Adding pops of color to your garden is a great way to make it come alive with life and beauty, and red perennials are the perfect way to do just that.
From bright red cardinal flowers to vibrant bee balm, there are plenty of options to choose from when it comes to adding a splash of color to your garden.
Read on for our top ten picks for red perennials that you should include in your garden!
Benefits of Growing Red Perennials in Your Garden
There are many benefits to growing red perennials in your garden.
For starters, they can add a splash of color and vibrancy to any garden or landscape.
Red perennials also provide an array of textures, shapes, sizes, and colors that can be used to create a stunning display.
Additionally, many red perennials are drought tolerant and require little maintenance – perfect for busy gardeners!
Furthermore, the blooms of these plants typically last for weeks or even months at a time, making them ideal for brightening up your outdoor space all season long.
Finally, some varieties have fragrant flowers which help attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies into your garden.
No matter what type of garden you have, you’re sure to find a red perennial that will bring beauty and life to your outdoor oasis.
1. Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis)
The cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis) is a stunning perennial that produces vibrant red flowers and lush green foliage.
This hardy plant can reach heights of up to four feet and is native to North America.
The cardinal flower prefers moist soils in full sun or partial shade and blooms between late spring and late summer.
It’s drought-tolerant and requires little maintenance, making it an ideal choice for busy gardeners!
In addition, its spectacular blooms will last for weeks at a time, providing your garden with a beautiful display of color.
The cardinal flower also attracts pollinators such as bees and butterflies into your garden which helps promote biodiversity within the environment.
Plant it in the spring or fall depending on your climate zone and enjoy its beauty all season long!
2. Red Columbine (Aquilegia formosa)
Red Columbine (Aquilegia formosa) is a stunning perennial that is native to the western United States.
This delightful plant features delicate bell-shaped flowers, in a range of colors from pale pink to deep red. The blooms appear in late spring and can last until early summer.
Red Columbine grows best in well-draining soil but will tolerate moist soils as well.
It prefers partial shade but can tolerate full sun if given enough water during hot months.
This beautiful flower will reach heights of up to two feet and its green foliage will add texture to your garden all year long.
Plant Red Columbine in your garden for a vibrant display of color throughout the growing season!
3. Red Hot Poker (Kniphofia uvaria)
Red Hot Poker (Kniphofia uvaria) is an excellent choice for gardeners looking for a stunning display of late spring and summer colors.
This vibrant perennial produces attractive, yellow-orange flower spikes that can reach up to three feet tall.
The flowers are highly fragrant and attract hummingbirds and butterflies alike.
Red hot poker thrives in well-drained soils and will tolerate partial shade and drought conditions once established.
It prefers moist soils but is also tolerant of dry conditions, making it a great choice for most gardens.
While Red Hot Poker is generally hardy in warmer climates, it may need protection from extremely cold temperatures in colder regions.
With its gorgeous flowers, long-lasting cut flowers, and range of colors, this beautiful perennial is sure to make a lasting impression in any flower garden!
4. Bee Balm (Monarda didyma)
Bee Balm (Monarda didyma) is a show-stopping perennial with deep red, purple, and pink flowers.
It grows up to 3 feet tall and is perfect for adding height to flower beds and borders.
The plant does best in soil that is moist but well-drained, so be sure to add plenty of organic matter when planting.
For optimum growth, bee balm should be planted in full sun or partial shade and will thrive in late spring or late summer.
This beautiful flower is also very fragrant which makes it an ideal choice for those looking to attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies into their garden.
