When you imagine a flower, a red rose likely pops into your head. It’s quite possibly the most famous color a flower could be! Red perfectly compliments green on the color wheel, making it an excellent aesthetic backdrop to a vibrant red bloom. It’s a powerful motif used in literature and film because it has a rich history of cultural symbolism.
What do Red Flowers Symbolize?
Red symbolizes passion, romance, and strength almost universally. Gifting red roses is synonymous with the ever-lovely Valentine’s Day. However, avoid sending red roses to platonic or professional relationships unless you’re willing to risk an awkward undertone. Indian brides wear red to convey purity, protection, and bravery, and Chinese cultures revere red as the color of good fortune.
Red poppies are an international symbol of remembrance, often worn to commemorate fallen soldiers. For example, The American Legion spearheaded marking May 26 (the Friday before Memorial Day) as National Poppy Day. People all over the United States can be spotted wearing red poppies to not only honor those who have lost their lives in military service, but also those who are currently serving today.
Red flowers aren’t strictly tied to happy emotions. In Mexican culture, red flowers can be used to symbolize adversity, danger, and strife. They are mostly appropriate, but be mindful of the nuanced meaning of love and turmoil red flowers may bring. They’re also seasonal and tied to certain religions. For example, poinsettia plants and their famous red flowers are a popular Christmas decoration in the Northern Hemisphere.
Ranunculus
Fall head over heels for these tightly packed, delicate petals that bloom in brilliant red hues. The more orange-tinted flowers reflect UV light and may appear to glow under the glint of the sun.
- USDA hardiness zones: 8 to 11
- Sun exposure: full sun
- Soil: Well-drained
Daylily
Don’t let this delicate looking flower fool you! It’s one of the most care-free flowering plants in the garden. They’re rarely bothered by pests or insects, aren’t too finicky when it comes to maintenance, and can survive in varying levels of shade and sun. Expect to see the first blossoms around July and continue to see new ones well into fall.
- USDA hardiness zones: 3 to 10
- Sun exposure: Full to partial sun
- Soil: Well-drained
Hyacinth
Credit Wiki Commons: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Hyacinthus_%27Red_Magic%27_01.jpg
This small but mighty variety of bulbous herb blooms cone-shaped blooms in the spring. While typically known for its white, violet, or pink petals, there are just as stunning red options as well.
- USDA hardiness zones: 4 to 8
- Sun exposure: Full to partial sun
- Soil: Well-drained
Cosmos
Turn your garden into a lush butterfly sanctuary with this red flower plant. A proud member of the sunflower family, cosmos will first peak through their buds in the summer. It could reach up to five feet with the right T.L.C.
- USDA hardiness zones: 3 to 10
- Sun exposure: Full sun
- Soil: Well-drained
Sweet Pea, or Lathyrus
Credit Wiki Commons: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Sweet_pea_mixed_red.jpg
Invite a fragrance as sweet as its nickname to the cabbage patch. Its dainty petals bloom in all sorts of colors, including gorgeous reds. The beauty is worth the wait from its particularly long germination period.
- USDA hardiness zones: 7 to 10
- Sun exposure: Full sun
- Soil: Well-drained
Salvia
All pollinators are welcome to the breathtaking Salvia plant this spring. Fun fact for health gurus—the trending chia seed originates from a variety of Salvia! It’s also the largest genus of plant from the whimsical sage family.
- USDA hardiness zones: 5 to 9
- Sun exposure: Full to partial sun
- Soil: Well-drained
Azalea, or Rhododendron
This resilient flowering shrub is a favorite among gardeners for its year-round appeal. It grows in a large fashion, taking up space and is popular as an outside perimeter plant. They’re also the national flower of Nepal, home to The Himalayas!
- USDA hardiness zones: 4 to 9
- Sun exposure: Partial shade
- Soil: Well-drained
Poinsettia
Native to Mexico and Central America, this winter bloom has become a Christmas staple. Poinsettias were actually named after the United States’ first minister to Mexico, Joel Roberts Poinsett. Its red and green display has become a jolly holiday tradition.
