As a passionate gardener, I’m constantly seeking out vibrant plants that will add striking splashes of color to my outdoor space.
And few hues make a bolder statement than fiery reds. Over the years, I’ve filled my garden with a range of red perennials that keep the landscape awash in rich crimson, scarlet, and burgundy blooms nearly year-round.
When planted in mass or mixed with cooler colors, these red-hot bloomers create incredible visual impact. If you want to spice up your garden with red accents, here are some of my top low-maintenance red perennial picks.
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Ten Dazzling Red Perennial Flowers
These are my top ten favorite red perennials. Many of these are great companion plants and would make a great addition to your garden!
1. Red Bee Balm
Few sights compare to the abundant clusters of shaggy scarlet blooms that adorn multiple upright square stems of bee balm from early summer well into fall. The scarlet red flowers bloom in dense ball-shaped clusters along stiff, square stems, providing a fiery display in the garden for months on end. Hummingbirds can’t resist them! Red bee balm thrives in partial sun to light shade and moist, well-drained soil. It can spread aggressively, so give it plenty of room to form large, dramatic masses of color.
2. Red Hot Pokers
With torch-like spikes of tubular red-orange flowers rising above grassy foliage from early to midsummer, it’s easy to see how red hot pokers got their name! These towering beauties can reach 4-5 feet tall and prefer full sun exposure. Dense conical flowers emerge from buds in a showy display, transitioning from yellow to fiery red-orange at peak bloom. Red hot pokers are magnets for hummingbirds in the garden.
3. Red Coneflower
A garden classic, the crimson daisy-like blooms with dark brown centers shine from summer to early fall. The vibrant reddish-purple petals radiate out from the dramatic central brown disk. Coneflowers are tough, drought-tolerant perennials that thrive in full sun and just about any soil. Plant massed together for high color impact. Deadheading spent blooms encourages more flowers.
4. Red Yarrow
Fine, ferny mounds launch an endless display of flattened clustered red blooms all summer long. The tiny flowers bloom in showy flat-topped clusters for months on end with lacy leaves. Red yarrow is incredibly hardy and flowers best in full sunlight. It works beautifully as edging or in containers. This carefree bloomer just keeps going through heat, pests, and drought.
5. Red Valerian
Spikes topped with clusters of tiny red flowers adorn this towering 4+ foot perennial for much of the year. Dense umbrella-shaped flower clusters appear at stem ends in shades of crimson, pink or white depending on variety. It easily self-seeds, spreading color wherever it’s planted. Partial sunlight is adequate for this tough, vigorous bloomer.
6. Red Columbine
Red columbine features elegant nodding red and yellow flowers in late spring that give way to pretty seed heads once blooms fade. The blooms have spurred red sepals and contrasting yellow stamens for a bright, lively bicolor effect. These compact, clumping perennials happily self-seed, bringing more color each year. Dappled sunlight helps columbine thrive. Use it in partly shady beds, woodland gardens, or naturalized areas. Hummingbirds love sipping the sweet nectar.
7. Red Coral Bells
Dangling red bell-shaped blooms emerge in spring above low mounds of lush green foliage on red coral bells. The arching stems display rows of tiny tubular red flowers that beautifully contrast with the rounded green leaves. Plant coral bells in containers or as edging for maximum color impact. They grow well in sun to part shade and spread gently to form an attractive mat. Coral bells add texture and charm to shady spots.
8. Red Dianthus
Few flowers can match dianthus for non-stop frilly red, pink, or white fragrant blooms from spring to fall. These hardy perennials are profuse bloomers, producing an abundance of colorful flowers for months on end. Fringed petals have a charming, ruffled look. Plant red dianthus in full sun for waves of color and its sweet, spicy aroma. This sturdy perennial comes back bigger each year. Use it in borders, rock gardens, or containers.
9. Red Monkshood
Exotic hooded red flowers on tall spires rise above deeply cut foliage in late summer on red monkshood. Monkshood features eerie upright flowers that resemble blood-red hoods. Note that the plant is poisonous, so use caution. Monkshood does best in partial shade and moist, rich soil. Use it as a background plant for an exotic, gothic look. The flowers contrast strikingly with the lacy, fern-like leaves.
10. Red Lilyturf
While grown mainly for the elegant arching leaves, red lilyturf delights with small starry red flowers in late summer. Slender stalks bear tiny bell-shaped blooms that provide a surprise pop of color. It thrives in part sun to shade and makes a lovely border plant or walkway edging. The grassy clumps spread to form a dense mat that inhibits weeds. Lilyturf needs little care and provides year-round beauty.
Caring for Red Perennials
While most red perennials are relatively low maintenance, providing good nutrition is key to abundant blooms. Here is a general monthly feeding schedule I follow in my garden:
| Month | Fertilizer |
|---|---|
| March | Slow-release granular fertilizer |
| May | Liquid bloom booster |
| July | Balanced granular fertilizer |
| September | Liquid root stimulator |
This nourishes plants at key times and promotes lush growth and abundant blooms. Proper watering, pruning, and mulching also keeps red perennials looking their best.
- Fertilize in early spring and mid-summer with a balanced flower fertilizer. This nourishes plants for lush growth and copious blooms.
- Water thoroughly during drought and heat waves. Mulching around plants helps retain moisture.
- Cut back spent flower stalks after bloom to encourage reblooming. Allow seed heads to remain for winter interest.
- Divide congested clumps every 2-3 years in spring or fall to rejuvenate plants.
- Monitor for common pests like aphids and diseases. Treat any issues promptly to keep plants vigorous.
With proper siting and care, red perennials will thrive for years of vibrant color. Add a mix of flower shapes, sizes, and bloom times for non-stop red all season long.
Want to see more beautiful colors? Check out Purple Perennials here.
Conclusion
With their fiery color that instantly catches the eye, red perennials are sure to ignite any garden or landscape. A selection of red bloomers ensures you’ll have thrilling crimson, scarlet, and burgundy hues from spring through fall.
Whether you prefer tall and bold or petite and delicate, red perennials provide a striking pop of color. Plant them en masse or mix with cool blues and whites for high contrast. Let these dazzling red flowers electrify your garden with their beauty and power.
What types of red perennials do you have in your garden?
