Red always makes an impression. When your garden is looking a little dreary, add a little red to spice it up. No matter where you plant a red flower, it will become the centerpiece of your garden and you will look forward to its blooms all year long. We love red flowers for their impact, but many of them also have strong associations with Southern gardens and gardeners. Of course, red roses are the obvious choice when it comes to the iconic red flower, but there are many other species grown in gardens as well. Look for geraniums for a pop of red in spring that looks lovely in a hanging basket, or look for red daisies in a pot next to the front door. After all, red is an instant shortcut to curb appeal. Here are 15 of our favorite red flowers that you’ll love having in your garden.

dianthus

• Botanical name: Dianthus spp.
• Sun exposure: Moderate
• Soil type: Well drained
• Soil PH: Neutral

Some of the most popular dianthus species have pink flowers, but others, such as ‘Fire Star’, ‘Rockin’ Red’ and ‘Ideal Select Red’, have red flowers and have become the go-to choice for their fringed petals and their distinctive fragrance.

tea flower

• Botanical name: Camellia spp.
• Sun exposure: Partial
• Soil type: Well drained
• Soil pH: Acidic

Camellias can always be considered brilliant winter bloomers, which is why these shrubs have become popular inhabitants of southern gardens. Among the species Camellia japonica and Camellia sasanqua , ‘Bob Hope’, ‘Yuletide’, ‘Crimson King’, ‘Red Bird’, ‘Black Magic’ and ‘Royal Velvet’ produces red flowers.

comb flower

• Botanical name: Echinacea spp.
• Sun exposure: Moderate
• Soil type: Well drained
• Soil PH: Neutral to slightly acidic

If your garden receives bright sunlight, turn to coneflowers. They appear in clusters along long stems and produce a variety of colors, one of which is deep red. ‘Hot Papaya’ has mango-red flowers, while ‘Tomato Soup’ has bright red flowers.

Rose

• Botanical name: Rosa spp.
• Sun exposure: Full, partial
• Soil type: Well drained
• Soil PH: Neutral

We always turn to roses when looking for a red flower with presence. They come in many different forms, from climbing roses to bush roses. Red shrubs include ‘Benjamin Britten’, Double Knock Out’ and ‘My Hero’, while red hybrid teas include ‘Kentucky Derby’, ‘Opening Night’ ‘ and ‘Red Masterpiece’ . Red climbers include ‘Candy Oh!’, ‘Red Cascade’ and ‘Valentine’s Day’.

Bee oil

• Botanical name: Monarda spp.
• Sun exposure: Moderate
• Soil type: Well drained
• Soil pH: slightly acidic

This plant is native to the Eastern United States and it produces dark green leaves along with clusters of flowers. This is a popular plant with hummingbirds, so if you want to attract them to your yard, this is a good species to plant. ‘Adam’ has bright red flowers, as does ‘Cambridge Scarlet’, while ‘Gardenview Scarlet’ has red flowers and is resistant to many diseases.

canna

• Botanical name: Canna spp.
• Sun exposure: Adequate
• Soil type: Well drained
• Soil pH: slightly acidic

Cannas have some of the most colorful foliage in the garden and their flowers are not far behind in bright colors and curb appeal. ‘Australia’ has burgundy foliage and bright red blooms, while ‘Durban’ has extremely eye-catching bright red foliage and flowers. ‘President’ is another variety with red flowers, appearing next to glossy green foliage.

Calibrachoa

• Botanical name: Calibrachoa spp.
• Sun exposure: Full, partial
• Soil type: Well drained
• Soil pH: Acidic

A flower that blooms in the summer and is always pleasant to look at in the garden, Calibrachoa is also known as “million bells” because of its many flowers. ‘Superbells Red’, ‘Cabaret Bright Red’ and ‘Superbells Cherry Red’ all produce bright red flowers.

Calla Lily

• Botanical name: Zantedeschia spp.
• Sun exposure: Full, partial
• Soil type: Well drained
• Soil pH: slightly acidic

Trumpet-shaped lilies are unmistakable in the garden and although they are usually white, some lilies bloom red with dark green foliage. ‘Red Alert’ and ‘Majestic Red’ are two popular red blooming options.

chrysanthemum

• Botanical name: Chrysanthemum spp.
• Sun exposure: Adequate
• Soil type: Well drained
• Soil PH: Neutral

While chrysanthemums bloom in a variety of colors – and some can have multiple colors per flower – red blooms add real drama to a front porch or patio. Look towards the reds, like ‘Little Red’, ‘Red Hots’ and ‘Daisy Red’, and you’ll see there’s a lot to love about potted daisies.

Coreopsis

• Botanical name: Coreopsis spp.
• Sun exposure: Moderate
• Soil type: Well drained
• Soil PH: Neutral

If you don’t have a green thumb yet then coreopsis might be the flower for you. It is easy to grow and produces many flowers over a long season. ‘Limerock Ruby’ has ruby flowers, ‘Ruby Frost’ has red flowers with white edges, and ‘Garnet’ also has red flowers.

petunia

• Botanical name: Petunia spp.
• Sun exposure: Adequate
• Soil type: Well drained
• Soil pH: slightly acidic

According to The New Southern Living Garden Book, “Peunias have long been a mainstay in hedges and containers because they bloom profusely and come in a surprising variety of colors.” Look for deep red flowers on ‘Supertunia Truly Red’, ‘Shock Wave Red’ and ‘Tidal Wave Red Velor.’

geranium

• Botanical name: Pelargonium spp.
• Sun exposure: Full, partial
• Soil type: Well drained
• Soil PH: Neutral

Called geranium and pelargonium interchangeably, these plants produce flowers in pink, white, lavender, purple, orange, coral and red. ‘Dark Deep Red’, ‘Medium Calliope Red’ and ‘Dark Americana Red’ will help you get the bright red tone you’re looking for.

lose patience

• Botanical name: Impatiens spp.
• Sun exposure: Partial
• Soil type: Well drained
• Soil pH: slightly acidic

Often considered an annual, impatiens can be grown en masse for bright color over large spaces. They bloom for a long time, usually in the summer. Try ‘Sunpatiens Compact Deep Red’, ‘Infinity Red’, ‘Soprano Bright Red’ and ‘Beacon Bright Red’ for red flowers.

phlox

• Botanical name: Phlox spp.
• Sun exposure: Moderate
• Soil type: Well drained
• Soil pH: slightly acidic

Showy flowers make phlox a favorite garden plant. They usually thrive with regular watering and full sun, although some varieties can tolerate shade. ‘Little Red Riding Hood’ is one of the most famous and loved red blooming phlox flowers.

medicine

• Botanical name: Papaver spp.
• Sun exposure: Adequate
• Soil type: Well drained
• Soil PH: Neutral

According to The New Southern Living Garden Book , “Poppies bring bright spring and summer color to borders and ornaments.” Their bright flowers brighten any garden and some bloom red: ‘American Legion’, ‘Flanders Field’ and ‘Champagne Bubbles Scarlet’ among them.