Looking for red flowers for your garden or in your home? We put together a stunning collection of the 30 most popular types of red flowers below. Some are red perennials, red annuals and some are red shrubs.
We organized our list and photos in alphabetical order. Under each listing we include key flower information such as scientific name, type of flower (perennial, annual or shrub), sun needs, water requirements, soil pH and hardiness zones where it grows. Enjoy our incredible, blazing hot collection of beautiful red flowers.
Table of Contents
Azaleas
Scientific Name: Rhododendron
Type: Shrub
Sun: Shade tolerant (under trees)
Water Needs: Moderate – water deeply, but less frequently
Hardiness Zones: 6 to 9
Soil: pH 4.5 – 6.0
Begonias
Scientific Name: Begonia obliqua
Type: Perennial
Sun: Full sunlight to partial shade, depending on the variety
Water Needs: High – water regularly and keep the soil moist
Hardiness Zones: 9 to 10
Soil: pH 5.5 – 6.2
Bleeding Heart
Scientific Name: Lamprocapnos spectabilis
Type: Herbaceous perennial
Sun: Partial Sun
Water Needs: High – water regularly and keep the soil moist
Hardiness Zones: 3 to 9
Soil: pH 6.0 – 6.5
Carnations
Scientific Name: Dianthus caryophyllus
Type: Perennials
Sun: Full Sunlight
Water Needs: Moderate – water once or twice weekly
Hardiness Zones: 3 to 9
Soil: pH 6.7
Chrysanthemums
Scientific Name: Chrysanthemum morifolium
Type: Perennial
Sun: Full Sunlight
Water Needs: Moderate
Hardiness Zones: 3 to 9
Soil: around pH 6.5
Coneflowers
Scientific Name: Echinacea
Type: Perennial
Sun: Full Sunlight
Water Needs: Moderate – consistent watering and careful moisture management
Hardiness Zones: 5 to 9
Soil: pH 6.0 to 7.0
Corydalis
Scientific Name: Corydalis
Type: Perennial
Sun: Partial to Full Sunlight
Water Needs: Moderate – water enough to keep soil moist
Hardiness Zones: 5 to 7
Soil: pH 7.0
Crocus
Scientific Name: Crocus sativus
Type: Perennial
Sun: Full Sunlight
Water Needs: Low
Hardiness Zones: 3 to 8
Soil: pH 6.0 – 7.0
Daisies
Scientific Name: Bellis perennis
Type: Perennial, but is often treated as an annual flower
Sun: Full Sunlight
Water Needs: Moderate
Hardiness Zones: 8 to 10
Soil: pH 6.0 to 7.0
Dahlias
Scientific Name: Dahlia pinnata
Type: Annuals
Sun: Full Sunlight
Water Needs: Low until flowers established, maintained with Moderate Watering
Hardiness Zones: 8 to 11
Soil: pH 6.5 – 7.0
Geraniums
Scientific Name: Pelargonium
Type: Pernnial
Sun: Full Sunlight
Water Needs: Low
Hardiness Zones: 10 to 11
Soil: pH 5.5 – 6.5
Gladiolus
Scientific Name: Gladiolus
Type: Perennial
Sun: Full Sunlight
Water Needs: Moderate
Hardiness Zones: 7 and 8
Soil: pH 6.0 – 6.5
Hydrangeas
While most are violet and white, there are reddish pink varieties.
Common Name: Hydrangea
Scientific Name: Hydrangea angustipetala
Type: Shrub
Sun: Partial shade
Water Needs: moderate moisture
Hardiness Zones: 6-10
Soil: pH 5-6
Height at Maturity: 24-36″
Hyacinths
Scientific Name: Hyacinthus
Type: Perennial
Sun: Full Sunlight
Water Needs: Moderate
Hardiness Zones: 4 to 8
Soil: pH 6.0 – 7.0
Impatiens
Scientific Name: Impatiens walleriana
Type: Annuals
Sun: Partial Sunlight
Water Needs: Low
Hardiness Zones: 10 to 11
Soil: pH 6.0 – 7.5
Iris
Scientific Name: Iris croatica
Type: Perennial
Sun: Full Sunlight
Water Needs: Moderate – water thoroughly when planting
Hardiness Zones: 3 to 10
Soil: pH 6.8 – 7.0
Lillies
Scientific Name: Lilium
Type: Perennial
Sun: Full Sunlight
Water Needs: Moderate
Hardiness Zones: 3 to 9
Soil: 5.5 – 6.5
Marigolds
Scientific Name: Tagetes
Type: Annual
Sun: Full Sunlight to Partial Shade
Water Needs: Low – once per week but more during warmer months
Hardiness Zones: 8 to 10
Soil: pH 6.0 – 7.5
Morning Glory
Scientific Name: Ipomoea purpurea
Type: Perennial in warmer regions
Sun: Full Sunlight
Water Needs: Low
Hardiness Zones: 3 to 10
Soil: pH 6.0 – 6.8
Pansies
Scientific Name: Viola tricolor var. hortensis
Type: Perennial
Sun: Full Sunlight or Partial Shade
Water Needs: High – Needs to be watered regularly
Hardiness Zones: 7 and higher
Soil: pH 5.4 – 5.8
Peonies
Scientific Name: Paeonia
Type: Perennial
Sun: Full Sunlight
Water Needs: Low
Hardiness Zones: 3 to 8
Soil: pH 6.5-7.0
Periwinkle flowers
Scientific Name: Vinca
Type: Perennial
Sun: Partial Shade to Full Sunlight
Water Needs: Moderate
Hardiness Zones: 4 to 9
Soil: pH 6.0 – 7.5
Petunias
Scientific Name: Petunia atkinsiana
Type: Perennial
Sun: Full Sunlight
Water Needs: Low
Hardiness Zones: 9 to 11
Soil: pH 6.0 – 7.0
Poppies
Scientific Name: Papaver rhoeas
Type: Annual
Sun: Full Sunlight to Partial Shade
Water Needs: Low
Hardiness Zones: 3 to 9
Soil: pH 6.0 – 7.5
Primrose
Scientific Name: Primula vulgaris
Type: Either annual or perennial
Sun: Full Sunlight
Water Needs: High
Hardiness Zones: 4 to 8
