp.)
Popular Red Varieties:
‘Arizona Red’, ‘Red Sun’
Plant Type:
Perennial
Blooming Season:
Summer, fall
Suitable for USDA Hardiness Zones:
3-10 (USDA)
Light Requirement:
Full sun
Soil Preference:
Well-drained
Mature Size:
2-3 ft. tall, 1-2 ft. wide
Toxicity:
Harmful to humans
8

08
of 60
Bleeding Heart

In the refreshing spring air, this charming woodland plant thrives in the shade, showcasing its whimsical heart-shaped flowers hanging delicately from graceful stems.

Common Name:
Bleeding heart (
Lamprocapnos spectabilis)
Top Red Varieties:
‘Arizona Red’, ‘Red Sun’
Plant Type:
Perennial
Flowering Season:
Spring
USDA Hardiness Zones:
3-9 (USDA)
Light Requirements:
Partial shade
Soil Preferences:
Moist and well-drained
Mature Size:
1-3 ft. in height, 2-3 ft. in width
Toxicity:
Harmful to humans and pets.

The ninth plant on our list is the vibrant and colorful Bougainvillea.

Tatiana Maksimova / Getty Images
Instead of the flower, what we see on bougainvillea plants are actually foliar structures known as bracts. This robust vine requires support to climb.

Plant Name: Bougainvillea (Bougainvillea spp.)
Popular Red Varieties: ‘Double Red’, ‘Scarlett O’Hara’ (‘San Diego Red’)
Plant Type: Perennial vine
Blooming Time: Seasonal
USDA Hardiness Zones: 9-11 (USDA)
Light Requirements: Full sun
Soil Preferences: Well-drained, acidic
Mature Size: 14-40 ft. tall and wide
Toxicity: Harmful to humans

Calibrachoa is the next plant on the list.

Mark R Coons / Getty Images
Often called million bells, these flowers blossom profusely with petite petunia-like blooms measuring 1 inch in size.
Title:
Calibrachoa (
Calibrachoa
x
hybrida
)
Popular Red Type:
‘Superbells’ Red
Plant Classification:
Annual
Blooming Period:
Throughout spring, summer, and fall
USDA Hardiness Zones:
9-11
Light Requirement:
Full sunlight to partial shade
Soil Preference:
Moist and well-drained
Mature Dimensions:
6-12 inches tall, 12-24 inches wide

Out of 60 varieties, we also have the Camellia plant.

Image Credit: c11yg / Getty Images

This flowering evergreen shrub features large, vibrant blooms and glossy dark leaves that can be seen from fall to early spring.

Plant Name: Camellia (Camellia spp.)
Popular Red Varieties: ‘Red Hots’, ‘Kramer’s Supreme’
Type: Shrub
Blooming Season: Fall, winter, spring
USDA Hardiness Zones: 7-9 (USDA)
Light: Partial shade
Soil Preference: Moist and well-drained
Size at Maturity: 2-12 ft. tall, 2-10 ft. wide

The Canna Lily is the next plant on our list.

Captured through the lens of Alexandra Rudge from Getty Images, the slender, lily-like blooms gracefully emerge from towering stems amidst broad, banana-shaped leaves. In regions with cooler temperatures, it is necessary to carefully dig up the rhizomes during autumn for indoor overwintering.

Categorized as Canna (Canna x generalis), some popular red varieties include ‘Red King Humbert’ and ‘Red Dazzler’. These perennial plants bloom during the summer season and thrive in USDA hardiness zones 7-10, requiring full sun exposure and consistently moist soil to flourish. With a mature size ranging from 1.5 to 8 feet in height and 1.5 to 6 feet in width, these vibrant red canna flowers add a touch of elegance to any garden space.

13 out of 60 – Scarlet Lobelia

Image Credit: Eve Livesey / Getty Images

The cardinal flower, a North American native species, is distinguished by its vibrant scarlet red blooms. The tubular flowers form clusters that sit proudly atop tall stalks.

Plant Name: Cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis)
Plant Type: Perennial
Blooming Season: Summer, fall
Suitable USDA Hardiness Zones: 2-9
Light Requirements: Full sun to partial shade
Soil Preferences: Moist
Mature Size: 3-4 ft. in height, 1-2 ft. wide

Out of the vast array of plants, the cardinal flower truly stands out with its striking appearance.

