11 Stunning Red Flowering Trees for You to Add to Your Garden
Every Spring I think to myself, what a stunning row of red flowering trees. The neighbors on my street seemingly thought this through many years ago or all planted similar trees by chance.
In any case, we all now get to reap the rewards of these vibrant red flowering trees. While some may be short-lived they create a pop of color as they wake up from their winter slumber.
So whether you are growing red flowers for good luck, to add some contrast to your green foliage, or simply want to plan ahead for the next generation, take a look at some of my favorite red flowering trees to plant this year. Most of the trees here will grow wonderfully next to Orange or Yellow flowering trees based on their hardiness zones and warm color pallets. 🌸
Table of Contents
The garden suggests there might be a place where we can meet nature halfway
Micheal Pollan
1. Red Silk Cotton Tree (Bombax ceiba )
Often used for medicinal purposes, the red flowers on this tree can be tossed into your daily cup of tea. The red silk cotton tree grows quite tall and wide, so ensure you have enough overhead space.
The silk cotton tree gets its name from its billowing blooms that resemble silky cotton clouds. The Bombax ceiba is culturally significant in many of the tree’s native regions and is a popular flower to nearby pollinators like bees and butterflies.
| Botanical Name: | Bombax |
| Growth Rate: | Medium |
| Native Range: | Southeast Asia, Australia |
| Hardiness Zones: | 10-12 |
| Dangers: | Seed is poisonous if ingested |
| Soil Needs: | Sand, Clay soil |
| Exposure: | Full sun |
| Ease of Care: | Easy |
| Diseases: | None |
| Propagation: | Possible through cuttings |
| Fertilizer: | Organic matter |
| Pests: | Red cotton stainer bug |
| Blooming Period: | March-April |
| Pruning: | Prune the damaged areas in late winter to early spring |
| Water needs: | Drought tolerant once established |
2. Black Diamond Blush Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica)
This thin but stocky tree grows relatively quickly and is quite the looker. The Black Diamond Blush Crape Myrtle has multiple varieties ranging from bright red flowers to pink and lavender blooms.
This particular variety of Crape Myrtle is known for its stunning dark burgundy foliage that complements and contrasts against the lighter pink and red flowers.
| Botanical Name: | Lagerstroemia indica |
| Growth Rate: | Fast: 24” per year |
| Native Range: | Central Himalayas, South China, Japan, Indonesia |
| Hardiness Zones: | 6-9 |
| Dangers: | None |
| Soil Needs: | Clay, loam, sand, shallow rocky, high organic matter |
| Exposure: | Full sun |
| Ease of Care: | Medium |
| Diseases: | Prone to fungal diseases like powdery mildew, Cercospora leaf spot, and sooty mold |
| Propagation: | Seed, stem cutting |
| Fertilizer: | Use general-purpose fertilizer sparingly |
| Pests: | Aphids, Japanese beetles |
| Blooming Period: | June-Fall |
| Pruning: | Prune in the spring before the tree comes out of dormancy |
| Water needs: | Medium: 20-40L per week |
3. Red Dogwood (Cornus Florida var. Rubra)
The Flowering Red Dogwood has got to be one of my favorite trees native to my growing region. While the booming period on this tree is short, the showy blooms are well worth the wait.
Other than the bark of the lower trunk, the entire red dogwood tree is red. Planting this tree is a surefire way to brighten your garden, but it will take some time to grow to its full potential. Make sure you plant this on its own so it doesn’t overpower other plants nearby.
| Botanical Name: | Cornus florida var. rubra |
| Growth Rate: | Medium-fast (12-24” per year) |
| Native Range: | Eastern America, Eastern Mexico, South Eastern Canada |
| Hardiness Zones: | 5-9 |
| Dangers: | Dogwood berries can be a skin irritant and cause rashes |
| Soil Needs: | Anthracnose. Dogwood anthracnose, Spot anthracnose, Armillaria root rot, Botrytis blight |
| Exposure: | Full sun, partial shade |
| Ease of Care: | Easy |
| Diseases: | Anthracnose. Dogwood anthracnose, Spot anthracnose,Armillaria root rot, Botrytis blight |
| Propagation: | Seed, stem cutting |
| Fertilizer: | Apply a balanced fertilizer in February-March |
| Pests: | Dogwood borer, dogwood club-gall midge, and scales |
| Blooming Period: | April-May |
| Pruning: | Cut back every 2 years |
| Water needs: | Weekly |
4. Bottlebrush (Callistemon)
The Bottlebrush tree gets its name from the weeping brush-like blooms. It’s perfect for small spaces since it doesn’t grow very wide and is a relatively quick-growing tree that develops red tubular flowers.
Native to Australia, the bottlebrush tree is a common ornamental that is prized for the abundance of nectar the tree provides to hummingbirds and honeyeaters.
