Skip to content

Top Navigation

Better Homes & Gardens
Better Homes & Gardens
  • Gardening
  • Home Improvement Ideas
  • Cleaning and Organizing
  • Recipes and Cooking
  • Decorating
  • Holidays
  • Rooms
  • Shopping
  • News

Profile Menu

Join Now

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • BH&G Books this link opens in a new tab
My Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • BH&G Books this link opens in a new tab
Login
Subscribe
Pin

Explore Better Homes & Gardens

Better Homes & Gardens
Better Homes & Gardens
  • Explore

    Explore

    • The Only Weed Identification Guide You'll Ever Need: 33 Common Weedy Plants to Watch For

      The Only Weed Identification Guide You'll Ever Need: 33 Common Weedy Plants to Watch For

      Don't let these pesky plants crash your garden party! The first step is to know your enemy. Then you'll know the best way to deal with your weed problem. Read More
    • 6 Small Steps You Can Take Today to Get Organized for Good

      6 Small Steps You Can Take Today to Get Organized for Good

      A professional organizer offers advice on how to tidy up your home without feeling overwhelmed. Read More
    • 5 Anti-Inflammatory Ingredients to Add to Your Smoothie for a Healthy Boost

      5 Anti-Inflammatory Ingredients to Add to Your Smoothie for a Healthy Boost

      Anti-inflammatory smoothies do exist! Instead of blending in boatloads of sugar and artificial ingredients, try these smoothies for inflammation that are stoked with ingredients that may help lower your risk for chronic diseases including cancer, heart disease, depression, and more. Read More
  • Gardening

    Gardening

    See All Gardening
    4 DIY Seed-Starting Pots You Can Make With Items You Already Have

    4 DIY Seed-Starting Pots You Can Make With Items You Already Have

    Upcycle old newspapers, junk mail, and other waste paper to make these easy, eco-friendly containers you can use to sprout new plants for your garden.
    • Flowers
    • Houseplants
    • Plant Encyclopedia
    • Garden Pests
    • Trees, Shrubs & Vines
    • Caring for Your Yard
    • Edible Gardening
    • Garden Design
    • Gardening By Region
    • Landscaping
  • Home Improvement Ideas

    Home Improvement Ideas

    See All Home Improvement Ideas
    What Style Is Your House? The 10 Most Popular House Styles Explained

    What Style Is Your House? The 10 Most Popular House Styles Explained

    With so many types of house styles, narrowing the list down to your favorite can be overwhelming. We'll show you the top 10 most popular house styles, including Cape Cod, country French, Colonial, Victorian, Tudor, Craftsman, cottage, Mediterranean, ranch, and contemporary. Here's how to tell the differences between each architectural style.
    • Home Exteriors
    • DIY Home Electrical Tips & Guides
    • Outdoor Structures
    • Home Remodeling
    • Plumbing Installations & Repairs
    • Remodeling Advice & Planning
    • Flooring
    • Lighting
    • Decks
    • Porches
  • Cleaning and Organizing

    Cleaning and Organizing

    See All Cleaning and Organizing
    A Whole-House Cleaning Schedule You'll Actually Stick To

    A Whole-House Cleaning Schedule You'll Actually Stick To

    Cleaning your home doesn't have to be a daunting, time-consuming chore. The key to managing household duties quickly and efficiently is to design an easy-to-follow routine that includes all the most important tasks. Follow these step-by-step instructions for creating a customized whole-home cleaning schedule.
    • House Cleaning
    • Laundry & Linens
    • Cleaning Tips
    • Closet Organization
    • Organization Tips
    • Kitchen Storage Organization
  • Recipes and Cooking

    Recipes and Cooking

    See All Recipes and Cooking
    21 Essential Baking Tools Every Home Cook Needs (Plus 16 That Are Nice to Have)

    21 Essential Baking Tools Every Home Cook Needs (Plus 16 That Are Nice to Have)

    If you're a beginner baker who's just starting out (or a master chef looking to declutter), start with this list of baking tool must-haves. We'll help you set up a baking essentials kit for beginners with 21 pastry tools. For those who already own these handy tools, this list may finally provide the motivation you need to toss that never-been-used soufflé dish. Building your essential baking tools and equipment inventory starts here.
    • How to Cook
    • Chicken Recipes
    • Desserts & Baking
    • Fish Recipes
    • Beef Recipes
    • Healthy Recipes
    • Breakfast and Brunch Recipes
    • Lunch
    • Dinner Recipes & Meal Ideas
    • Ethnic Food
  • Decorating

