12 Plants with Regal Red Foliage

From trees to shrubs, flowering perennials, and summer annuals, there are so many incredible plants with scarlet foliage that you can grow in Pennsylvania.

 

There’s something so regal about the color red. It’s pure drama and romance! Want a landscape design that makes a bold statement and stands out from the rest? Instead of opting for classic leafy green plants, look for varieties with regal red foliage! You might be surprised by how many plants there are with crimson leaves. We’ve got 12 ultra-vivid varieties we think you’ll love! 

 

Regal, Yet Radical—Try Something Different with These Bright Red Foliage Plants

Whether you’re looking for large landscape plants like trees or shrubs or some perennials and annuals to add to the garden, we have plenty of regal red plants that bring red carpet glamor to the landscape. 

 

Regal Red Trees

Adding trees to your landscape has so many benefits. Their tall, regal air is an instant property value boost, they provide shade from the hot summer sun, and if you choose varieties with crimson foliage, they’re even more breathtaking! Here are three favorites we recommend for Pennsylvania. 

 

Forest Pansy Redbud

Perhaps the most stunning of all redbud trees, “Forest Pansy” bursts into bloom every spring with a showy display of rosy petals. Its deep merlot foliage is as regal as they come!

 

Bloodgood Japanese Maples

There are so many varieties of Japanese Maple with sensational scarlet foliage, but “Bloodgood” is a particular favorite, as its scarlet foliage holds its color through spring, summer, and fall. Every single one of their signature lobed leaves is like a work of art!

 

Styrax ‘Evening Light’

The snow white, bell-shaped blooms of this ornamental tree really pop against its lush, prismatic foliage that emerges as maroon and slowly develops flushes of plum and emerald. 

 

Regal Red Shrubs

Plant these shrubs as single statement plants, or create a dramatic border hedge that lights up the landscape with bold crimson color!

 

Royal Purple Cotinus

Commonly known as the smokebush, this distinctive shrub has fluffy blooms that look just like plumes of smoke. The ‘Royal Purple’ variety is loved for its rich maroon leaves and sangria inflorescence. 

 

Wine & Roses Weigela

With deep burgundy foliage and vibrant ruby blooms, this regal shrub will rose-tint your world. Hummingbirds love them!

 

Sambucus ‘Black Lace’

The leaves of this breathtaking shrub are such a deep shade of wine that they almost look black! It’s sure to bring fabulous visual contrast to the landscape.

 

Regal Red Perennials

For spellbinding scarlet garden color that returns year after year, plant these Pennsylvania perennials!

 

Lobelia Cardinalis

Also known as the cardinal flower, this popular perennial is known for its bright red flowers, but there are a few cultivars with foliage to match! “Queen Victoria” and “Starship Scarlet” are our personal favorites!

 

Heuchera

We have several different heuchera varieties to choose from in nearly every color of the rainbow! Though we must admit, the red varieties are particularly special; we just can’t get enough of those regal, ruffled leaves.

 

Penstemon ‘Husker Red’

The leaves of this marvelous perennial are like a splash of pinot noir—so deep and rich! White, tubular blooms emerge atop tall stems, attracting butterflies and other pretty pollinators. 

 

Regal Red Annuals

Spruce up your summer planters and container arrangements with these colorful annuals!

 

Coleus

The perfect filler plant for mixed containers, red coleus are as bright as a bushel of freshly picked cherries!

 

Wax Begonias

These blooming beauties thrive in hot, humid climates and are prized for their uncommonly vibrant leaves. They come in many colors, but the red leaf varieties hold a special place in our hearts!

 

Cordyline

While they’re most common as houseplants, cordyline also makes a lovely summer annual for outdoors. Their tall, showy foliage is the perfect central focal point for a mixed arrangement. Pair them with crimson coleus and purple sweet potato vines for a dramatic and romantic display!

 

Discover even more regal red plants for sale in Pennsylvania by visiting Primex Garden Center in Glenside! You’ll love having a landscape that stands out from the rest for all the right reasons.