Red flowers—love ‘em or hate ‘em—add an undeniable fiery look to gardens. The hue stands out brilliantly against the predominant greens of most landscapes, which makes red flowers an instant focal point. For many gardeners, red blooms are the heartbeats of their beds and borders, radiating passion, energy, and a timeless charm. Perhaps it’s no surprise that the familiar line “Roses are red . . .” from the popular nursery rhyme comes so readily to mind; those four words have etched red flowers into the cultural imagination as symbols of love and beauty.
Whether it’s the velvety petals of a crimson peony or the fiery spikes of a hummingbird favorite, these blooms offer not just color but drama. If you think you’re not a fan of red-flowered plants, give this episode a listen because we offer up some options for every imaginable shade of this controversial color, from magenta pinkish-red to dark and moody burgundy.
Expert: Erin Schanen is creator of the Impatient Gardener blog and YouTube channel and a Fine Gardening author.
Danielle’s Red-Flowered Plant Picks
- ‘Sword Dance’ peony (Paeonia lactiflora ‘Sword Dance’, Zones 4–9)
- ‘Major Wheeler’ trumpet honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens ‘Major Wheeler’, Zones 4–8)
- ‘Claude Shride’ martagon lily (Lilium ‘Claude Shride’, Zones 3–9)
- Red trillium (Trillium erectum, Zones 3–7)
Carol’s Red-Flowered Plant Picks:
- ‘Red Rouge’ pinks (Dianthus ‘Red Rouge’, Zones 4–9)
- ‘Showy Lantern’ redvein enkianthus (Enkianthus campanulatus ‘Showy Lantern’, Zones 4–7)
- ‘Strawberry Fields’ gomphrena (Gomphrena ‘Strawberry Fields’, annual)
- Red buckeye (Aesculus pavia, Zones 4–8)
- Bonus plant: ‘America’ peony (Paeonia ‘America’, Zones 4–9)
Expert Guest Erin Schanen’s Red-Flowered Plant Picks:
- ‘Golden Delicious’ pineapple sage (Salvia elegans ‘Golden Delicious’, Zones 7b–10)
- Breadseed poppy (Papaver somniferum and cvs., annual)
- ‘Red Giant’ (not pictured)
- Frilly hybrid cross
- ‘Ladybird’ poppy (Papaver commutatum ‘Ladybird’, annual)
- ‘Lucifer’ crocosmia (Crocosmia ‘Lucifer’, Zones 5–9)
All photos from the contributor unless noted otherwise.
Fine Gardening Recommended Products
A.M. Leonard Deluxe Soil Knife & Leather Sheath Combo
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MULTITASKING DUAL EDGES: a deep serrated edge and a tapered slicing edge ideal for tough or delicate cuts. DURABLE 6-inch stainless steel blade withstands 300 lbs of pressure. TWINE CUTTING NOTCH, DEPTH GAUGE MARKINGS & spear point – no need to switch tools when using this garden knife. LEATHER SHEATH: heavy duty, protective, clip on sheath to keep your knife convenient and secure. LIFETIME WARRANTY.
Monarch Butterfly Rescue Wildflower Seeds 4 oz.
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HIGH QUALITY SEEDS and EXPERT GUIDANCE: Experience the quality seed difference. We are committed to providing the highest quality, open-pollinated, non-GMO/non-GE seeds to our customers, guaranteed. A trusted source of high quality seeds since 1985. ATTRACT MORE MONARCHS: We know seeds and we know pollinators! Our expertly crafted botanical garden seed mixes contain a wide variety of both perennials and annuals that are specifically designed to attract pollinators. Attract more Monarchs and Butterflies in general. Gardener tested, pollinator approved! All Of Our Wildflower Varieties Are 100% Pure Seed, They come with complete planting instructions. Compare and see the quality value. This Wildflower Seed Mix will make the perfect gift for those gardeners in your life.
Gardener’s Log Book from NYBG
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This weatherproof five-year log book includes the following features:
· Sturdy waterproof cover to protect pages from rain and muddy soil
· Lined pages and gridded paper for plotting beds
· Five years of 12-month bloom and harvest grids for recording what you planted and when
· Authoritative appendices on composting, pruning, pest and disease control, and container gardening
· Useful reminders by season on fertilizing, mulching, and transplanting
· Space for listing your favorite sources and suppliers.
