The red colour of perennials may range from bright or vibrant red to dark maroon, from rich to rusty red, from crimson, cherry, cerise or deep wine to scarlet, carmine and ruby-red or even salmon. Some shades of red are difficult to place among other plants. Garden writers recommend companions for many red-flowered perennials as you will see below. The myriad ideas suggested will make your partnership choices somewhat easier.

* Watch for the animated hummingbird and butterfly with the plants that attract them. *
The deer icon indicates plants that deer are not usually attracted to.

The best time and method to propagate plants can be found on our image-intensive PROPAGATION page.

To help your plants grow their best, check out our FERTILIZATION page.

To create your own plant partnerships based on tried and true color theory, check out our GARDEN COLOR page.

To see if a particular plant is on this page press Ctrl+F, type in the name, then click the Find button.

ACHILLEA

Aromatic foliage is only one of many desirable features of most Yarrows, in addition to their drought-tolerance. Given a place in full sun with well-drained soil, they will provide a long season of bloom. The only problem might be the speed at which many forms spread out. Divide them every 3-5 years in early spring or fall to curb their enthusiasm.

Achillea:  Yarrow, red

with:  Chrysanthemum x superbum

between:  Rudbeckia fulgida 'Goldsturm' & Phlox paniculata 'White Admiral'
in front of:  Echinops ritro
behind:  Astilbe x arendsii, Chrysanthemum x superbum 'Alaska', Stokesia laevis

with:  white Veronicastrum virginicum 'Album'
with:  Oenothera fruticosa (red buds and yellow cup-shaped blooms)
behind:  Salvia x superba 'East Friesland'
combined with:  Heuchera sanguinea ( red edger ) & Campanula carpatica (both white and lavender)
with:  Arrhenatherum elatius bulbosum ‘Variegatum’
combined with:  Veronica (tall purple forms) & Hemerocallis (pale to darker yellows)

with:  Salvia farinacea 'Victoria'

ALCEA

There are both single and double forms of Hollyhock available for the choosing, all making a bold statement at the rear of a garden border. They are easily started from seed, sown wherever you want them to grow. Hollyhocks, unfortunately, are subject to rust disease that spoils the foliage which should never be composted. Planting them behind other leafy perennials will at least partly screen their unsightly foliage from view.

Alcea rosea 'Chater’s Double':  Chater’s Double Hollyhock, scarlet

near whites:  Gypsophila paniculata, Alcea (tall forms)
behind:  Baptisia australis, Paeonia, Dictamnus, Aconitum, 3' yellow Achillea

AQUILEGIA

Another perennial that can suffer from disease is the Columbine whose foliage can be completely decimated by the Columbine leaf miner. Remove affected foliage immediately. Short-spurred, long-spurred, in solid colours or colour combinations, these are all desirable and lovely additions to our early summer gardens.

Aquilegia:  Columbine, dark red double

with:  Thalictrum aquilegiafolium

Aquilegia canadensis:  Wild Columbine, Canadian Columbine, red & yellow

in shade with:  Mertensia virginica, Phlox divaricata, Tiarella cordifolia
with:   Trillium, Ferns
interplanted with:  Baptisia alba

CHRYSANTHEMUM

Many Chrysanthemum forms have been reclassified but are still commonly known under their original designations. Both old and new names are given for the forms below.

Chrysanthemum coccineum:   Pyrethrum

now called:  Tanacetum coccineum
for partnership ideas follow the link to Pink Perennials & Their Companions

seen in the photo above with lovely blue-purple Geranium x magnificum
near:  Nepeta x faassenii 'Dropmore Blue' (or other named varieties)

now called:  Dendranthema x grandiflorum
with:  Ceratostigma plumbaginoides

DIANTHUS

Commonly called Pinks, these perennials come in a multitude of sizes and colours, all with "pinked" edges from which the common name is derived. Plants are absolutely smothered with blooms at various times of the gardening season depending on the species. Most thrive in full sun with well-drained, slightly acidic soil. Divide them every 2-3 years. Keep clumps dead-headed for a tidier appearance. Some forms are highly fragrant.

