11 Stunning Red Perennial Flowers That Bloom All Summer + Growing Guides

Ready to bring a blaze of red beauty that will grace your garden all summer long?

If you’re like me, the quest for stunning red perennial flowers that can withstand the summer heat can be both exciting and challenging. As someone who lives in a cooler climate I often seek out perrenial plants that can withstand the scorching summer here and still make it through to spring after our frigid winter months.

In this article, I unveil my collection of stunning red flowering perennials to set your garden ablaze with their vibrant hues. If you missed my yellow flowering perennial collection, I highly recommend that one next as the warm tones of red and yellow will be a welcome complement to your garden plans.

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1. Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis)

The Cardinal Flower produces stunning spikes of bright red flowers that attract hummingbirds and butterflies. It prefers moist soil and partial shade, making it a great choice for rain gardens and water features.

It’s a native perennial plant that grows well in wet soil and can tolerate partial shade and blooms in late summer.

Botanical Name:	Lobelia cardinalis
Growth Rate:	Moderate to fast
Native Range:	North America
Hardiness Zones:	2-9
Soil Needs:	Moist to wet, rich in organic matter, well-draining
Exposure:	Partial shade to full sun
Blooming Period:	Summer to fall

2. Red Salvia (Salvia splendens)

Red Salvia is a popular annual plant that produces tall spikes of bright red flowers in summer. It’s heat and drought-tolerant and can be used in containers, borders, or as a bedding plant. Salvia is a versatile plant that comes in a wide range of other colors making it a perfect addition to your perennial garden with purple flowers.

Native to Brazil, this popular annual plant blooms all summer long. It prefers full sun and well-draining soil and is a favorite of hummingbirds and butterflies.

Botanical Name:	Salvia splendens
Growth Rate:	Moderate to fast
Native Range:	Brazil
Hardiness Zones:	10-11
Soil Needs:	Well-draining, fertile
Exposure:	Full sun
Blooming Period:	Summer to fall

3. Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)

Yarrow is a tough and hardy perennial plant that produces clusters of small, flat-topped flowers in shades of red, pink, and white. It’s drought tolerant and attracts butterflies and other pollinators.

It’s a versatile and low-maintenance plant that can be grown in various conditions and almost any soil type.

The foliage of this plant is aromatic and fern-like, making it a popular choice for herb gardens and naturalistic landscapes. Yarrow has medicinal properties and has been used for centuries to treat various ailments.

Botanical Name:	Achillea Millefolium
Growth Rate:	Moderate
Native Range:	Europe, Asia, and North America
Hardiness Zones:	3-9
Soil Needs:	Well-draining, poor to average soil
Exposure:	Full sun
Blooming Period:	Summer

4. Poppy (Papaver)

Poppies have bright red flowers with distinctive black centers. They’re easy to grow from seed and can be planted in early spring for summer blooms.

Poppies prefer well-draining soil and full sun.

These annual plants come in various colors, including red, pink, orange, and white. They’re known for their delicate, papery blooms that add a touch of whimsy to any garden.

Botanical Name:	Papaver
Growth Rate:	Moderate to fast
Native Range:	Europe, Asia, and North America
Hardiness Zones:	2-9
Soil Needs:	Well-draining, fertile
Exposure:	Full sun
Blooming Period:	Spring to summer

5. Scarlet Bee Balm (Monarda didyma)

Scarlet Bee Balm is a hardy perennial plant that produces clusters of bright red flowers that attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.

The Scarlet is a shorter variety of Bee Balm, making it perfect for smaller gardens or containers

Scarlet Bee Balm is drought tolerant and prefers well-draining soil and full sun to partial shade. It blooms shorter than other Bee Balm varieties, but the stunning scarlet flowers make a statement in any garden.

Botanical Name:	Monarda didyma
Growth Rate:	Moderate to fast
Native Range:	North America
Hardiness Zones:	4-9
Soil Needs:	Moist, well-draining, fertile
Exposure:	Partial shade to full sun
Blooming Period:	Summer

6. Scarlet Hummingbird Flower (Bouvardia ternifolia)

Scarlet Hummingbird Flower is a small shrub that produces bright red tubular flowers that attract hummingbirds. It prefers well-draining soil and partial shade.

