30 Exotic Red Flowers to Add to Your Garden

Creating a garden filled with exotic red flowers can bring a stunning and vibrant beauty to any outdoor space. These fiery blooms capture attention and add a touch of the extraordinary to our gardens. Selecting the right red flowers enhances the aesthetic appeal, supports local ecosystems, and attracts pollinators.

In this article, we will explore a diverse selection of 30 exotic red flowers that can transform our garden into a tropical paradise. From trailing vines to showy shrubs, these flowers come in a variety of shapes and sizes, making it easy to find the perfect addition to our garden space.

1. Red Spider Lily

The Red Spider Lily (Lycoris radiata) adds a unique touch to any garden with its striking, red flowers. These blossoms appear on leafless stems, giving the plant a dramatic look.

We should plant Red Spider Lilies in well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0-7.5. They thrive best in full sun but can tolerate partial shade.

Plant the bulbs 3 to 5 inches deep and space them 6 to 12 inches apart. Ensure the necks of the bulbs rise just above ground level. These lilies require minimal care once established. Water them moderately during the growing season and reduce watering once the leaves die back.

2. Antirrhinum majus

Antirrhinum majus, commonly known as snapdragon, is a striking addition to any garden. We can find these flowers in a range of red hues, from bright scarlet to deep crimson.

This plant is native to Mediterranean Europe and is loved for its ‘snapping’ blooms which resemble a dragon’s mouth when pinched. Children particularly enjoy this unique feature.

Snapdragons prefer cooler temperatures, making them ideal for early spring or fall gardens. They can grow as perennials in USDA Hardiness Zones 7 to 10 but are typically grown as annuals elsewhere.

3. Red Hot Poker

The Red Hot Poker, also known as Kniphofia, is a striking addition to any garden. These plants have tall, colorful flower spikes that resemble torches. They come in shades of red, orange, and yellow, adding vibrant color to your landscape.

We should plant Red Hot Pokers in the spring when all danger of frost is past. They thrive in well-drained soil and dislike standing water. To plant, dig a hole slightly deeper and wider than the root ball. Amend the soil with compost or sand for better drainage.

Space the plants 18 to 24 inches apart to give them room to grow. Water thoroughly after planting and regularly until they are established. Adding mulch around the plants helps retain moisture and suppress weeds. Pairing them with blue-flowered plants like catmint or Russian sage creates a beautiful contrast.

4. Cardinal Flower

Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis) is a stunning perennial native to North and Central America. This plant brings vibrant red hues to any garden and thrives in wet soils, making it perfect for rain gardens or wetland edges.

We should space the transplants 18 to 24 inches apart to give them room to grow. Using a garden shovel, we dig a hole as deep as the root ball and twice as wide. If the plant is root-bound, it’s best to loosen the outer roots before planting.

These flowers bloom in late summer to early fall, and they attract hummingbirds and butterflies. Providing full to partial sun ensures optimal growth. While individual plants are short-lived, they self-seed and spread, ensuring a lasting display.

5. Red Valerian

Red Valerian is a striking addition to our gardens. With its clump-forming habit, it can grow up to 2-3 feet tall. It thrives in full sun and adapts well to different soil types, including poor soils.

We should water this plant thoroughly and ensure the soil is well-drained. Adding mulch around the base helps retain moisture. Cutting back the stems after flowering encourages more blooms.

6. Scarlet Pimpernel

The Scarlet Pimpernel is a small, eye-catching flower that blooms in bright red. This plant has five petals and typically opens its flowers around 8 am, closing them by 3 pm. If the weather is damp or cloudy, the flowers may close early.

It grows up to 8-10 inches tall and spreads about 1-2 feet wide. This plant is virtually pest and disease free, making it an easy addition to our garden.

One of the unique aspects of the Scarlet Pimpernel is its behavior in different weather conditions and times of the day. This adds an interesting dynamic to our garden, as the flowers can signal changes in the weather.

7. Burgundy Glow Ajuga

The Burgundy Glow Ajuga is a striking ground cover we can add to our garden for a vibrant splash of color. Known for its tricolored foliage, this plant showcases shades of burgundy, cream, and green. It grows best in mild temperatures, ideally between 60°F and 75°F. The foliage forms a dense carpet, with spikes of pretty blue flowers.

This plant can tolerate a range of climates, even frost and snow once it is well-established. In warmer regions, it may struggle with hot and dry conditions.