Dianthus barbatus:  Sweet William, crimson

in front of:  Lupinus 'Russell Hybrids' (separate or mixed colours)

with:  Anemone sylvestris (Snowdrop Anemone ) & Myosotis alpestris 'Victoria Dark Blue'

seen above at the front of a rock-edged bed, falling forward onto a red Sempervivum tectorum below
in front of:  Iris x germanica, Paeonia
beside:  Thymus x citriodorus, Euphorbia epithymoides
with:  Veronica spicata 'Nana'

GAILLARDIA

Blanket Flower is a daisy that comes in several colours and colour combinations, including red. Flower petals overlap giving them a jagged appearance. Full sun and average, well-drained soil suit them best. Divide every 2-3 years in early spring.

Gaillardia x grandiflora 'Burgundy':  Blanket Flower, deep wine-red, 2-3'

with:  red Salvia, yellow Coreopsis, Chrysanthemum x superbum
echo with:  the purple of a bold purple Canna

HEMEROCALLIS

With thousands of registered Daylily cultivars to choose from you are sure to find many that suit your fancy. Flowers appear on stalks arising from strappy foliage. Each flower lasts only a day so there is plenty of dead-heading required to keep clumps looking tidy. After all blooming is over, cut spent stalks back to below the foliage or to the ground.

Some of the daylilies below are Spider and Unusual Form Daylilies. Follow the link to learn more about the beautiful cultivars available in these two classes and see images that show their amazing appearance. You will also discover how to find suppliers of these classes in your area.

Hemerocallis:  Daylily, red

with:  Perilla frutescens (an annual herb with black-purple foliage)
with:  Heliopsis helianthoides 'Summer Sun'

with:  Verbascum chaixii 'Album', Centaurea macrocephala, yellow Turk's cap lilies & Alchemilla mollis

Hemerocallis 'Carolina Octopus':  deep vibrant red with green eye and throat, scape height 28", bloom 10"

this Spider daylily cultivar was registered in 2002, season E, Spider Ratio 4.17:1

with:  Alchemilla mollis, Campanula, Delphinium, Echinacea purpurea,Shasta Daisy, Salvia nemorosa

this Unusual Form Crispate cultivar was registered in 1990, scape height 36", bloom 8", bloom season MLa

the flower of this daylily cultivar is quite tiny, the colour wonderful
with:  Astilbe 'Ostrich Plume'

this Unusual Form Crispate daylily cultivar was registered in 1990, bloom season MLa

combined with:  Hemerocallis 'Sparks' (brilliant red-orange ), Hemerocallis 'Bright Banner' & Linum perenne

HEUCHERA

Coral Bells or Alumroot is a wonderful foliage perennial for a wide range of exposures, from full sun to partial shade, always preferring moist well-drained and humus-rich soil. Too much shade may reduce flowering. Because clumps gradually push their way out of the ground, lift and divide them every 3 years, replanting only healthy outer rosettes firmly into amended soil.

Heuchera:  Coral Bells, red

for partnership ideas follow the link to Edgers & Their Companions

with:  Astrantia major, Iris sibirica 'Little White', Geranium 'Ballerina'

in part shade with:   variegated Hosta, bronze forms of Ajuga
in more sun with:  Penstemon digitalis 'Husker Red', Salvia officinalis 'Purpurascens' or annual Perilla frutescens
(black-purple)

in part shade with:  bronze forms of Ajuga
in more sun with:  Penstemon digitalis 'Husker Red', Salvia officinalis 'Purpurascens' or annual Perilla frutescens
combined with:  Heuchera 'Cherry Splash' & Heuchera 'Montrose Ruby'

IRIS

Choices in the Iris genus are almost unlimited, in height, colour as well as type. Different species require very different growing conditions so learn what suits your own plants for best results. Because the Iris borer can be a serious problem, never compost Iris foliage or indeed any part of Iris plants.

Iris:  dark red

with:  Tradescantia 'Zwanenburg Blue' (deep violet-purple ) or 'Snowcap' (pure white )

with:   paler Iris ensata 'Queen of Blues'

KNAUTIA

Crimson Scabious, hardy to Zone 5, is a bushy perennial with double pincushion-type flowers. The flowers, on long stalks, can be allowed to flop forward over a garden edge for added charm. Give this plant full sun and average well-drained soil. I got a division from a friend after admiring it in her garden. The rich raspberry shade is wonderful. It started to bloom July 9 and continued until late October when everything had to be cut back for the winter. Quite a performance.