The bottlebrush tree is a hardy species that can tolerate a wide range of soil types and weather conditions making it a great choice for a fussy garden.
| Botanical Name: | Callistemon Viminalis |
| Growth Rate: | Low (10” per year) |
| Native Range: | Australia |
| Hardiness Zones: | 9-11 |
| Dangers: | None |
| Soil Needs: | Prune after the flowering period |
| Exposure: | Full sun |
| Ease of Care: | Easy |
| Diseases: | Anthracnose Fungal Leaf Spot, Powdery Mildew, Fungal Rust Spot, Witches Broom |
| Propagation: | Semi-mature wood cuttings |
| Fertilizer: | Low Phospherous fertilizer |
| Pests: | Scale insects, thrips and sawfly larvae |
| Blooming Period: | Long – all summer |
| Pruning: | Low Phosphorus fertilizer |
| Water needs: | Drought tolerant once established |
5. Pomegranate Tree (Punica granatum)
By now, you should be all too familiar with the fruit that comes from a pomegranate tree. Not only does this tree produce bright red fruit, but the blooms are also bright red too.
The pomegranate tree grows at a slow to medium pace. However, giving it the right amount of nutrients and protecting it from fungal infections and bug infestations will reward you with delicious fruit to feast on as you admire your growing garden.
| Botanical Name: | Punica Granatum |
| Growth Rate: | Medium (12-24” per year) |
| Native Range: | North East Turkey to Afghanistan |
| Hardiness Zones: | 8-11 |
| Dangers: | Poisoned fruit |
| Soil Needs: | Clay, loam, sand |
| Exposure: | Full sun, partial shade |
| Ease of Care: | Medium |
| Diseases: | Bacterial leaf and fruit spot, anthracnose, fusarium wilt, IPM |
| Propagation: | Seeds and cuttings |
| Fertilizer: | NPK Foliar fertilizer. Fertilizer is only needed if you plan on growing it as a fruit tree |
| Pests: | Birds |
| Blooming Period: | Short |
| Pruning: | None |
| Water needs: | Low, average |
6. Eucalyptus Tree (Eucalyptus globulus)
The eucalyptus tree is one of the tallest known species of trees around growing to a staggering height of 55 metres if well cared for.
Eucalyptus trees are commonly used for the essential oils in their leaves although we’re not the only ones who look to harvest from this green giant. A wide range of pollinators prize the eucalyptus tree for its pollen that comes from the red flowers that bloom.
The Eucalyptus Globulus is incredibly fast-growing and quite resilient to pests due to those essential oils we love so much. It does shed a lot, though, so you need to be consistent with upkeep.
| Botanical Name: | Eucalyptus Globulus |
| Growth Rate: | Fast |
| Native Range: | Australia, Tasmania |
| Hardiness Zones: | 8-11 |
| Dangers: | Foliage and bark are poisonous |
| Soil Needs: | Loam, clay |
| Exposure: | Full sun |
| Ease of Care: | Easy |
| Diseases: | None |
| Propagation: | Seeds and cutting |
| Fertilizer: | NPK fertilizer in the first year |
| Pests: | Small birds and insects |
| Blooming Period: | Short |
| Pruning: | None |
| Water needs: | Low |
7. Scarlet Rosemallow Hibiscus (Hibiscus coccineus)
The Scarlet Rosemallow Hibiscus is known for its vibrant red flowers and showy blossoms that resemble a star.
The Hibiscus tree is another excellent landscape option especially if your soil type is prone to erosion. Being large size and fast growth rate of this bright red flowering tree make it an excellent option for you if you’re eager to see blooms the first year after planting. Add the Scarlet Rosemallow Hibiscus if you’re looking for a dramatic pop of color to your garden this year.
| Botanical Name: | Hibiscus coccineus |
| Growth Rate: | Fast |
| Native Range: | Southeastern United States |
| Hardiness Zones: | 6-9 |
| Dangers: | None reported, but it is not considered safe for consumption |
| Soil Needs: | Moist, well-draining loam, sand |
| Exposure: | Full sun to partial shade |
| Ease of Care: | Moderate |
| Diseases: | Fungal diseases such as leaf spot |
| Propagation: | Seeds and cuttings |
| Fertilizer: | Basic fertilizer during the growing season |
| Pests: | Aphids and spider mites |
| Blooming Period: | Long |
| Pruning: | Pruning in spring promotes bushy growth |
| Water needs: | High |
8. Indian Coral Tree (Erythrina variegata)
The Indian Coral Tree or Tiger’s Claw is a fast-growing tree that gets quite tall. The brightly colored flowers on this tree are clustered together in dense spikes making a vibrant addition to any garden. Like many other flowering trees on this list, the Indian Coral Tree has flowers that are a favorite among pollinators.
