10 Best Red Annuals for Your Full Sun Garden

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Adding pops of red to your garden can make it stand out and bring life to any space. One way to incorporate this bold color is through red annuals that thrive in full sun. In this post, we’ll explore 10 of the best red annuals for your full sun garden. From low-maintenance options to those that require a bit more care, you’re sure to find something that fits your gardening style.

1. Petunias

Petunias are a popular option for those looking to add a touch of red to their garden. These delicate flowers come in a range of shades, from bright red to deep burgundy. What's more, they're easy to grow and maintain, making them a great choice for beginners.

What are Petunias?

Petunias are flowering plants that belong to the Solanaceae family. They're natives of South America and have become popular all over the world due to their vibrant colors and low maintenance requirements.

Why Petunias?

One of the biggest advantages of growing petunias is their ability to bloom all season long. This means you can enjoy their colorful display for months on end. Additionally, these flowers are fairly resilient and can tolerate a wide range of growing conditions.

Types of Red Petunias to Consider

There are several types of red petunias to consider, depending on your preferences. Some popular options include the Flash series, which produces large red blooms, and the Celebrity series, which has a more compact growth habit.

2. Geraniums

Geraniums are another popular choice when it comes to adding red to your garden. These flowers come in a variety of hues, from vibrant scarlet to soft pink. They're also relatively low maintenance, making them perfect for busy gardeners.

What are Geraniums?

Geraniums are a group of flowering plants that belong to the family Geraniaceae. They're native to South Africa, but have since been cultivated all over the world due to their attractive blooms and ease of care.

Why Geraniums?

One of the biggest advantages of growing geraniums is their ability to thrive in full sun or partial shade. This makes them a versatile option for gardens with different lighting conditions. Additionally, they're easy to care for and can tolerate periods of drought.

Types of Red Geraniums to Consider

Some popular red geranium varieties include the Americana series, which produces bright red double blooms, and the Pinto series, which has a more compact growth habit and produces vibrant red flowers.

3. Salvia

Salvia is a striking plant that produces tall spikes of vibrant red flowers. This herbaceous perennial is a great choice for those looking to add height to their garden, as it can grow up to three feet tall.

What is Salvia?

Salvia belongs to the Lamiaceae family and is native to the Americas, Asia, and the Mediterranean region. There are over 900 species of this plant, many of which are used for culinary or medicinal purposes.

Why Salvia?

Aside from its stunning appearance, one of the biggest advantages of growing salvia is its ability to attract pollinators such as bees and hummingbirds. Additionally, it's fairly low maintenance and can tolerate a range of growing conditions.

Types of Red Salvia to Consider

One popular red salvia option is the Scarlet Sage variety, which produces bright red flowers with dark green foliage. Alternatively, you might consider the Lady in Red variety, which produces vibrant red blooms on compact stems.

4. Marigolds

Marigolds are a classic garden flower that are often found in shades of orange and yellow. However, there are also several varieties that produce lovely red blooms. These flowers are easy to grow and add a cheerful pop of color to any garden.

What are Marigolds?

Marigolds belong to the Asteraceae family and are native to Mexico and Central America. They're popular garden plants due to their attractive flowers and ability to repel pests such as aphids.

Why Marigolds?

One of the biggest advantages of growing marigolds is their ability to bloom all season long, making them perfect for those who want a flower display that lasts for months. Additionally, they're very easy to care for and don't require much attention.

Types of Red Marigolds to Consider

Some popular red marigold types include the Bonanza series, which produces vibrant red flowers on compact plants, and the Durango series, which has a more upright growth habit and produces deep red blooms.

5. Zinnias

Zinnias are a bright and cheerful option for those looking to add red to their garden. These flowers come in a range of hues, from deep burgundy to bright scarlet. They're easy to grow from seed and are generally low maintenance.

What are Zinnias?

Zinnias belong to the Asteraceae family and are native to Mexico and South America. They're often found in wildflower meadows and are known for their bold, colorful blooms.

Why Zinnias?

One of the biggest advantages of growing zinnias is their ability to attract butterflies and other pollinators to your garden. Additionally, they're fairly drought-tolerant and can thrive in a wide range of temperatures.

Types of Red Zinnias to Consider

Some popular red zinnia varieties include the Benary's Giant series, which produces large double blooms in shades of scarlet and crimson, and the Oklahoma mix, which features a range of warm red hues.

6. Poppies

Poppies are another striking option for those looking to add red to their garden. These delicate flowers come in a range of shades, from pale pink to deep burgundy. They're also fairly easy to grow and maintain.

What are Poppies?

Poppies belong to the Papaveraceae family and are native to Europe and Asia. They're known for their distinctive cup-shaped blooms and feathery foliage.

Why Poppies?

One of the biggest advantages of growing poppies is their ability to self-sow, which means you can enjoy beautiful flowers year after year without having to replant. Additionally, these plants are relatively low maintenance and can tolerate a range of soil types.

Types of Red Poppies to Consider

There are several types of red poppy to choose from, depending on your preference. Some popular options include the Danish Flag variety, which has bright red petals with a white cross, and the Allegro variety, which produces large red flowers with black centers.

7. Coleus

Coleus is a unique option for those looking to add red to their garden. Unlike other plants on this list, coleus is prized for its colorful leaves rather than its flowers. These plants come in a variety of shades, from deep burgundy to bright scarlet.

What is Coleus?

Coleus is a member of the Lamiaceae family and is native to Southeast Asia and Australia. It's often grown as an ornamental plant due to its striking foliage.

Why Coleus?

One of the biggest advantages of growing coleus is its ability to add color to shady areas of your garden. Additionally, it's very easy to grow and maintain, making it perfect for beginners.

Types of Red Coleus to Consider

Some popular red coleus varieties include the Black Dragon and Redhead varieties, both of which feature deep burgundy leaves with bright red accents.

8. Cosmos

Cosmos is a beautiful option for those looking to add a touch of whimsy to their garden. These delicate flowers come in a range of shades, including soft pinks and vibrant reds. They're also very easy to grow and maintain.

What are Cosmos?

Cosmos belongs to the Asteraceae family and is native to Mexico and the southern United States. It's often used as a border plant or grown in large groups to create an eye-catching display.

Why Cosmos?

One of the biggest advantages of growing cosmos is their ability to attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies to your garden. Additionally, they're fairly low maintenance and can tolerate a range of soil types.

Types of Red Cosmos to Consider

One popular red cosmos variety is the Radiance series, which produces vibrant red-pink blooms on compact plants. Alternatively, you might consider the Sonata series, which has a more upright growth habit and produces deep red flowers.

9. Dahlias

Dahlias are a striking choice when it comes to adding a pop of red to your garden. These flowers come in a range of hues, from soft pink to deep burgundy. They are easy to grow but require a bit more maintenance than some other plants on this list.

What are Dahlias?

Dahlias belong to the Asteraceae family and are native to Mexico and Central America. They're known for their large, showy blooms and come in a wide range of colors and shapes.

Why Dahlias?

One of the biggest advantages of growing dahlias is their ability to produce an abundance of flowers, making them perfect for those who want a garden display that's both beautiful and bountiful. Additionally, they come in a range of sizes and shapes, from small pom-poms to large dinner plates.

Types of Red Dahlias to Consider

Some popular red dahlia varieties include the Bishop of Llandaff, which has deep crimson petals with dark foliage, and the Firepot variety, which produces vibrant red-orange flowers.

10. Sun