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Looking to draw some attention to your gorgeous garden? Here's a bold idea: Paint it (or rather, plant it) red! To get you started, we've compiled a list of names and pictures of the most beautiful red flowers—the ones that are sure to turn heads and add some serious visual interest to your garden. From fiery red chrysanthemums—an essential of fall porch decorating—to fields of bright ruby-hued poppies and vibrant spring tulips, each of these types of flowers is easy to source and plant (assuming you live in the right area of the country).
Whether you're planning to implement them in one of your new backyard ideas or to scatter them throughout your English-style garden for a bright pop of color, odds are, you'll be more than pleased with the result. Read on for our favorite varieties, including both perennials and annuals—and don't forget to check out our other inspired garden ideas while you're at it.
Beyond planting your outdoor retreat in shades of warm and bright rouge, make use of vibrant red flowers throughout the entire year with pretty mason jar flower arrangements and even edible flowers on your plate (red marigolds and begonias are lovely choices for cake decorating with fresh blooms!). You can also preserve your red flowers to create a lasting keepsake or to use in seasonal floral craft projects. Our guides to how to dry flowers and how to press flowers cover the basics.
1
Ranunculus
A member of the buttercup family, these lush spring blooms will be the standout of your cut-flower garden. They boast a long vase life too.
2
Geraniums
A pot of red geraniums on the front porch brings cheery flowers spring through summer. We often treat them as annuals, but did you know you can winterize your potted geraniums?
3
Roses
There are over 150 species of roses available in a variety of colors and shapes, but red roses—considered to be a symbol of love—are the most popular.
Read more: How to Grow Roses from Cuttings
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4
Poppies
This bright red bloomer features textured petals resembling crepe paper.
Read More: The Surprising History of the Red Poppy
5
Bleeding Hearts
This dramatic, spring-blooming perennial boasts heart-shaped flowers and grows best in well-drained soil in areas of direct sunlight (in cold climates) or partial shade (in warmer areas).
Shop: Bleeding Hearts
6
Amaryllis
A popular Christmas plant, amaryllis are versatile—they do well in flower beds, borders, edgings, and containers. For a longer flowering period, plant bulbs at intervals of 1-2 weeks.
Shop: Amaryllis
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7
Gerber Daisies
Gerber daisies (also called Gerberas) come in a variety of beautiful colors, but the reds are particularly gorgeous, with ray-like petals around a stunning golden-brown center.
Read more: How to Grow Daisies
8
Tulips
To enjoy flowering from early to late spring, plant tulip varieties with different bloom times.
9
co*ckscomb
co*ckscomb, a fall-blooming flower, gets its name from its likeness to a rooster's head (the "co*ck’s comb"). Though it's traditionally grown in the red color pictured here, it's also available in yellow, pink, and white.
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10
Woolflower
Very much related to co*ckscomb, woolflower—or celosia—is a beautiful red fall-blooming flower that also happens to be edible!
11
Chrysanthemum
Also known as mums, chrysanthemums are a fall garden must-have and produce flowers ranging from pom-pom shapes to daisy-like blooms. They come in just about every color of the rainbow, including bold, beautiful red.
Read more: How to Grow Mums
12
Freesia
Freesia, a beautiful night-blooming flower features trumpet-shaped petals and comes in a variety of different colors—including red, mauve, and purple.
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13
Yarrow
Yarrow is hardy, versatile, and easy to care for. What's more, it attracts butterflies!
Read more: Plants That Attract Butterflies
14
Coneflowers
Also known as echinacea, this collection of flower is a popular, easy-care perennial that blooms in the summertime. Although purple is the most common coneflower color, bright red-flowered varieties are widely available today thanks to cultivation. It's great for attracting pollinators—and the petals, leaves and roots can also be used to make herbal tea.
Read more: Gorgeous Flowering Plants that Will Attract Bees
15
Dahlia
These gorgeous perennials come in a wide array of colors and are known for their distinctive petal formations. You may want to be careful planting them, however, if you suffer from hay fever allergies.
Read more: How to Care for Dahlias
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16
Red Marigold
Marigolds can range from pale yellow to a deep, russety red. If you're looking for all-red varieties look for 'Durango Red' or 'Red Charm.' Bonus: They're very easy to grow.
Read more: 15 Easiest Flowers to Grow
17
Hibiscus
Though hibiscus flowers only last a day or two, they are quickly replaced by new blooms. You can also collect the petals and dry them, then steep them as a tea, or to use in recipes like this hibiscus-mint lemonade.
18
Anthurium
A great choice for the novice plant owner, anthurium's heart-shaped leaves can last for months and will re-bloom year round with proper care. We also love them as indoor plants!
Read more: Best Living Room Plants
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19
Cardinal Flower
This spiky flower prefers the wet soil of meadows and marshes. Consider planting it near a water feature such as near a small pond, to help control algae growth.
Read more: Best Water Plants for Your Water Garden
20
Anenome
These poppy-like flowers are very low maintenance. They blossom in early to mid-spring and are happiest in partial shade to full sun. Popular in wedding bouquets, you can find them in a variety of colors, including white and even blue.
Read more: Low-Maintenance Flowers for Any Kind of Garden
Laurren Welch
Laurren Welch is a freelance editor, writer, and creative who covers lifestyle, interiors, entertaining, fashion, and more. When she’s not under deadline, you can find her styling blooms over at Garden Party L.A., scouring thrift and antique stores for hidden gems, and reminding her boxer pup, Monster, that he’s a very good boy.