The Erythrina variegata is a captivating species with vibrant red flowers, but to get the most out of this plant, manage water treatment and minor problems like mildew.
| Botanical Name: | Erythrina variegata |
| Growth Rate: | Fast |
| Native Range: | Tropical regions of Asia and Oceania |
| Hardiness Zones: | 9-11 |
| Dangers: | Seeds and bark are toxic |
| Soil Needs: | Loam, clay, sand, well-draining soil |
| Exposure: | Full-sun |
| Ease of Care: | Moderate |
| Diseases: | Fungal diseases, mildew |
| Propagation: | Seeds and stem cuttings |
| Fertilizer: | Organic fertilizer |
| Pests: | Caterpillars, aphids, mealybugs |
| Blooming Period: | Medium |
| Pruning: | Pruning in late winter and early spring helps growth |
| Water needs: | High in hot weather, but avoid overwatering |
9. Azaleas (Rhododendron)
Azaleas are one of my favorite flowers beginning with A. Azaleas are best grown if you need to fill up a patch in your garden or create a space to combine plants with different colors. Its low profile makes it easy to fit in any area.
Azaleas are known for their long-lasting red flowers with extended blooming periods all the way into the fall.
This species can be a little challenging to grow due to their acidic soil preference which is why I grow mine next to low-growing perennials like Hydrangeas and can attract various pests, so keep it away from other sensitive plants.
| Botanical Name: | Rhododendron |
| Growth Rate: | Moderate |
| Native Range: | Different species come from different regions, including Asia, Europe, and North America |
| Hardiness Zones: | 4-9 |
| Dangers: | Can be toxic if ingested |
| Soil Needs: | High in organic matter, acidic soil, well-draining |
| Exposure: | Partial shade |
| Ease of Care: | Moderate to high |
| Diseases: | Mildew, root rot |
| Propagation: | Layering and stem cutting |
| Fertilizer: | Acidic fertilizer |
| Pests: | Azalea lace bugs, caterpillars, spider mites |
| Blooming Period: | Long |
| Pruning: | Not needed |
| Water needs: | Moderate. They prefer moist soil |
10. Japanese Flowering Quince (Chaenomeles japonica )
The Japanese Flowering Quince tree can grow into a very dense bush-like structure. The vivid red flowers on this tree are produced well before the leaves and are often the first sign of spring in the native region of Japan.
The Japanese Flowering Quince is a great choice to fill up a large area. After the flowers fade away you can expect a fruit called Quince that resembles a yellow apple. The taste of this fruit is similar to a sour pear and is quite nice when boiled down into jams or jelly.
| Botanical Name: | Chaenomeles japonica |
| Growth Rate: | Slow-Moderate 6-7 years to full establish |
| Native Range: | Basic pruning to remove dead leaves and flowers to promote next year’s growth |
| Hardiness Zones: | 5-9 |
| Dangers: | No serious problems. Fruits are hard to digest when raw. |
| Soil Needs: | Well-draining soil, loam, sand |
| Exposure: | Full sun to parietal shade |
| Ease of Care: | Easy |
| Diseases: | Fire blight, mildew, and leaf spots |
| Propagation: | Seeds and hardwood cuttings |
| Fertilizer: | Balanced fertilizer in early spring will help |
| Pests: | Scale insects and aphids |
| Blooming Period: | For a few weeks in March or April |
| Pruning: | Basic pruning to remove dead leaves and flowers to promote next years growth |
| Water needs: | Moderate 1” per week |
11. Red Buckeye (Aesculus pavia)
The Red Buckeye is a US native variety that’s known for its striking red flowers that are sought out by hungry nearby pollinators.
This plant grows to a medium size and has small red tubular flowers. It is another great space-filler if your garden looks empty as it takes on a wide shape. The moderate size o the Red Buckeye makes it a perfect tree for small garden spaces.
| Botanical Name: | Aesculus Pavia |
| Growth Rate: | Moderate 12” – 24” per year |
| Native Range: | Southeastern United States |
| Hardiness Zones: | 4-8 |
| Dangers: | The seeds are toxic if ingested |
| Soil Needs: | Loam, sand, well-draining soil |
| Exposure: | Partial shade to full sun |
| Ease of Care: | Easy |
| Diseases: | Leaf blotch, Leaf scorch, Diseases caused by Fungi |
| Propagation: | Root cuttings or seeds |
| Fertilizer: | Not needed |
| Pests: | None |
| Blooming Period: | Medium: Apri – May |
| Pruning: | Sensitive to damage, only prune in late winter to early spring |
| Water needs: | Deep and infrequent |
Final Thoughts
This list covers a lot of different tree types. Big ones, small ones, broad ones, narrow ones, those that grow fruit, and those that don’t. These trees are easy to maintain if you create the right environment.
While these trees will spruce up your yard with a pop of color and shade, they may take some time to develop and give you the desired appearance entirely. Fortunately, I have included fast-growing options, so you can always stick to those for quicker results.