8. Red Sunflower

The Red Sunflower is a striking addition to any garden. With its rich, deep red petals, this sunflower stands out against the green backdrop of garden foliage. These flowers can grow between 5 to 6 feet tall. Their large, single blooms draw attention with their bold, luxurious colors.

These sunflowers thrive in full sun and prefer well-drained soil. They bloom during the summer and can add a vibrant burst of color to our garden spaces. The Velvet Queen variety, specifically, is known for its dark red, burgundy, and maroon shades.

We can plant Red Sunflowers from seeds in the spring after the last frost. Regular watering and some fertilizer can help them develop strong stems and healthy flowers. They are relatively easy to care for and can make a big visual impact with minimal effort.

Red Sunflowers are not just beautiful; they also attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, making our garden lively and buzzing with activity.

9. Christmas Cactus

The Christmas Cactus, scientifically known as Schlumbergera, thrives in cooler temperatures, unlike its desert cousins. This plant produces striking red flowers, making it a perfect addition to our garden during the festive season.

The Christmas Cactus needs moderate sunlight and well-draining soil. Proper watering without overdoing it is crucial for its health. We should also ensure it gets enough humidity and cooler temperatures to promote blooming.

10. Adonis Vernalis

Adonis Vernalis is a striking addition to any garden. Commonly known as Pheasant’s Eye, it’s cherished for its vibrant, red blooms and delicate, feathery foliage. This perennial plant is among the first to flower in spring, with blossoms appearing even before many others have started to bud.

We appreciate Adonis Vernalis not just for its beauty but also for its resilience. It is cold-hardy and thrives in well-draining soil. Planting Adonis Vernalis in our garden ensures an early splash of color, setting the stage for the blooming season. Who wouldn’t love a garden that wakes up bright and early each spring?

11. Red Trillium

Red Trillium, also known as Wake Robin, is a beautiful woodland plant. It has deep red, three-petaled flowers that bloom in early spring. We can find this plant thriving in moist, rich soil and partial to full shade.

This plant adds a touch of elegance to shaded areas of our garden. To keep it healthy and blooming, we need to water it regularly. The consistent moisture in the soil benefits its growth and flowering.

Red Trillium attracts our admiration with its striking flowers. It’s a perfect addition to our shaded garden spaces.

12. Red Clivia

Red Clivia is an eye-catching addition to any garden. With its vibrant red blooms and glossy green leaves, it provides a splash of color even in shaded areas.

Clivia plants are native to South Africa and thrive in temperatures ranging from 18-24°C. They prefer shade or indirect light and need well-drained soil.

These plants are relatively low-maintenance but do require consistent humidity to prevent leaf tip burn. Keeping them away from cold drafts and heaters is essential.

Red Clivia also works well in pots, making it a versatile option for various garden styles. Let’s make our gardens shine with the striking beauty of Red Clivia.

13. Blood Lily

The Blood Lily, also known as Scadoxus multiflorus, is a striking plant native to Africa. This bulbous herb grows up to 1 meter tall and is best known for its bright red, spherical flowers. The flowers resemble a fireball or Catherine wheel, making it a standout in any garden.

Blood Lilies thrive in organically rich, fertile soil that drains well. They prefer a pH level between 5.5 and 6.5. If our garden has sandy soil, adding compost can improve water retention. For clay soils, mixing in pea gravel or compost enhances drainage.

These plants are attractive to pollinators like bees, which helps our garden’s overall health. During the fall, if we’re growing Blood Lilies in the garden, we should dig up the bulbs, store them in peat moss, and keep them in a frost-free area.

14. Acalypha Hispida

Acalypha hispida, also known as the Chenille Plant, is a standout choice for adding dramatic color to our garden. Its long, fuzzy red or deep pink flowers resemble caterpillars, giving a unique texture. This evergreen shrub can reach up to 10 feet tall and 6 feet wide, making it a striking addition.

This tropical plant thrives in warm climates and prefers partial shade. We should plant it in well-draining soil and water it regularly to keep the soil moist. Mulching around the base helps retain moisture and prevents weed growth. In cooler climates, it can be grown in containers and brought indoors during winter.

The eye-catching blooms of Acalypha hispida can grow up to 18 inches long under ideal conditions, adding elegance to our garden. Its large green leaves provide a lovely contrast, making it even more appealing.

15. Dwarf Pomegranate

The Dwarf Pomegranate (Punica granatum ‘Nana’) is an eye-catching addition to any garden. This small shrub grows to just 3-4 feet tall and wide, making it perfect for limited space.

