Red Plants for Valentine’s Day and Beyond

Roses are the most common red flowers that come to mind, but there are many other red plants that you can plant in your garden beds for Valentine’s Day and beyond. Our L-Shaped raised garden beds offer a distinct configuration reminiscent of the heart shape, making it an ideal space for growing vibrant plants. Below is a list of red plants you can consider growing to add a timeless splash of color to your garden. 

1. Tulips

The bright, jewel-like colors and varieties of tulips make them a popular flower to grow. Since raised garden beds have better drainage, tulips tend to do better in raised garden beds than on the ground. One of the most popular varieties of red tulips is Red Dynasty, known for its resistance to disease and tall, vibrant blooms. Kingsblood is a late blooming variety known for its dark cherry-red color and reliable performance. Flames Mystery Tulip is a unique tulip with a light-yellow base and twisted red petals at the top. Standing only 10 inches, they reach full bloom in early spring and provide a unique, fiery addition to your garden.

2. Yarrow
   

Yarrow is a hardy plant that is known for its long-blooming qualities and distinctive clusters of blooms. Able to grow in locations with poor soil, it is easy to maintain and drought resistant. It provides a versatile addition to many gardens, especially those with a carefree, prairie aesthetic. Red Velvet Yarrow is a red variety that features rich, rose-red flowers that are fade resistant. The bloom time is from late spring to fall, with summer being the most reliable time. For those trying to attract butterflies to their garden, yarrow is recommended, as it is popular with pollinators. 

3. Roses

Roses grow well in areas that drain well. Raised garden beds are an ideal choice as they provide adequate drainage. From garden varieties to heirlooms, there are more than 150 species of roses and thousands of hybrids. Old Garden Roses, or heirloom roses, are roses that have been around before 1867. Modern roses are roses that have been bred since 1867 and retain characteristics of Old Garden Roses. However, unlike heirloom roses, they bloom continuously, but are less fragrant and disease resistant. 

Knock out rose varieties are easy to grow and are recommended for beginners. Deep Secret is a fragrant rose with dark, velvety petals. Precious Time is another attractive rose with its outer petals tinted deep burgundy. 

4. Sunflowers 

Although sunflowers are often thought of as yellow, red varieties of sunflowers exist. Their unusual color is a result of breeding, and they come in many shades of red, from dark maroon to a dusty red hue. They provide a striking addition to your raised garden bed when placed on the side above shorter plants. If you already grow normal colored sunflowers, then you should consider growing red sunflowers in your garden, as they follow similar growing procedures and care. Some popular kinds of red sunflowers include Cherry Rose, Chianti Sunflowers, Chocolate, and Red Wave.

5. Azaleas and rhododendrons

Azaleas and rhododendrons are popular shade shrubs that bloom from early February to September, depending on the variety you have. They prefer loose, well-drained soil enriched with compost. For gardens with a heavy clay soil, it is recommended that you grow them using a raised garden bed. There are hundreds of varieties of red azaleas, making it easy to choose one to suit your preference and budget. Flame Creeper is a colorful variety known for its masses of coral to cherry red flowers. Midnight Flare is a vibrant early spring variety that offers an abundance of crimson flowers. Ever Red is a unique rhododendron with dark purple leaves that can almost appear black and deep red flowers. Nova zembla is a common variety that thrives in cooler regions.

6. Coneflowers 

Coneflowers are an easy to care perennial that attracts butterflies, bees, and birds to the garden. Available in muted colors as well as festive reds, coneflowers are a popular summer flower for butterfly gardens. Solar Flare is a variety noted for its fragrant magenta red flowers and dark, nearly black stems, providing a striking contrast against the green foliage in your garden. Other varieties include the intensely red Kismet, the double-petalled Double Scoop Cranberry, and the long blooming Sombrero Salsa Red. 

7. Dahlias 

Dahlias are showy perennials known for their large, fluffy blooms. They prefer moist, moderate climates and are not well suited to extremely hot temperatures. Grown from tubers, they are planted in the ground in late spring. In cold climates, they can be left in the ground as annuals or dug up and stored indoors for the winter for spring planting. Red dahlias, which can range from a decorative raspberry to a deep rusty red, are beautiful additions to both your garden and our floral arrangements. Ketchup & Mustard is a whimsical, eye-catching variety with red and yellow streaks. Skywalker is an unusual dahlia with jagged, laciniated tips, its blooms coming in a true red color. Other red varieties include Arabian Night, Mystique, and Nick Sr.

 

8. Celosias 

Celosia, commonly known as woolflowers, are edible and ornamental plants in the amaranth family. While the leaves can be eaten, they are often grown for ornamental purposes, as they will become bitter once they start flowering. Available in exciting variations such as feathery plumes, wrinkled and furrowed masses, and upright stalks that resemble wheat, celosias are flashy flowers that prefer dry and sunny conditions. Forest Fire and Scarlet Plume are red varieties that offer exciting, dramatic blooms.

9. Geraniums  

Geraniums are ubiquitous, old-fashioned flowers that are popular additions to hanging baskets, containers, and flower beds. Inexpensive and resilient, they grow well in hot and humid environments and are economical plants to include in your gardens. Once the height of fashion in Victorian times, they have become one of the most familiar flowers of spring. Hilariously, while red geraniums represented stupidity or folly in Victorian times, they have evolved to symbolize gentility and resilience. Calliope Dark Red, Ice Queen, and Raspberry Ripple are flowers that bring an iconic look to your garden. 

10. Beebalm   

As the name suggests, beebalm is very attractive to bees and butterflies. Red beebalm features globular flowers with spiky petals and a vibrant color that pairs nicely with more subdued flowers. Native to the Appalachian Mountains, red beebalm does best in places with moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter and a sunny location. Although most varieties are 2.5 – 4 ft, there are some dwarf varieties less than 10 inches suitable for containers or metal garden beds. Fireball is a compact, cluster-forming variety that grows up to 12 – 18 inches. Raspberry Wine and Gardenview Scarlet are disease-resistant varieties to consider.