Red perennials add bold, fiery color to any garden that creates a striking visual impact year after year. These vibrant plants provide long-lasting beauty and attract pollinators like hummingbirds and butterflies. If you’re looking to build a garden with a dramatic, eye-catching appeal, these 15 stunning red perennials are must-haves.
1. Red Hot Poker
Red Hot Poker is a striking perennial with tall spikes of tubular red, orange, and yellow flowers. Blooming from late spring to early fall, it thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. Growing up to 4 feet tall, it adds height to borders while attracting hummingbirds. This hardy plant prefers dry to moderately moist soil and should be watered sparingly once established. Removing spent flower spikes encourages reblooming while dividing clumps every few years maintains vigor.
2. Cardinal Flower
Cardinal Flower thrives in wet conditions, making it ideal for rain gardens and pond edges. Producing brilliant red flower spikes in late summer, it reaches up to 4 feet tall. It prefers partial to full sun and attracts hummingbirds with its nectar-rich blooms. Consistent moisture is essential for healthy growth, and adding mulch helps retain soil moisture. Pruning spent flowers promotes new blooms while dividing plants every few years ensures longevity.
3. Red Yarrow
Red Yarrow is a hardy perennial that produces dense clusters of deep red blooms from summer to fall. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil and can reach up to 2 feet tall. Highly drought-tolerant, it attracts butterflies and beneficial insects. Yarrow spreads by rhizomes, so dividing clumps prevents overcrowding. Regular trimming keeps plants looking tidy while avoiding over-fertilization prevents legginess.
4. Crocosmia (Lucifer)
Crocosmia (Lucifer) is known for its arching sprays of fiery red flowers, blooming from midsummer to early fall. Thriving in full sun and well-drained soil, it grows up to 3 feet tall, making it a standout in mixed borders and containers. This perennial is drought-tolerant and attracts pollinators. To promote strong growth, plant corms in nutrient-rich soil and remove faded flowers. In colder zones, mulch over winter or lift corms for storage.
5. Bee Balm
Bee Balm's shaggy red flowers bloom mid to late summer, attracting bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. This aromatic perennial thrives in full sun to partial shade and grows up to 3 feet tall. It prefers moist, well-drained soil and is resistant to deer and rabbits. To prevent mildew, ensure good air circulation by spacing plants adequately. Deadheading spent blooms encourages extended flowering, and division every few years revitalizes plant vigor.
6. Peony (Red Charm)
‘Red Charm’ Peony is a show-stopper with deep red, ruffled blooms appearing in late spring. The large, double flowers make excellent cut flowers and add elegance to any garden. Peonies thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, reaching about 3 feet tall. They require minimal maintenance but benefit from staking in windy areas. Removing spent blooms and cutting back foliage in fall promotes healthy regrowth.
7. Blanket Flower
Blanket Flower produces continuous deep red, daisy-like blooms from summer to fall. This drought-tolerant perennial thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, making it perfect for xeriscaping. Growing up to 2 feet tall, it attracts pollinators and requires little care beyond occasional deadheading. Cutting back plants after blooming can encourage fresh growth, and avoiding overly rich soil keeps them compact and floriferous.
8. Daylily (Pardon Me)
Daylily ‘Pardon Me’ is a compact, reblooming variety with rich red flowers and a yellow throat. Thriving in full sun to partial shade, it reaches about 2 feet tall. This adaptable perennial is low-maintenance and requires little more than occasional watering. Deadheading prolongs bloom periods, and dividing plants every 3-5 years prevents overcrowding and ensures continued vigor.
9. Dahlia (Bishop of Llandaff)
With deep red, almost crimson blooms and striking dark foliage, this dahlia variety adds drama to any garden. Dahlias prefer full sun and well-drained soil, rewarding gardeners with continuous blooms from midsummer until the first frost. Although typically grown as an annual in cooler climates, they can be treated as perennials by lifting and storing the tubers indoors over winter.
10. Coneflower (Sombrero Salsa Red)
Sombrero Salsa Red produces bold red daisy-like flowers from summer to fall, thriving in full sun and well-drained soil. It grows up to 2 feet tall and is drought-tolerant once established. The blooms attract bees and butterflies, adding life to the garden. Deadheading encourages continued flowering, and cutting the stems back in late fall promotes healthy spring growth. Echinacea also has medicinal uses, known for boosting the immune system.
11. Hollyhock (Mars Magic)
Hollyhock (Mars Magic) is a stunning biennial or short-lived perennial that grows up to 6 feet tall with deep red blooms. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, making it a striking addition to cottage-style gardens. While it self-seeds readily, staking may be needed in windy areas. Regular deadheading prevents excessive seeding, and applying mulch around the base in winter helps protect roots. Hollyhocks are excellent for back borders and attracting pollinators.
12. Astilbe (Fanal)
Astilbe ‘Fanal’ is a shade-loving perennial that produces deep red, feathery plumes in summer. Growing up to 2 feet tall, it prefers consistently moist, well-drained soil and benefits from regular watering. It thrives in woodland gardens, providing a lush contrast to green foliage. Deadheading is not necessary, but trimming back spent blooms improves appearance. Applying mulch retains soil moisture, while dividing every few years maintains plant health and vigor.
13. Coreopsis (Red Satin)
Coreopsis ‘Red Satin’ delivers deep red blooms from early summer to fall, thriving in full sun and well-drained soil. This drought-resistant perennial grows up to 2 feet tall and attracts butterflies. Regular deadheading extends the bloom period, while pruning in late fall ensures healthy regrowth. It performs well in poor soils and is resistant to most pests and diseases. Coreopsis is a reliable choice for borders, rock gardens, and wildflower meadows.
14. Penstemon (Red Rocks)
Penstemon ‘Red Rocks’ boasts vivid red tubular flowers that attract hummingbirds throughout the summer. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, growing up to 2 feet tall. Once established, it is drought-tolerant and requires minimal maintenance. Cutting back stems after flowering promotes a second bloom. Avoid heavy soils, as excessive moisture can cause root rot. This perennial’s striking color and easy care make it an excellent choice for xeriscapes and pollinator gardens.
15. Red Canna Lily
With bold, tropical-looking red flowers, the Red Canna Lily adds a dramatic presence to any garden. This sun-loving perennial thrives in moist, well-drained soil and blooms from summer to early fall. In colder regions, its rhizomes can be dug up and overwintered indoors to ensure they return each year. Perfect for adding height and vibrant color, the Red Canna Lily is an excellent choice for borders, containers, or water garden edges.
Designing a Red Garden
A garden filled with red perennials creates a bold, captivating display that lasts through the seasons. These plants not only provide beauty but also support local wildlife by attracting pollinators like hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees. By incorporating a variety of red perennials suited to your climate and garden conditions, you can ensure continuous color, texture, and vibrancy.