As a gardener who’s always loved vibrant foliage, I’ve learned that few things transform a garden like plants with red leaves. These striking plants don’t just blend into the background—they make a bold, lasting impression. Unlike seasonal blooms, red foliage adds year-round drama and color to your garden beds, borders, or planters. Whether you’re landscaping a front yard, building a container garden, or creating a shady retreat, plants with red leaves can act as both centerpiece and accent. Let me share some of my favorite red-leafed varieties that have truly elevated my garden’s beauty and balance over the years.
1. Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum)
The Japanese maple is the crown jewel of red-leafed plants. With deeply lobed leaves that range from crimson to deep maroon, this ornamental tree commands attention throughout the seasons. I planted mine near a shaded sitting area where its canopy filters sunlight into a glowing red hue during late afternoons. What makes this tree so beloved among gardeners is not only its beauty but also its adaptability to different climates and soil types.
When caring for a Japanese maple, I’ve found that they thrive best in well-drained, slightly acidic soil and partial shade. Be cautious with too much direct sun, especially in hot climates—it can scorch the delicate leaves. Mulching helps retain moisture, and pruning in late winter encourages a strong branch structure.
2. Heuchera (Coral Bells)
If you’re looking for a low-maintenance perennial with lasting impact, Heuchera is a game changer. These plants offer a stunning variety of red shades—from bright ruby to near-black burgundy. In my garden, I use red Heuchera as a border plant or ground cover. Their foliage stays vibrant through spring, summer, and fall, making them incredibly valuable for long-term color.
Heucheras do best in partial shade, although newer varieties are increasingly sun-tolerant. I water mine moderately and ensure good drainage to avoid root rot. Plus, the tiny bell-shaped flowers on slender stalks attract pollinators, which is a bonus for maintaining garden biodiversity.
3. Coleus (Plectranthus scutellarioides)
Coleus is like the tie-dye shirt of the plant world—flashy, bold, and full of personality. These tropical annuals offer deeply veined leaves in fiery reds, pinks, purples, and even yellows. I love using them in containers and hanging baskets, where their trailing foliage creates a vivid cascade of color.
They are ridiculously easy to grow. I start mine from cuttings each spring and rotate them into various shady spots across my yard. Be sure to pinch back the tips to encourage bushier growth. Coleus appreciates moist soil but doesn’t like wet feet, so good drainage is key.
4. Red-Leaf Canna Lily (Canna indica)
One of the most dramatic red-leaf plants I’ve ever grown is the Red-Leaf Canna Lily. These plants are practically tropical torches, with broad, banana-like leaves flushed in red, bronze, and sometimes even purple. They can grow up to six feet tall, adding instant vertical interest to the garden.
Cannas need full sun to thrive and perform best in rich, moist soil. I use compost and mulch liberally to keep mine hydrated and fertile. The bonus? Striking red or orange blooms that last through late summer. They’re also great for attracting hummingbirds and butterflies.
5. Red Leaf Amaranth (Amaranthus cruentus)
Red Leaf Amaranth is not just eye-catching—it’s edible too! With its velvety crimson foliage, this heirloom vegetable adds a unique twist to ornamental and edible gardens alike. I grow it in a sunny corner of my garden, and it never fails to spark conversation.
It’s easy to grow from seed and matures quickly in warm weather. The leaves can be harvested and sautéed like spinach, and the tall flower spikes produce tiny seeds that are high in protein. This dual-purpose plant is both beautiful and functional, which makes it a top choice for me.
6. Photinia (Photinia × fraseri ‘Red Robin’)
Photinia is a staple in my privacy hedge because of its striking red new growth. As the leaves mature, they transition to glossy green, creating a beautiful two-tone effect. In spring, clusters of small white flowers add another layer of beauty to this fast-growing shrub.
I trim my Photinia twice a year to maintain its shape and encourage that signature red foliage. It prefers full sun to part shade and needs well-draining soil. Just be mindful of air circulation to prevent fungal diseases like leaf spot. Otherwise, it’s a fuss-free beauty.
7. Loropetalum (Loropetalum chinense)
Loropetalum, also known as Chinese fringe flower, has become a favorite in my Southern garden. Its deep burgundy leaves persist all year, and the vivid fuchsia flowers that bloom in spring are a showstopper. I often pair Loropetalum with chartreuse or silver plants to create contrast.
It prefers acidic soil and full sun to partial shade. One of the things I love most is its low-maintenance nature. Once established, it’s drought-tolerant and rarely needs pruning unless you’re shaping it for a hedge. It’s also deer-resistant, which is a lifesaver in my area.
8. Smoke Bush (Cotinus coggygria ‘Royal Purple’)
The Smoke Bush is pure drama in the garden. With dark red-purple leaves and plumes of smoky, flower-like seed heads, it provides both color and texture. I use mine as a focal point in a mixed border, and it easily steals the spotlight.