Soil: pH 5.5 – 6.5
Rhododendron
Scientific Name: Rhododendron
Type: Perennial
Sun: Partial Shade
Water Needs: Moderate
Hardiness Zones: 4 to 8
Soil: pH 4.5-6.0
Roses
Scientific Name: Rosa
Type: Perennial
Sun: Full Sunlight
Water Needs: Moderate
Hardiness Zones: 4 to 9
Soil: pH 5.5 to 7.0
Salvia
Scientific Name: Salvia splendens
Type: Perennial
Sun: Full Sunlight
Water Needs: Low
Hardiness Zones: 9
Soil: pH 6.0 – 6.5
Snapdragon
Scientific Name: Antirrhinum
Type: Perennial
Sun: Full Sunlight
Water Needs: Low
Hardiness Zones: 8 or 9
Soil: pH 5.5 – 6.2
Tulips
Scientific Name: Tulipa
Type: Perennial or Annual depending on the climate
Sun: Full Sunlight
Water Needs: Low
Hardiness Zones: 4 to 10
Soil: pH 6.0-7.0
FAQ
What do red flowers mean?
The color red can stand for a multitude of things and is very expressive in nature. Throughout history, it has stood for a wide range of things one each end of the spectrum, from love and passion to war and anger. When it comes to flowers, it is symbolized much closer with the former.
Red flowers are commonly used represent love and compassion to the person that is receiving them. They are a deep, strong meaning that shows the person they are thought of in high regard. Commonly, red roses are a gift used to express love to a person, so it is a something that displays a sign of caring.
Which trees have red flowers?
Red flowering trees are a beautiful addition to a yard as they bring a fresh scene of color to any home. Different types of Crape Myrtles are popular due to their resilience. They are a fast growing tree that is also disease resistant and able to withstand drought conditions, making it a popular choice.
Red Dogwood Trees are also very adaptable to most soils and don’t require much maintenance. The Red Knockout Rose Tree is a favorite as it blooms for about nine months out of the year. In warmer climates, the Royal Poinciana is a favorite for areas that will receive a lot of sun. The long lasting red blossoms from the Prairifire Flowering Crabapple make this tree a popular choice for those that also enjoy the changing of the fall colors.
Which red flowers do butterflies like?
Red flowering Yarrows will attract butterflies and produce large clusters of flowers. Chocolate Cosmos produce a dark red/maroon flower attractive to the butterfly that also produce a chocolate-like scent.
The Cardinal Flower is a favorite among butterfly gardens due to their interesting flowering style. Craving warmer areas, the Bottlebrush plant produces a vibrant red flower that is popular among butterflies and other insects. Another great addition to the butterfly garden are the Tall Red Pentas.
Do any cacti or succulents have red flowers? If so, what are they?
Aside from flowers and trees, cacti and succulents can produce red flowers as well. Some common cacti in this category are the Prickly Pear, the Christmas Cactus, and the Claret Cup Cactus. Succulents are common in the home due to their ease of care. Some common red flowering succulents are the Flaming Katy Kalanchoe, the Crown of Thorns Euphorbia, and the Burro’s Tail when it does have a rare bloom.
Why do hummingbirds like red flowers?
Hummingbirds rely mostly on their eyesight as it is their more dominant sense compared to hearing or smell. They are able to see ultraviolet light so colors are a big part of the hummingbirds world.
Hummingbirds are more sensitive to red colors and they appear brighter in their field of vision making red flowers and feeders more attractive to the birds. They are also known to have good memories, so commonly visiting a red flower or red colored feeder could be thought of as a conditioned response by some.
Which red flowers attract hummingbirds?
As hummingbirds are drawn to the color red, many gardens with red flowers will have these as regular visitors. Daylilys and Columbines are great as they have large flowers that last through the summer. Cardinal Flowers and Bee Balms are also a favorite since they are commonly taller and stand out in gardens.
Penstemons and Hibiscus plants are commonly associated with hummingbirds as they provide large flower for the birds to feed. Other common flowers attracting hummingbirds are Peonies, Coral Bells, and the Garden Phlox.
Are red flowers appropriate for a funeral?
Red flowers can be appropriate for a funeral, but its important to note any cultural issues that may arise. With the color red, there are many different meanings that it can symbol so it’s important to research in order to send the right message.
For example, red roses are a way to show love and respect. Red Carnations can emphasize fascination and love. Many times, red flowers will be a part of a flower arrangement as the color is a powerful display and can evoke a deep meaning to those grieving.