Knautia macedonica:  Crimson Scabious, wine-red

synonym:  Scabiosa rumelica
seen above with:  white Delphinium 'Galahad' & purple Clematis 'Polish Spirit'
note:  follow the link for a profile of Knautia macedonica
with:   pure white Delphinium 'Galahad'
with:  silver Artemisia, deep green shrubs

LILIUM

A wide range of colours, sizes and forms makes the Lily one of the most sought-after perennials of summer. Growing from bulbs, they send up stalks that are clothed with leaves and topped by variously-shaped flowers depending on type. If you don't intend to save seeds, always remove spent flowers. Divide clumps in late summer to fall as they enter dormancy, being sure to replant bulbs immediately.

Lilium:  dark red Asiatic Lily

combined with:  Veronica (V. longifolia, V. 'Sunny Border Blue', 'Goodness Grows' or 'Romily Purple') & double
Chrysanthemum x superbum

with:  Aconitum x bicolor 'Bicolor'

with:  Eryngium

with:  Campanula carpatica 'Blue Clips' or 'White Clips'

LUPINUS

As much as I admire the Lupine in other people's gardens, I have never had any success in my own, in spite of trying different growing conditions and soil types. They apparently prefer rich, moist, well-drained soil, on the acidic side. Cool summer temperatures are apt to provide best performance. Plants may be short-lived in areas with hot summers.

Lupinus polyphyllus 'Popsicle Red':  Washington Lupine

with:  Paeonia, Iris, Campanula spp.

Learn more about lupines including their ability to draw hummingbirds to your gardens at the link below.

LYCHNIS

Campion, also called Catchfly, is a short-lived yet showy perennial. Because the flower colour is often so vivid, you can't go wrong by surrounding plants with lots of green. Spring division every 2-3 years is recommended.

Lychnis:  Campion, red forms

where:  among green-coloured plants
with:  yellow and soft blue flowers ie. Perovskia atriplicifolia, Rudbeckia, Achillea, Anthemis tinctoria, Delphinium

MONARDA

Another perennial with aromatic foliage, Bee Balm also has tubular flowers that are loved by hummingbirds. Provide moist, humus-rich soil in full sun to part shade and never let this plant dry out. Division every 2-3 years will keep your plants vigorous. Good air circulation will help prevent powdery mildew.

Monarda didyma:  Bee Balm, Bergamot, red

for partnership ideas follow the link to Butterfly Magnets & Their Companions - 2

for partnership ideas follow the link to Butterfly Magnets & Their Companions - 2

for partnership ideas follow the link to Butterfly Magnets & Their Companions - 2

PAEONIA

Late spring and early summer would not be the same without the presence of Peonies in our gardens. Full sun and moist soil, especially when buds are forming, fulfills their needs. Failure to bloom is often the result of being planted too deeply. Eyes should be no more than 1-2" below the soil surface.

Paeonia:  Peony, crimson

combined with:  Geranium clarkei 'Kashmir White' & Iris x germanica (dark violet)

behind:  Geranium sanguineum striatum, a pale pink (formerly G. s. lancastriense), Iris sibirica &
Thalictrum aquilegiafolium
with:  Salvia 'Miss Indigo' (intense violet-blue)

see this in person at:   Virginia's Garden, 1015 Dyers Bay Rd, Dyers Bay, Ontario, Canada
with:  Narcissus (around base ), Iris x germanica (tall bearded)
over:  Muscari
in front of:   ferns

note:  follow the link for a profile of the Fernleaf Peony
with:  deep purple Aubrieta deltoidea, Geranium 'Album'
with:  blue or purple Iris x germanica (dwarf bearded forms)

PAPAVER

Whichever species you choose, your Poppy flowers will have a papery appearance to them. And most will self-seed freely so there will never be a shortage of these beauties about the garden. The Oriental Poppies in particular are not especially attractive to deer.

Papaver orientale:  Oriental Poppy, red forms

with:  Salvia pratensis (Meadow Sage, Clary Sage)

Papaver somniferum : Opium Poppy

with:  just about anything - it pops up here and there around the garden and looks lovely wherever it is

I dubbed this gorgeous one "Big Red" but alas it has disappeared from my garden

PHLOX

This genus can range from tiny dwarf creepers to tall border types in a variety of colours including the red form below.