Scarlet Hummingbird Flower can also be grown in containers and is a great patio or balcony garden addition.

Botanical Name:	Bouvardia ternifolia
Growth Rate:	Moderate
Native Range:	Mexico
Hardiness Zones:	9-11
Soil Needs:	Well-draining, fertile soil
Exposure:	Full sun to part shade
Blooming Period:	Summer to fall

7. Canna Lily (Canna Indica)

Canna Lilies produce large, showy flowers in red, orange, and yellow shades.

They’re tropical plants that prefer full sun and moist soil and can be grown in containers or as bedding plants.

Their flowers in vibrant colors will attract hummingbirds and butterflies. The best part? They’re easy to care for given the proper attention and thrive in various growing conditions, making them popular with many gardeners.

Botanical Name:	Canna indica
Growth Rate:	Fast
Native Range:	South America
Hardiness Zones:	7-11
Soil Needs:	Well-draining, fertile soil
Exposure:	Full sun to part shade
Blooming Period:	Summer to fall

8. Rose Bouquet Carnation (Dianthus Caryophyllus)

The Rose Bouquet Carnation produces frilly, fragrant flowers in red, pink, and white shades. It’s a hardy perennial plant that prefers well-draining soil and full sun.

The Rose Bouquet Carnation is a great addition to flower beds, borders, or containers, and it blooms from late spring until the first frost.

Botanical Name:	Dianthus Caryophyllus
Growth Rate:	Moderate
Native Range:	Europe and Asia
Hardiness Zones:	Varies by species
Soil Needs:	Well-draining, fertile soil
Exposure:	Full sun
Blooming Period:	Spring to summer

9. Foxglove Beardtongue (Penstemon Cobaea)

Foxglove Beardtongue is a hardy perennial plant that produces spikes of tubular flowers in red, pink, and purple shades. It prefers well-draining soil and full sun.

Moreover, the showy flowers attract bees and hummingbirds to the garden.

Additionally, Foxglove Beardtongue can tolerate dry and hot conditions, so it’s a perfect choice for gardens in arid regions.

Botanical Name:	Penstemon Cobaea
Growth Rate:	Moderate
Native Range:	North America
Hardiness Zones:	Varies by species
Soil Needs:	Well-draining, average to fertile soil
Exposure:	Full sun to part shade
Blooming Period:	Spring to summer

10. Garden Cosmos (Cosmos bipinnatus)

Cosmos produce daisy-like flowers in shades of red, pink, and white. You can easily grow these annual plants from seed. They prefer full sun and will add a nice touch to your garden.

Cosmos is a great option for beginner gardeners because they’re easy to grow and maintain, and they will bloom throughout the summer, attracting butterflies and bees to your garden.

Botanical Name:	Cosmos Bipinnatus
Growth Rate:	Fast
Native Range:	Mexico and Central America
Hardiness Zones:	2-11 (depending on the variety)
Soil Needs:	Well-draining, average to fertile soil
Exposure:	Full sun
Blooming Period:	Summer to fall

11. Lanceleaf Tickseed (Coreopsis lanceolata)

Lanceleaf Tickseed is a hardy perennial plant that produces bright red, daisy-like flowers with yellow centers. It’s drought tolerant and prefers well-draining soil and full sun.

The Lanceleaf Tickseed also attracts butterflies and pollinators to the garden.

Moreover, Lanceleaf Tickseed is a low-maintenance plant that can bloom continuously throughout the summer with deadheading.

Botanical Name:	Coreopsis lanceolata
Growth Rate:	Fast
Native Range:	North America
Hardiness Zones:	4-9
Soil Needs:	Well-draining, average to poor soil
Exposure:	Full sun
Blooming Period:	Late spring to fall

Final Thoughts

If your garden craves drama and intensity, consider planting the stunning red flower perennials that bloom all summer above.

The bold blooms and endless endurance make these lovely perennials a favorite among gardeners who desire a vibrant and lively outdoor space.

So, infuse your garden with a passion that can’t be ignored. Get ready for a garden that will take your breath away!