- USDA hardiness zones: 9 to 11
- Sun exposure: Full sun
- Soil: Well-drained
Chrysanthemum
Commonly known as mums, chrysanthemums grow in deep autumnal tones like burnt orange, yellow, and red. Deciding between the hundreds of colors, heights, and flower size is tricky, but what’s universal among mums is the pinching technique during growth.
- USDA hardiness zones: 3 to 9
- Sun exposure: Full sun
- Soil: Well-drained
Marigolds
Credit Wiki Commons: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Safari_marigold_(red)_07.jpg
They’re most famous for their deep yellow-orange petals and ruffled texture, but also bloom brilliant reds. Marigolds are also a deeply spiritual flower when used in Mexican Día de Muertos, or “Day of the Dead” festivities to commemorate passed loved ones.
- USDA hardiness zones: 9 to 11
- Sun exposure: Full, bright sun
- Soil: Well-drained
Alstroemeria
Credit Wiki Commons: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Alstroemeria_Sancho_Red_0zz.jpg
Alstroemeria, also known as Peruvian lily, has distinctly freckled petals that add personality to otherwise stagnant bouquets. Florists love this red flower for its versatility and wide availability.
- USDA hardiness zones: 8 to 10
- Sun exposure: Full to partial sun
- Soil: Well-drained
Zinnia
It’s almost impossible to frown when looking at zinnias. They’re a happy daisy-like flower that originates from Central America. The Aztecs affectionately called it the “plant that’s hard on the eyes” due to its super vibrant color.
- USDA hardiness zones: 3 to 10
- Sun exposure: Full sun
- Soil: Well-drained
Amaryllis
This flowering bulb is an especially easy plant to grow. All it needs is a sunny spot like a window sill and minimal water. It may sprout either one or two trumpet-shaped blooms in a white or red shade.
- USDA hardiness zones: 9 to 11
- Sun exposure: Full sun
- Soil: Well-drained
Anemone
This floral marvel is native to the Mediterranean, and the name originates from the Greek word “anemos” meaning wind. They are poisonous to ingest, but certain components like the roots can be used to treat eye and skin inflammation and respiratory issues.
- USDA hardiness zones: 7 to 11
- Sun exposure: Full to partial sun
- Soil: Moist, well-drained
Rose
Hands-down the most famous “red” flower ever, the rose is a classic addition to any garden, especially if you want to capture a Victorian essence. Mind their infamous thorns as you prune and care for this timeless flower. Learn more about rose meanings.
- USDA hardiness zones: 3 to 11
- Sun exposure: Full sun
- Soil: Moist, well-drained
Gerbera Daisy
This classic flower symbolizes friendship and positivity no matter what color it blooms. Cut Gerbera daisies have a long vase life, lasting up to 14 days! You can choose what bloom diameter your plant grows, ranging from 2-5 inches.
- USDA hardiness zones: 9 to 11
- Sun exposure: Full sun
- Soil: Well-drained
Calla Lily
Credit Wiki Commons: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Pink_Calla_Lily_(238744256).jpg
Calla lilies are timelessly elegant and often gifted for holidays, birthdays, or housewarmings. There’s been an uptick in brides carrying calla lilies down the aisle as the variety creeps its way into wedding culture.
- USDA hardiness zones: 8 to 10
- Sun exposure: Full to partial sun
- Soil: Moist, well-drained
Petunia
Landscapers love petunias for their dependability and adorable nature. Even the name is cute! Their trumpet-shaped blooms can pop up in all sorts of happy colors.
- USDA hardiness zones: 2 to 11
- Sun exposure: Full, bright sun
- Soil: Well-drained
Cockscomb
This cut flower stands out from all the rest with its interesting twisted petals. It grows in a shape straight out of a fairytale. Although not always red, every cockscomb promises a bright, eye-catching color.
