When combined with orange and yellow, the striking hue of red can lend a subtle yet warm tone. Adding red flowers against dark foliage or pairing them with purple plants can create an eye-catching contrast that is sure to impress.

Selecting a red flower for your garden can be a challenging task, thanks to the abundance of options available. Annual flowers with red blooms are perfect for those seeking a short-term solution, unlike perennial plants that continue to bloom season after season. Irrespective of your preference and purpose, you’ll find an array of choices to help achieve your gardening goals. From mass plantings to simple touches of red, the possibilities are endless! Red flowering annuals come in many forms, from cut flowers to potted plants. If you’re looking to add excitement to a shady area, red begonias or impatiens might be ideal. For a striking garden border, red celosia could be just what you need. And if you’re planting a cut flower garden, you can’t go wrong with sunflowers, zinnias, and dahlias. Therefore, let’s explore a few red flowers that might pique your interest this season.

Pentas are absolutely amazing! These fantastic flowers get their name from the Greek word “penta” which denotes the number five. You’ll love how they bloom in bunches of small, star-shaped flowers that come in striking hues of pink, purple, and red. Plus, they have long, dark green leaves that look stunning alongside the vibrant blooms. The best part? Pentas attract lots of pollinators, making them an excellent choice for any garden or outdoor space.

If you’re wondering whether pentas will thrive in your area, the good news is that they do well in warm climates with plenty of sun. Actually, pentas can grow almost anywhere that receives full sun, as long as they’re planted in nutrient-rich, well-draining soil. Some varieties to keep an eye out for include Sunstar Red and Lucky Star Dark Red.

This specific type of red annual plant requires ample sunlight to thrive, and it will continue producing lengthy blossoms all season long. If you’re interested in attracting pollinators to your garden or outdoor space, this plant is a great choice. Another excellent option for areas that receive direct sunlight is Verbena. Whether you plant it in containers or along the borders of your landscape, Verbena will spread out and produce flowers for the entire season. To encourage new growth throughout the season, it’s important to frequently remove dead blooms. While Verbena can grow into a small woody shrub and become leggy towards the end of the season, pruning any unruly stems will help maintain its tidy appearance. In zones 8 to 11, Verbena is a perennial plant, and it’s known to reseed itself over many seasons while flourishing beautifully in roadside and wooded areas. Two noteworthy varieties are Endurascape Red and Superbena Red.

The Petunia offers a wide array of colors to select from and is perfect for creating stunning floral arrangements and bouquets. In contrast, Dahlias are known for their large, vibrant blooms that make an eye-catching addition to any garden. Although they generally reach a height and width of two feet, certain types can grow up to six feet tall, making it essential to provide enough space for them to flourish. Regular harvesting of the beautiful blossoms can encourage new growth and more flowers. It’s important to note that Dahlias prefer temperatures lower than 80 degrees Fahrenheit, as excessive heat can hinder their growth or lead to their demise. If you want to extend their growing season, relocating potted Dahlias to a cooler, shaded area during the summer months can be beneficial. Some noteworthy Dahlia varieties include Arabian Night and Babylon Red.

Zinnias are a great choice for gardeners who want to enjoy beautiful blooms throughout the season without too much effort. These flowers tend to be sensitive to chilly temperatures, so it’s best to plant them in early summer when the nights are warm. From there, they’ll bloom frequently until fall arrives and can even be used as cut flowers.

If you’re interested in growing zinnias, you’ll be glad to know that they’re easy to get started. Simply direct sow the seeds in warm weather and wait for them to sprout. Come harvest time, collecting the abundant seeds can be a fun activity for folks of all ages, and even a cool classroom experiment!

As for specific varieties to consider, Double Zahara Cherry and Profusion Red are two standouts that are worth checking out. With their vibrant colors and full blooms, they’re sure to add some pizzazz to any garden or bouquet.

Do you want to attract more hummingbirds to your garden? Look no further than the lovely salvia flower!