The plant showcases showy orange-red flowers and small, ornamental fruits. These can last for many months, adding vibrant color to your garden.

It thrives in hot, dry summers and can be grown in containers or used as a bonsai. The leaves are deciduous in cooler climates, turning yellow before they drop.

Whether on a patio, deck, or balcony, the Dwarf Pomegranate brings beauty and charm. It’s an excellent choice for those wanting a touch of the exotic.

16. Freesia Red

Freesia Red is a beautiful addition to any garden. These flowers thrive in mild temperatures ranging from 40-70°F (4-21°C) and prefer a moderate humidity level of 40-50%.

To plant Freesia Red, we need to position the corms 1 to 2 inches deep with the pointed end up and space them 2 to 3 inches apart. For the best display, it’s recommended to plant them in groups of at least six corms.

Once the flowering period is over and the foliage starts to wilt, it’s important to dig up the corms if we live in frosty zones. We should dry them and store them in a warm place, ideally between 77 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit.

17. Ixia Red

Ixia Red flowers are a stunning addition to our gardens with their bright red blooms that catch the eye. These flowers thrive in full sun, needing at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily.

We should plant Ixia bulbs in well-drained, sandy, or loamy soil to ensure healthy growth. It’s important to choose a spot with good air circulation to avoid damp conditions.

We must plant the bulbs in early fall, placing them 3-4 inches deep and 3-4 inches apart. After planting, water them well to settle the soil.

18. Scarlet Sage

Scarlet Sage, also known as Salvia coccinea, adds a burst of red to our gardens. This plant’s vibrant red flowers are tubular and bloom from midsummer to fall. It’s a favorite among butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds.

Scarlet Sage grows well in full sun to partial shade and prefers moist but well-drained soil. The plant can reach heights of 1-2 feet, making it perfect for borders or mass plantings.

It’s not just easy to grow; it’s also simple to propagate. We can take a stem cutting, place it in water, and soon have new plants. Scarlet Sage is not only beautiful but also versatile, making it a valuable addition to our garden.

19. Papaver Rhoeas

Papaver Rhoeas, commonly known as the Flanders Poppy or Corn Poppy, is a beautiful addition to our garden. These annual wildflowers are known for their bright red, delicate, and papery petals.

They grow best in full sunlight and well-drained soil. Plant the seeds in late fall or early spring for optimal growth. Once sown, they need minimal care and can brighten up any space effortlessly.

Even though they can be tricky to transplant, directly sowing the seeds in the garden works best. The flowers bloom on long, hairy stems, making them stand out in any garden setting.

20. Helleborus niger

Helleborus niger, also known as the Christmas Rose, is a stunning addition to our garden. This plant is famous for its beautiful white flowers that bloom in late winter or early spring. The blossoms can often turn pink as they age, adding a dynamic touch to our garden landscape.

The foliage of Helleborus niger remains evergreen, providing year-round interest. It thrives in shady spots with well-drained soil. We can plant it under trees or alongside other shade-loving plants. It is also deer-resistant, making it a practical choice for many gardeners.

This hardy perennial can grow to about 12-15 inches tall. It is well-suited for USDA zones 3-8, enduring both cold winters and mild summers. Adding Helleborus niger to our garden ensures a splash of color during the gloomy days of winter.

21. Musa Basjoo

Musa Basjoo, also known as the Japanese banana, adds a tropical flair to our garden. This hardy banana plant can withstand temperatures down to -10°F, making it suitable for colder climates. It grows tall with mid-green leaves that can reach up to 1.8 meters long.

Although it thrives best in USDA zones 5 to 10, it prefers warm temperatures ranging from 75°F to 85°F. Our plant typically takes 12 to 24 months to bloom and set fruit. For those of us looking to have bananas, hand-pollination is necessary.

When paired with colorful flowers like roselle, Musa Basjoo not only enhances the beauty of our garden but also attracts many pollinators.

22. Guzmania

Guzmania is a stunning tropical plant known for its bright red flower bracts. It’s perfect for adding a splash of color to our garden. The flowers of the Guzmania appear like a star bursting from the center of the plant. These vibrant blooms can last for months.

Guzmania thrives in part to full shade and can even do well under artificial light. This makes it an excellent choice for indoor spaces as well.

We can place Guzmania in our garden or home. Just make sure it has the right light and humidity. Adding Guzmania to our garden is a wonderful way to enjoy bright, exotic flowers all year round.