Phlox subulata 'Atropurpurea':  Moss Pink, Moss Phlox, wine (carmine)

with:  Narcissus poeticus, Narcissus jonquilla, Iris x germanica (early dwarf forms)
in front of:  Narcissus poeticus, Narcissus jonquilla, early yellow Narcissus
in front of:  late Tulipa; Allium aflatunense & cultivar 'Purple Sensation'
combined with:  Doronicum cordatum & Dicentra (pink or white)
with spring bloomers:  Iberis sempervirens, Aubrieta (pink or white) & Arabis

POTENTILLA

The perennial form of Cinquefoil is different from the shrub form so many people grow. It is an herbaceous perennial with 5-petalled flowers and hairy, divided leaves. Give it sun and well-drained soil.

Potentilla atrosanguinea 'Firedance':  Himalayan Cinquefoil, salmon-red

beside:  Geranium himalayense

combined with:  Campanula carpatica 'China Doll' (azure blue), Sedum 'Dragon's Blood' & Thymus x citriodorus
with:  Sedum, Linum perenne, Gypsophila

PRIMULA

Our spring gardens are the richer for planting Primroses where we can. They detest both high heat and humidity and crave moisture. You must certainly keep them well watered during prolonged periods of drought. Light to partial shade suits them just fine. Division is best done immediately after they bloom.

Primula Pacific Giants Scarlet & Bright Red Shades:  Primrose

with spring bulbs:  Tulipa, Galanthus, Narcissus

SEDUM

Easy care is a quality of all the Stonecrops, including the one below. Most prefer full sun although the shorter species can tolerate partial shade. Divide them when necessary in spring or fall. Apparently only the Border Varieties attract butterflies.

Sedum spurium 'Dragon's Blood':  Two-Row Sedum

seen above with the pink flower of a Filipendula flopped forward onto it - lovely!
in front of:  Achillea x 'Moonshine'
in front of:  Lilium regale (white), Achillea (cerise-red) & Delphinium (violet)
in front of:  Lilium regale (white) & Veronica longifolia (any purple selection)
in front of:  Iris pumila (yellow dwarf), Iris x germanica (medium height yellow), Iris x germanica (blue)
combined with:  Campanula carpatica 'China Doll' (azure blue), Potentilla 'Miss Willmott' & Thymus x citriodorus

TRADESCANTIA

Spiderwort will frequently pop up around the garden, its three-petalled flowers, beginning in late spring, above jointed stems. Flowers last only half a day, closing up by early afternoon. Cut the foliage back after the first flush of flowers to tidy up the plant and you may well experience a second flush of bloom later in the season.

Tradescantia x andersoniana 'Red Cloud':  Spiderwort, maroon-red

with:  Tradescantia 'Pauline' (orchid-pink) or Tradescantia 'Snowcap' (pure white)

TRILLIUM

Sometimes called Wake-robin or Birthroot, the Trillium is a beautiful early spring wildflower with large, showy flowers. Each rhizome sends up a single stem with 3 leaves and one 3-petalled flower. Most often associated with the colour white, the Trillium also has forms in deep maroon-red or purple-brown. This is a perfect plant to colonize in either a woodland or a shady garden. Performance will excel in a moist humusy soil with a pH level of 6.0 to 7.0.

Trillium: red Trillium, Stinking Benjamin, 8-16", May-June bloom, flower may have an unpleasant odor

Other forms in red shades, or white that changes to pink or red, suggested on the Fraser's Thimble Farm page that you might want to research include: 

• Trillium catesbaei:  Rosy Trillium, pink-to-rose flowers
• Trilllium chloropetalum giganteum rubra:  large up-pointing dark red petals, handsome mottled leaves
• Trillium cuneatum:  Whippoorwill Flower, flowers dark maroon to brown
• Trillium erectum:  Purple Trillium, purple-red flower, petals nearly erect
• Trillium kurabayashii:  fragrant purple-red flowers, well mottled leaves
• Trillium ovatum:  fragrant white flowers age to pink then to wine-purple
• Trillium pusillum:  Dwarf White Trillium, white flowers age to cherry red
• Trillium recurvatum:  Prairie Trillium, brown-red flowers, mottled leaves
• Trillium stamineum:  flowers usually very dark red purple
• Trillium sulcatum:  Southern Red Trillium, typically rich maroon red but sometimes red, yellow, pink or white
• Trillium vaseyi:  large red nodding flowers, a beautiful species

More Trilliums, information about growing them well and finding perfect plant partnerships for them can be found at the pages below.