    Decorating

    See All Decorating
    7 Interior Design Trends Everyone Will Be Trying in 2021, According to Experts

    7 Interior Design Trends Everyone Will Be Trying in 2021, According to Experts

    Designers weigh in on the most popular decorating styles, colors, and materials you can look forward to in the coming year.
    • Choosing Color
    • Expert Decorating Advice
    • Fireplace Design Ideas
    • Do It Yourself Magazine
    • Window Treatments
    • Styles & Decor
    • Interior Painting
    • Home Makeovers
    • Small-Space Decorating
    • Traditional Home
  • Holidays

    Holidays

    See All Holidays
    International Women's Day: The Powerful Story Behind This 111-Year-Old Tradition

    International Women's Day: The Powerful Story Behind This 111-Year-Old Tradition

    What began as a small movement, has grown into a global holiday dedicated to celebrating the strong women in our communities.
    • Valentine's Day
    • Mother's Day
    • Easter
    • Father's Day
    • Fourth of July/Memorial Day
    • Halloween
    • Thanksgiving
    • Christmas
    • New Year's
    • Juneteenth
    • Hanukkah
  • Rooms

    Rooms

    See All Rooms
    Living Room Furniture Arrangement Ideas

    Living Room Furniture Arrangement Ideas

    Get tips for arranging living room furniture in a way that creates a comfortable and welcoming environment and makes the most of your space.
    • Bedroom Decorating and Design Ideas
    • Bathroom Decorating and Design Ideas
    • Kitchen Decorating and Design Ideas
    • Living Room Decorating and Design
    • Dining Room
    • Home Office
    • Kid's Rooms
    • Baby Nursery
  • Shopping
  • News

Profile Menu

Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
Join Now

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • BH&G Books this link opens in a new tab
My Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • BH&G Books this link opens in a new tab
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. BHG.com
  2. Gardening
  3. Garden Design
  4. Garden Color
  5. Best Red Flowers for Your Garden

Best Red Flowers for Your Garden

Viveka Neveln Headshot
By Viveka Neveln February 19, 2016
Skip gallery slides
Save Pin FB
Zinnia 'Parasol Mix', plants, flowers,
Red flowers draw attention to the garden. A big, bold planting of all red can practically stop traffic! Red flowers pair beautifully with orange and yellow, as well as white. Check out some of our favorite red flowers.
Start Slideshow

1 of 10

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Zinnia

Zinnia 'Parasol Mix', plants, flowers,

One of the best annual cut flowers, zinnias bloom in a wide range of colors. They don't mind hot, dry conditions and will reward you with flowers all summer long.

Plant Name: Zinnia elegans

Growing Conditions: Full sun and well-drained soil

Size: To 3 feet tall and 1 foot wide

Zones: Annual

Plant it with: Zinnia looks gorgeous with finer-textured cosmos or brightly colored marigolds.

  • Click here to learn more about growing zinnias

1 of 10

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 10

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Shirley Poppy

Red_Closeup Of Red Flower With Dark Red and White Fluffy Center

This easy-to-grow annual is a surefire way to add a dose of bright color to the spring garden. In the North, sprinkle seeds of this wildflower in spring; in the South, plant them in the fall.

Plant Name: Papaver rhoeas

Growing Conditions: Full sun or part shade and moist, well-drained soil

Size: To 2 feet tall and 1 foot wide

Zones: Annual

Plant it with: Other wildflowers, such as Texas bluebonnet or bachelor's buttons.

2 of 10

3 of 10

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Knock Out Rose

roseseasy2.jpg

Traditional roses are beautiful, but a lot of work. Add a big dose of color the easy way with Knock Out roses. These hardy, long-blooming roses require virtually no care and still put on a massive show.

Plant Name: Rosa 'Knock Out'

Growing Conditions: Full sun and moist, well-drained soil

Size: To 3 feet tall and wide

Zones: 4-9

Plant it with: Mix in some peonies (which are also virtually carefree) to extend the rose's bloom season.

  • Click here to learn about more extra-easy roses

3 of 10

Advertisement

4 of 10

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Celosia

BHG102483_032106

A topnotch cut flower, celosia also dries well, making it a favorite of crafters who like to make dried flower arrangements. If you don't have the heart to cut it, celosia is a great garden plant that reliably blooms all summer long.

Plant Name: Celosia selections

Growing Conditions: Full sun and well-drained soil

Size: To 2 feet tall and wide

Zones: 10, but usually grown as an annual

Plant it with: White cosmos or zinnias for a perfect summer bouquet.

