Wow with red
Red is a color that demands attention no matter where it is — from a red stop sign on a street corner to a mass of red tulips, such as the ones along a path in the photo above, this is a color that says “Hey, look at me!” Red flowers and foliage are great additions to any border style and containers of all types. You’re likely to draw in a few hummingbirds, too — they love the color red.
Using red flowers and red foliage in the garden
There are lots of ways to use red flowers and foliage in the garden.
- Fabulous focal point Place a large plant, such as hardy hibiscus, at the center of planting and no one will pass by without a second look.
- Create unity Repeating this can’t-miss color throughout the border easily provides a sense of unity.
- Avoid a view Draw your visitor’s gaze away from an unattractive view, such as the air conditioner with bright shades of red.
Different shades of red
As you add more red flowers and foliage to beds and borders you’ll notice that not all reds are the same and some look better together than others. There's everything from orange-red scarlet to blue-red crimson and not all seed packets or tags will point out these distinctions. The best way to find out if different reds go together is by giving them an audition together. If the colors vibrate unpleasantly go ahead and give another red a try.
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Meet a few plants with red flowers and foliage
Take a look at this gallery of plants with red flowers or foliage in a wide range of shades and sizes. There’s sure to be some you can use to bring up the intensity in your garden.