20 Bold Red Perennials That’ll Make Your Garden Breathtaking Year After Year
Create a garden that truly stands out with these 20 bold red perennials. Their stunning red blooms will fill your space with color, year after year. I’ve selected the top picks that thrive in different conditions and offer lasting beauty.
These plants are perfect for adding a dramatic flair or simply brightening up your garden. Get ready to enjoy rich, red flowers all season long!
1. Cardinal Flower
Splash your garden with a vibrant touch by welcoming the Cardinal Flower. This striking perennial, known for its bright red tubular flowers, attracts hummingbirds like a magnet.
For best results, ensure it gets plenty of moisture – think of it as the diva demanding a daily spa treatment! Plant it in rich, well-draining soil, and this beauty will reward you with its fiery blooms year after year.
2. Red Hot Poker
Transform your garden into an exotic getaway with the Red Hot Poker. Its fiery spikes of red and orange are a surefire way to turn heads and spark garden envy!
These showstoppers love basking in the sun, so plant them where they can soak up the rays. Don’t forget to give them well-draining soil – they’re particular about not getting their feet too wet!
3. Bee Balm
Add a splash of whimsy and watch the bees dance with joy at the sight of Bee Balm. This perennial not only boasts vibrant red blooms but also a delightful fragrance.
Plant it in a sunny spot where it can soak up the rays. Keep the soil moist, and it will reward you with its playful blooms and buzzing visitors.
4. Red Valerian
Who says you can’t have drama in the garden? Red Valerian, with its clusters of red blooms, creates a striking visual against any backdrop.
It’s unfussy, thriving in full sun and poor soil – a true rebel of the plant world! Cut it back after flowering to encourage a fresh spurt of blooms that keep the show going.
5. Peony
Bring a touch of romance and nostalgia with the classic red Peony. Known for its lush blooms and enchanting fragrance, it’s a garden staple.
Provide them with rich soil and a spot where they can bask in the morning sun. Peonies are the divas of the spring garden, so don’t disturb their roots once planted!
6. Helenium
Inject a jolt of energy into your borders with Helenium. Known for its daisy-like fiery red blooms, it’s a summer sensation!
Plant in full sun for the best color and form. Keep the soil moderately moist, and these beauties will dance in the breeze from summer to fall.
7. Crocosmia
Turn your garden into a fiery spectacle with Crocosmia. Its arching sprays of red blooms will leave you and your garden visitors in awe.
Plant them in well-drained, fertile soil where they can enjoy full sun. Divide the clumps every few years to maintain their vigor and ensure a stunning display each summer.
8. Daylily
Add some carefree color with the resilient Daylily. Red varieties burst with color, offering a splash of elegance to any garden spot.
These tough performers thrive in a range of soils and love the sun, making them perfect for low-maintenance gardeners. Divide regularly to keep them thriving and ensure a vibrant summer display.
9. Asiatic Lily
Why not add a pop of elegance with the Asiatic Lily? Their red hues stand tall and proud, turning any garden into a masterpiece.
Plant them in well-drained soil and let them bathe in the sun. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage more flowering, and watch your garden come alive with color.
10. Coreopsis
Coreopsis isn’t just a pretty face; it’s a robust and colorful addition to any garden. The red varieties bring a vibrant punch with their daisy-like blooms.
They thrive in full sun and can handle the heat, perfect for those hot summer days. Keep the soil well-drained, and these beauties will bloom profusely from summer into fall.
11. Achillea
Add texture and lasting color with the striking Achillea. This perennial is adored for its clusters of red blooms and fern-like foliage.
Achillea flourishes in full sun and well-drained soil, making it an easy-care option. Deadhead spent flowers to keep the show going and attract butterflies to your garden.
12. Salvia
With its spiky red blooms, Salvia instantly brightens your garden while attracting bees and butterflies.
It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, providing vibrant color all season long. Keep it pruned, and watch as fresh blooms keep coming, adding life to your garden from spring to fall.
13. Gaillardia
Bring the sunshine into your garden with Gaillardia. The red and yellow blooms resemble a sunset, offering cheerful color all summer long.
Gaillardia thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, perfect for xeriscaping. Deadhead regularly to keep it blooming and watch it dazzle your garden guests.
14. Heuchera
Add a pop of color to shady spots with Heuchera. This perennial delights with its deep red foliage and dainty flowers.
Heuchera prefers well-drained soil and partial shade, making it perfect for those tricky garden areas. Divide every few years to maintain its vigor and keep your garden looking fresh.
15. Poppy
Who can resist the allure of a red Poppy swaying gently in the breeze? Known for their bold color and delicate petals, Poppies are an iconic garden favorite.
They thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, catching the eye with their vivid display. Plant them in drifts for a natural look, and enjoy their beauty year after year.
16. Lobelia
Add some drama with red Lobelia cascading beautifully in your garden. Its vivid blooms provide a touch of elegance, perfect for containers and baskets.
Lobelia loves a sunny spot and consistently moist soil, making it an excellent choice for the dedicated gardener. Trim back after the first bloom for a fresh flush of flowers.
17. Columbine
Give your garden a whimsical touch with Columbine’s unique blooms. The red varieties add a punch of color with their distinctively shaped flowers.
Columbine is a woodland plant, thriving in partial shade and well-drained soil. Let it self-seed to enjoy an ever-changing tapestry of colors each year.
18. Penstemon
Bring some pizzazz to your garden with the tubular blooms of Penstemon! Known for its vibrant red colors, it’s a hummingbird magnet that adds a burst of wild beauty.
Thriving in full sun and well-drained soil, it’s the perfect choice for those looking to attract both beauty and wildlife. Deadhead spent blooms, and Penstemon will reward you with even more vibrant flowers throughout the season!
19. Sedum
For the lovers of low-maintenance beauty, Sedum is your answer. Known for its succulent leaves and clusters of red flowers, it’s perfect for rock gardens.
Sedum thrives in full sun and poor soil, making it a reliable choice for tough spots. Let it spread naturally, and enjoy the burst of color it brings each fall.
20. Astilbe
With its feathery plumes, Astilbe adds an exotic touch to the garden. The red varieties stand out beautifully against lush green foliage, creating a dramatic effect.
Thriving in partial shade and moist soil, it’s perfect for brightening up shady spots. Regular watering ensures a lush display, and you’ll enjoy its beauty from late spring to midsummer.