  • Click here for more on growing celosia

4 of 10

5 of 10

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Peony

'Blaze' peony

Plants don't get much easier to grow than peonies, which can thrive for years in a sunny spot with no real care.

Plant Name: Paeonia selections

Growing Conditions: Full sun and well-drained soil

Size: To 4 feet tall and wide

Zones: 3-7

Plant it with: Iris for a gorgeous, old-fashioned, fragrant perennial combo.

  • Click here for more on growing peonies

5 of 10

6 of 10

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Dianthus

CTG513216

One of the best red fragrant flowers you can grow, many types of dianthus also offer attractive foliage so they look great when they're not in bloom. The annual types in particular are great for containers.

Plant Name: Dianthus selections

Growing Conditions: Full sun or part shade and moist, well-drained soil

Plant Size: To 3 feet tall and wide, depending on type

Zones: 3-9, depending on type; some are commonly grown as annuals

Grow it with: The silvery foliage of dusty miller or lamb's ear is a great foil for boldy colored dianthus blooms.

  • Click here for more on growing dianthus

6 of 10

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 10

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Tuberous Begonia

101157088

One of the most regal plants for shade, tuberous begonias offer full, double flowers over attractive foliage.

Here's a hint: Don't overwater tuberous begonias; they rot easily.

Plant Name: Begonia selections

Growing Conditions: Shade and well-drained soil

Size: To 18 inches tall and wide

Zones: 10; in colder areas, dig and save the tubers in a frost-free place for winter.

Plant it with: Double impatiens are a perfect plant partner with their opulent flowers.

7 of 10

8 of 10

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Pentas

Pentas_Graffiti_Bright_Red

One of the best plants you can choose for attracting butterflies, pentas bear attractive clusters of boldly colored flowers. It's also an easy plant to grow as it tolerates heat, humidity, and drought like a champ.

Plant Name: Pentas lanceolata

Growing Conditions: Full sun and well-drained soil

Size: To 3 feet tall and wide

Zones: 10, but usually grown as an annual in colder areas

Plant it with: Lantana is a perfect plant partner; both love hot, dry conditions and attract scores of butterflies.

  • Click here for more on growing pentas

8 of 10

9 of 10

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Dahlia

CTG516989

From charming little front-of-the-border annuals to massive plants with flowers bigger than your head, dahlias can be counted on to make a statement in the garden.

Plant Name: Dahlia selections

Growing Conditions: Full sun and well-drained soil

Size: From 6 inches to 6 feet tall; to 2 feet wide

Zones: 8-10; dig and store the tubers in a frost-free spot in colder areas

Plant it with: Dahlias look great with gladiolus -- both in the garden and in the vase.

  • Click here for more on growing dahlia

9 of 10

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 10

Save Pin FB
Tweet Email Send Text Message

Columbine

100882423

Red isn't just for the sun! Add a bold bit of red in early summer with columbine. This easy-growing perennial blooms for weeks -- and attracts hummingbirds, to boot.

Plant Name: Aquilegia canadensis

Growing Conditions: Shade and moist, well-drained soil

Size: To 3 feet tall and 1 foot wide

Zones: 3-8

Plant it with: Red columbines look fantastic with white-flowering perennial geraniums, which bloom at the same time.

  • Click here for more on growing columbine

10 of 10

Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

By Viveka Neveln

    Share the Gallery

    Pinterest Facebook
    Trending Videos
    Advertisement
    Skip slide summaries

    Everything in This Slideshow

    Advertisement

    View All

    1 of 10 Zinnia
    2 of 10 Shirley Poppy
    3 of 10 Knock Out Rose
    4 of 10 Celosia
    5 of 10 Peony
    6 of 10 Dianthus
    7 of 10 Tuberous Begonia
    8 of 10 Pentas
    9 of 10 Dahlia
    10 of 10 Columbine

    Share & More

    Tweet Email Send Text Message
    • Better Homes & Gardens BHG Logo Products at Walmart
    • Better Homes & Gardens BHG Real Estate Real Estate Services
    Better Homes & Gardens

    Magazines & More

    Learn More

    • About Us
    • Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
    • Books from Better Homes & Gardens
    • Help
    • Advertise
    • Content Licensing
    • Accolades this link opens in a new tab

    Connect

    Follow Us
    Subscribe to Our Newsletter
    Sign Up
    MeredithBH&G is part of the Meredith Home Group. © Copyright 2022 Meredith Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
    © Copyright Better Homes & Gardens. All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.bhg.com

    Sign in

    View image

    Best Red Flowers for Your Garden
    this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.