• Trilliums in shade
• Trilliums with variegated foliage

TULIPA

Tulips are wonderful spring-blooming bulbs, available in a variety of heights, shapes and colours including the red shades below. They require lots of water and food during their active growth period in spring, followed by a dry dormancy period during summer. Most prefer full sun and humus-rich soil.

Tulipa:  Tulip, bright red

for partnerships ideas follow the link to Tulips & Their Companions

for partnerships ideas follow the link to Tulips & Their Companions

for partnerships ideas follow the link to Tulips & Their Companions

for partnerships ideas follow the link to Tulips & Their Companions

for partnerships ideas follow the link to Tulips & Their Companions

for partnerships ideas follow the link to Tulips & Their Companions

for partnerships ideas follow the link to Tulips & Their Companions

for partnerships ideas follow the link to Tulips & Their Companions

VERONICA

Veronica, also commonly called Speedwell, has choices both tall and short, all with flowers that have 4-5 petals, with a variety of foliage shapes depending on type. Available in white, purple shades, blue, pink and even some red as you will see below.

Veronica spicata 'Red Fox':  Spike Speedwell, deep rose pink

for partnership ideas follow the link to Pink Perennials & Their Companions - 2

All of our own Gardens By The Bay pages can be accessed by clicking on the links below.

HOME

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BOTANICAL LATIN - BASICS

COLOR THEORY

THE GARDENS

CORNER GARDEN CONSTRUCTION  |  CORNER GARDEN PLANTING  |  LONG GARDEN

EAST GARDEN  |  HOSTA GARDEN  |  NORTH GARDEN  |  WINTER GARDENS

PLANT PARTNERSHIPS

BLUE PERENNIALS    Aconitum - Geranium  |  Iris - Vinca

BULBS    Allium - Hyacinthus  |  Narcissus only  |  Tulipa only  |  Minor Bulbs

BUTTERFLY MAGNETS    Anaphalis - Hemerocallis  |  Liatris - Veronicastrum
DAYLILIES      Spider & Unusual Form

EDGERS    Arabis - Iris  |  Nepeta - Veronica

FOLIAGE PERENNIALS     Alchemilla - Tanacetum

HOSTA    Hosta - all

HUMMINGBIRD-FRIENDLY PERENNIALS    Alcea - Salvia

ORANGE PERENNIALS    Achillea - Tulipa

ORNAMENTAL GRASSES    Acorus - Imperata |  Miscanthus - Spodiopogon

PINK PERENNIALS    Achillea - Lilium  |  Lychnis - Veronica

PURPLE PERENNIALS    Aconitum - Liatris  |  Polemonium - Veronica

RED PERENNIALS    Achillea - Veronica

SHADE PERENNIALS    Aegopodium - Erythronium  |  Ferns - Polemonium  |  Polygonatum - Vinca

SILVER FOLIAGE PERENNIALS    Achillea - Cerastium    |    Cornus - Limonium    |    Lunaria - Veronica

SIMPLY SPECIAL PERENNIALS    Acanthus - Saxifraga

WHITE PERENNIALS    Achillea - Iris  |  Kalimeris - Yucca

YELLOW PERENNIALS    Achillea - Hypericum  |  Inula - Verbascum

VARIEGATED-FOLIAGE PERENNIALS    Acorus - Erythronium  |  Hakonechloa - Lysimachia  |  Miscanthus - Yucca

PLANT PROFILES

Dianthus 'Tiny Rubies'  |  Geranium  |  Geum coccineum  |  Kerria japonica  |  Knautia macedonica

Paeonia tenuifolia  |  Papaver somniferum  |  Rudbeckia  |  Salvia 'East Friesland'

Trollius  |  Veronica 'Sunny Border Blue'

PROPAGATION

DIVISION - SPRING ONLY  |   DIVISION - FALL ONLY  |   DIVISION - SPRING OR FALL  |   DO NOT DIVIDE

FERTILIZATION

BULBS  |   ORNAMENTAL GRASSES  |   PERENNIALS  |   SHRUBS  |   VINES

LINKS

GARDENS  |   LOCAL GARDENS  |   BOTANICAL TERMINOLOGY

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