How I Make My Garden Stand Out With These 10 Stunning Red Annuals

Looking to add a pop of color to your garden? Red flowers can really add some life to your outdoor space! These 11 annual red flowers are easy to grow (yes, please) and will brighten up your garden all season long.

Strawflower (Xerochrysum bracteatum)

red Strawflower — Image Credit: Tilen Josar from Getty Images/ Canva Pro.

Strawflowers, or everlasting flowers, bring bright and cheery pops of color to your garden. These unique blooms have stiff, papery petals that resemble colorful daisies and last a long time, even after being cut. They’re perfect for drying and using in crafts or arrangements because they keep their shape and vibrant color. Although they’re usually grown as annuals, in warmer climates (zones 8-10) they can survive as perennials.

Strawflowers love sun but can handle some shade and are tough enough to withstand dry soil and drought conditions. You can enjoy these annuals from late spring until the first frost.

Vinca (Catharanthus roseus)

Vinca is a sturdy flower that loves the summer heat and blooms from July until the fall. It’s perfect as a groundcover because it grows fast and doesn’t need much care—no deadheading or pinching required.

It’s also resistant to deer and rabbits, which means more flowers for you and less for the wildlife. Vinca does well in full sun or partial shade and can grow in almost any well-drained soil.

Cockscomb (Celosia spp.)

Cockscomb adds a touch of drama to your garden with its frilly and colorful blooms. These plants vary in size from six inches to three feet tall, making them perfect for both pots and garden beds.

They flourish in full sun and well-drained soil and are quite flexible with most soil types, as long as the soil isn’t overly wet. Cockscomb is a fantastic way to bring some excitement to your garden setup.

Impatiens (Impatiens walleriana)

Impatiens are the go-to flowers for bringing color to shady spots in your garden. They grow quickly and bloom from late spring until the first frost. These plants have a dense, bushy shape and can spread by self-sowing, which helps fill in gaps in the garden.

They range from six inches to two feet in height and width and are available in a variety of colors with single or double five-petaled flowers. Impatiens prefer moist, well-drained soil and thrive in partial to full shade, although the Sunpatiens variety can also handle full sun.

Penta (Pentas lanceolata)

Pentas, recognized for its star-shaped flowers, are perfect for attracting hummingbirds with their vivid clusters. These plants grow to about one to two feet tall and are a great choice for gardens where deer are a problem, as deer tend to avoid them.

Pentas prefer well-drained soil and full sun, though they can also handle drought and partial shade. While they are annuals in most parts of the US, they can survive winters in zones 10-11.

Nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus)

Nasturtiums are not only eye-catching with their vibrant, tubular blossoms and unique round leaves but are also edible! They come in various forms, from compact bush types to trailing vines, with the ‘Empress of India’ variety standing out for its deep red flowers.

Nasturtiums are easy to care for, drought-resistant, and do well in well-drained, not-so-fertile soils. They prefer full sunlight but can benefit from some shade during particularly hot afternoons.

Zinnia (Zinnia elegans)

Zinnias can brighten up any garden. They are perfect for adding color to vegetable gardens or flower beds and are excellent as cut flowers for bouquets. Zinnias are particularly low-maintenance as they continue to bloom throughout the season without the need to deadhead spent flowers.

Just sow the seeds in a sunny area with well-drained soil, and enjoy continuous colors from summer to autumn. Zinnias are very easy to grow and do well in a wide range of conditions, suitable for USDA zones 2-11.

Petunia (Petunia x hybrida)

red Petunia — Image Credit: AmalliaEka from Getty Images/ Canva Pro.

Petunias are a popular choice for gardeners looking to brighten up their outdoor spaces. These plants bloom throughout the summer, quickly filling up garden beds, containers, and hanging baskets with their colorful, tubular flowers that attract hummingbirds and butterflies.

Petunias thrive in full sun but can manage a bit of shade. They need their soil to stay moist but well-drained for best growth.

Salvia (Salvia spp.)

Salvias are a fantastic choice for bringing in hummingbirds and other pollinators into your garden. These plants have eye-catching spikes of tubular flowers available in a variety of colors, with the scarlet sage (S. splendens) being especially popular for its vivid red blooms. Salvias vary from the aromatic herb sage to decorative types.

They thrive in full sunlight and prefer well-drained, fertile soil. Many salvia varieties are self-cleaning, meaning they don’t require deadheading. Simply plant them and enjoy the show!

Geranium (Pelargonium x hybridum)

Untitled design — Image Credit: soniabonet from Getty Images/ Canva Pro.

Geraniums are a favorite in many gardens due to their bright red flower clusters. Ideal for planting both in the ground and in containers, they bring a burst of color to gardens, patios, and porches from summer through to the first frost.

Geraniums perform best in full sun and need moist, well-drained soil to flourish. In warmer climates (zones 9-11), they can survive the winter outdoors. In cooler regions, however, they should be treated as annuals or brought inside before the frost arrives.