It grows well in full sun and well-drained soil. Pruning is optional depending on the look you want—hard pruning promotes denser, shrubbier growth, while light pruning allows it to spread into a small tree. I feed it with compost in spring, and that’s pretty much all it needs.
9. Oxalis Triangularis (Purple Shamrock)
Technically more purple than red, Oxalis Triangularis still earns a place here thanks to its eye-catching burgundy foliage with hints of ruby. The butterfly-like leaves fold up at night, adding a magical quality. I keep mine in a decorative pot on my shaded patio.
It thrives in well-drained soil and indirect light. I water it when the top inch of soil dries out and occasionally give it a diluted liquid fertilizer. Indoors or outdoors, Oxalis brings elegance and whimsy wherever it’s planted.
10. Red Ti Plant (Cordyline fruticosa)
If you’re going for a tropical look, the Red Ti Plant is a must-have. With its glossy red and burgundy strappy leaves, it brings serious island vibes to any garden. I grow mine in containers so I can move them indoors when the temperature drops.
They like high humidity and bright, indirect sunlight. Water regularly but avoid soggy soil, and mist the leaves if you live in a dry climate. They’re sensitive to cold, so if you’re not in USDA zones 10–12, be prepared to overwinter them indoors.
11. Basil ‘Red Rubin’
Yes, even herbs can add a splash of red to your garden! ‘Red Rubin’ Basil features dark purplish-red leaves that are not only stunning but edible too. I plant it among my vegetables and flowers as both a culinary herb and an ornamental plant.
It needs full sun and well-drained soil, and like all basils, it’s susceptible to bolting in hot weather. Frequent harvesting and pinching help keep it bushy and flavorful. I often toss the leaves into salads or use them as a garnish—beauty and function in one!
12. Beech Tree ‘Fagus sylvatica purpurea’
If you have space for a large, majestic tree, the purple beech (which often looks red in sunlight) is truly impressive. I’ve admired it in larger gardens and estates where its copper-red foliage turns deep purple as it matures. Its broad canopy makes it ideal for shade or as a statement tree.
Beech trees prefer well-drained soil and need room to grow. They are long-lived and low-maintenance, requiring little beyond annual mulching and occasional pruning. Though slower growing than some trees, their architectural beauty and color payoff are well worth the wait.
Final Thoughts
Adding plants with red leaves to your garden is like painting with fire. They bring contrast, mood, and personality to any landscape, whether you’re designing formal beds, casual borders, or vibrant containers. As a gardener, I see these plants not just as decorations but as characters in the ever-changing story of my yard. Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned grower, experimenting with red-leafed plants is a sure way to elevate your gardening game.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of plant has red leaves?
Plants with red leaves are often ornamental varieties that produce red pigmentation (anthocyanins) either year-round or seasonally. Popular types include Japanese maple, coleus, red-leafed cannas, and Heuchera. These plants thrive in gardens or containers and are prized for their vibrant foliage, which can add contrast and depth to green landscapes.
What are the names of red plants?
Some well-known red plants include Red Aglaonema, Coleus ‘Redhead’, Japanese Maple, Cordyline ‘Red Star’, and Heuchera ‘Palace Purple’. These varieties are loved for their bold red foliage and are frequently used in ornamental gardens, indoor decor, and landscape design to add visual interest and year-round color.
Which leaves are red in color?
Red-colored leaves are found on plants that produce anthocyanin pigments. This includes species like Japanese maple, red coleus, red caladium, and certain types of Heuchera. These leaves may appear red throughout the growing season or during cooler months as a response to light, temperature, and nutrient changes.
What flower has red and green leaves?
One standout flower with red and green leaves is the poinsettia. Its red “petals” are actually bracts—modified leaves—surrounding small yellow flowers. Coleus and Caladium varieties can also have stunning red and green foliage, offering both leaf color and ornamental value without relying solely on blooms.
Which 3 plants have red flowers?
Three beautiful plants known for their red flowers include hibiscus, red salvia, and camellia. These plants thrive in sunny conditions and are often used in flower beds, borders, or pots. Their bold red blooms attract pollinators and make a striking statement in any garden or landscape.
You Can Also Read:
Flowers That Start With Q: A Guide to Rare and Beautiful Blooms
7 Radiant Flowers That Start With R – You Won’t Believe #3!
Flowers That Start with T: A Beautiful Botanical Journey
Flowers That Start With W: A Comprehensive Guide
Flowers That Start With X: A Gardener’s Guide to These Unique Blooms
References
- Missouri Botanical Garden: www.missouribotanicalgarden.org
- RHS – Royal Horticultural Society: www.rhs.org.uk
- Fine Gardening Magazine: www.finegardening.com
- North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox: plants.ces.ncsu.edu
- National Gardening Association: garden.org