23. Ixora coccinea

Ixora coccinea, also known as Jungle Geranium or Flame of the Woods, is an evergreen shrub native to India, Sri Lanka, and Southeast Asia. It’s known for its vibrant red flowers that bloom in dense clusters.

We should plant Ixora coccinea in bright, indirect light to avoid leaf scorch. These flowers thrive best in warm, humid climates.

Regular pruning after the flowering season encourages bushier growth and more blooms. This plant generally grows to a height of 4-6 feet but has dwarf varieties reaching about 3 feet.

24. Leucadendron Safari Sunset

Leucadendron ‘Safari Sunset’ is an eye-catching, multi-stemmed evergreen shrub. Its deep-red bracts and slender green foliage make it a favorite among gardeners and florists.

The plant’s tall, upright stems can grow to over 3 feet in length. It’s perfect for fall and winter gardens, where its vibrant colors stand out.

This shrub is well adapted to coastal regions, tolerating wind and salt air. It’s relatively low maintenance and responds well to pruning, making it a versatile choice for many gardens.

25. Red Oleander

Red Oleander is a stunning addition to any garden. The plant displays vibrant red flowers that bloom throughout the year, especially during warmer months.

Not only does Red Oleander provide a burst of color, but it’s also quite hardy. It thrives in well-drained soil and can tolerate poor soil conditions. However, we should note that oleander is toxic if ingested. So, it’s essential to plant it where pets and children cannot reach it.

26. Tulipa linifolia

Tulipa linifolia, also known as the flax-leaved tulip, is a bulbous perennial that stands out in any garden. Its bright red bowl-shaped flowers have broad, oval petals with a small purple-black blotch at the base. These blossoms appear in early to mid-spring, adding a burst of color to our yards.

The flowers of Tulipa linifolia open up in the sun, forming shallow, glistening bowls. They are supported by short stems that rise above narrow, gray-green leaves. This tulip has earned the prestigious Award of Garden Merit from the Royal Horticultural Society.

Tulipa linifolia is native to Central Asia. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. This species is a great choice for rock gardens, borders, and containers.

These flowers add a unique touch to our garden beds and are a reliable choice for bright, vibrant displays each spring.

27. Trachelium caeruleum

Trachelium caeruleum, also known as Blue Throatwort, is a striking addition to any garden. This plant features small, violet-blue flowers held in large, domed clusters. These slightly fragrant blooms are very attractive to pollinators such as bees and butterflies.

Though often grown as an annual, it can also be a tender perennial in milder climates. The bush-like plant reaches about 2.5 feet in height and has sharply toothed, lance-shaped, dark green leaves.

Ideal for beds, borders, or containers, it thrives in fertile soil with good drainage. We should plant it in shady or partially shady spots, spacing each plant about a foot apart. Our Blue Throatwort will not only add color but also attract beneficial insects to our garden.

28. Lobelia splendens

Lobelia splendens, also known as Cardinal Flower, is a striking addition to our garden. These plants have vibrant red flowers that attract hummingbirds and butterflies. The blooms grow on tall spikes, making them a dramatic focal point.

We should plant Lobelia splendens in well-draining, loamy soil enriched with compost. They thrive in full sun to partial shade and need consistent moisture.

Starting from seed is an option. We can sprinkle the tiny seeds on the soil surface, as they need light to germinate. Keeping the soil lightly moist is key.

29. Dahlia Red Cap

Dahlia Red Cap is an excellent choice for adding vibrant color to our garden. This variety stands out with its deep red petals that create a striking display.

The plant typically grows to a height of 3-4 feet. Its sturdy stems make it ideal for garden borders and flower arrangements.

With blooms that measure about 4-6 inches in diameter, Dahlia Red Cap offers a bold statement. This dahlia prefers full sun to part shade and thrives in hardiness zones 8-10.

This dahlia variety is perfect for both beginners and experienced gardeners. Its vibrant color and robust growth make it a standout choice.

30. Opuntia ficus-indica

Opuntia ficus-indica, also known as the prickly pear, is a striking addition to our garden with its unique red flowers. The plant features large, flat, bluish-green pads that can grow up to 2 feet across and are often spineless.

In the summer months, typically from June to July, it produces beautiful orange or reddish flowers. These flowers are followed by fruit that changes from yellow to red, adding a splash of color to our garden space.

The prickly pear thrives in full sun and can grow between 10 to 15 feet tall and 5 to 10 feet wide. This plant is not only visually appealing but can also withstand arid conditions, making it an ideal choice for a low-maintenance garden.