YONCA60 / Getty Images

Carnations are a lovely addition to any spring garden with their colorful ruffled flowers. They may take some time to bloom in their first year, so patience is key.

Common Name: Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus)
Favorite Red Variety: ‘Oscar’
Plant Type: Perennial
Blooms: Spring
Suitable USDA Hardiness Zones: 7-10
Light Requirements: Full sun to partial shade
Soil Preference: Well-drained
Mature Size: 6-24 inches tall, 10-14 inches wide
Caution: Toxic to Pets

Celosia is another beautiful plant option to consider for your garden!

Wirestock / Getty Images

This vibrant annual, known for its tall spiky flowers and feathery plumes, comes in various heights and is perfect for those who love the sun.
Name: Celosia (Celosia spp.)
Top Red Varieties: ‘Castle’ Scarlet, ‘Red Flame’
Plant Type: Annual
Blooms: Summer, fall
USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-11
Light Requirements: Full sun
Soil Preference: Well-drained
Mature Size: 4-36 inches tall, 12-24 inches wide

Next up is the elegant Clematis, a beautiful and versatile plant that comes in a variety of colors and blooms in different shapes and sizes.

Popular for its lovely flowers, clematis is more than just a vine – it also includes trailing and shrub varieties. With the right care, these plants can bloom from summer all the way into autumn.
Scientific Name: Clematis spp.
Plant Type: Perennial vine, shrub
Blooming Season: Summer, fall
USDA Hardiness Zones: 4-9 (USDA)
Light Requirements: Full sun
Soil Preferences: Loamy, well-drained
Mature Size: 8-20 ft. in length
Toxicity: Harmful to humans and pets.

17 out of 60
Celosia Argentea

Image Credit: Tyler Tomasek / Getty Images

The velvety and brightly colored flowers of the Cockscomb plant, with their unique comb-like shape, retain their vibrant hues even after drying.

Plant Name: Cockscomb (Celosia argentea var. cristata)
Notable Red Varieties: ‘Tornado Red’, ‘Twisted Red’
Plant Type: Annual
Blooming Season: Summer, Fall
USDA Hardiness Zones: 9-12
Light Requirements: Full sun to partial shade
Soil Preference: Moist, well-drained
Mature Size: 12-16 inches tall, 12-14 inches wide

Columbine – Image 18 of 60

As we approach late spring and early summer, it’s the perfect time to admire the fleeting beauty of columbine, a short-lived perennial that thrives in cooler temperatures and struggles in harsh heat.

Commonly known as columbine (
Aquilegia
spp.), this plant boasts a variety of popular red breeds, such as the Eastern red columbine (
Aquilegia canadensis
) and ‘Crimson Star’. As a perennial, columbine blooms from spring to summer, adding a splash of color to your garden.

Ideal for USDA Hardiness Zones 3-8, columbine prefers a balance of full sun and partial shade, along with sandy, loamy soil that is moist yet well-drained. When fully mature, columbine can grow to be 1-3 feet tall and 1-2 feet wide.

Don’t miss the opportunity to witness the beauty of columbine in your garden this season!

Jacky Parker Photography beautifully captures the vibrant red blossoms of the common poppy, which typically bloom from late spring to early summer. These low-maintenance flowers are ideal for naturalizing as they easily self-seed.

Plant Name: Common poppy (Papaver rhoeas)
Type: Annual
Flowering Season: Spring, summer
USDA Hardiness Zones: 1-10
Light Requirements: Full to partial sun
Soil Preference: Well-drained
Mature Size: 2-3 ft. tall, 6-12 in. wide
Toxicity: Harmful to pets

Moving on to the Coral Bean plant…

Looking to enhance your garden with a beautiful native shrub? Look no further than the coral bean plant, scientifically known as Erythrina herbacea. This shrub features attractive heart-shaped, glossy dark green leaves and striking bright red, tubular flowers that bloom in the spring, summer, and fall.

Plant Name: Coral Bean (Erythrina herbacea)
Plant Type: Shrub
Blooming Season: Spring
USDA Hardiness Zones: 8-11 (USDA)
Light Requirement: Full to partial sun
Soil Preferences: Sandy, well-drained
Mature Size: 8-25 feet tall, 3-6 feet wide
Toxicity: Harmful to humans and pets

Consider adding the coral bean plant to your landscape for a pop of color and a touch of native beauty.