- USDA hardiness zones: 2 to 11
- Sun exposure: Full sun
- Soil: Well-drained
Tulip
One of the best spring flowers, tulips bloom early in the season adorning every color under the sun. Colors aside, tulips have been designed to grow in all sorts of shapes and sizes, including the parrot tulip which has ruffled petals resembling feathers.
- USDA hardiness zones: 3 to 8
- Sun exposure: Full to partial sun
- Soil: Well-drained
Dianthus
Dianthus are casually referred to as “pinks” for their typical hot pink flowers. They’re also identifiable by their wispy blue-green foliage that compliments the warm-toned petals very nicely.
- USDA hardiness zones: 3 to 9
- Sun exposure: Full to partial sun
- Soil: Moist, well-drained
Bee Balm
This bee magnet will bloom a fiery red all summer long. They resemble little, passionate fireworks that unfurl into a little cushion for all types of pollinators. Sometimes when bumble bees are too big to maneuver the small top opening, they’ll occasionally start “nectar robbing” by punching a small hole in the base of a bee balm to access the nectar’s source.
- USDA hardiness zones: 4 to 9
- Sun exposure: Full to partial sun
- Soil: Well-drained
Bleeding Heart
This is one of the most uniquely beautiful flowers, cascading along a vine blooming downwards into a heart shape, or a “bleeding” heart. This is a perennial, meaning the flowers will sprout in the spring, last for a few weeks, and then die. Their roots are resilient through frost and will surely bloom again next spring.
- USDA hardiness zones: 3 to 9
- Sun exposure: Full, bright sun
- Soil: Well-drained
Cardinal Flower
Credit Wiki Commons: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Lobelia_cardinalis_Belize_1.jpg
The cardinal flower’s blooms shoot up in spires of ruby red petals around bronze-tinted shrubbery. No need to worry about overwatering! This plant does well in over-saturated environments like waterside gardens or rain gardens.
- USDA hardiness zones: 6 to 10
- Sun exposure: Full to partial sun
- Soil: Moist, well-drained
Coneflower
Credit Wiki Commons: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Red_Coneflower_(Echinacea_Purpurea)_in_Athens_on_July_3,_2023.jpg
A purple coneflower is among the most popular, but red coneflowers deserve some love and attention too! This is another great option for notorious plant killers because they’re drought tolerant, low maintenance, and will bloom fresh flowers for months.
- USDA hardiness zones: 4 to 8
- Sun exposure: Full sun
- Soil: Well-drained
Crape Myrtle
Credit Wiki Commons: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:2021-08-11_11_20_19_Red_Rocket_Crape_Myrtle_flowers_along_Tranquility_Court_in_the_Franklin_Farm_section_of_Oak_Hill,_Fairfax_County,_Virginia.jpg
This is the only evergreen tree on this list, though crape myrtle can also grow as a shrub. Their cerise flowers bloom in midsummer through autumn and dawn a crepe-like texture. You’ll also never see a blue crape myrtle, or really anything behind shades of red and pink.
- USDA hardiness zones: 6 to 10
- Sun exposure: Full sun
- Soil: Well-drained
Geranium
A cluster of adorable geraniums is a pleasant addition to any home garden. This variety can bloom its entire life cycle, making it an ideal plant for first-time gardeners.
- USDA hardiness zones: 9 to 11
- Sun exposure: Full, bright sun
- Soil: Well-drained
Hibiscus
This easy-going, tropical, and often red flower is Trader Joe’s logo and a symbol of island life. Something unique about this plant is the surrounding leaves grow in a deep maroon/purple color, appearing almost black.
- USDA hardiness zones: 4 to 9
- Sun exposure: Full, bright sun
- Soil: Most, well-drained
Deliver a passionate, stunning floral punch by sending a bouquet of red flowers to your loved ones today! Flower delivery has never been easier with the help of Bouqs’ gorgeous red arrangement.
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