Perennials with burgundy foliage bring depth, drama, and richness to gardens in ways that green leaves alone cannot. The deep tones create a striking visual effect that instantly draws the eye, whether used as a bold centerpiece or as part of a balanced planting scheme. The color burgundy blends seamlessly with a wide range of other shades, making these plants extremely versatile in design. Their dark leaves contrast beautifully with lighter greens, silvers, and chartreuse, while also enhancing the vibrancy of nearby blooms in pink, orange, or yellow.
While the burgundy tones remain a constant presence, many deepen or shift subtly as temperatures cool. Many of these plants thrive in a variety of light conditions, from full sun to partial shade, and some offer added benefits such as attracting pollinators or providing ground coverage.
Perennials With Burgundy Foliage
Heuchera (Coral Bells)
Among the most popular perennials for foliage color, Heuchera comes in many shades, with deep burgundy varieties standing out in shady gardens. The leaves are often glossy or veined, creating a rich texture, while their color stays vibrant throughout the growing season.
Actaea simplex ‘Atropurpurea’ (Bugbane)
This perennial features tall, elegant foliage in deep burgundy to purple tones. Its dramatic leaves contrast beautifully with the creamy white flower spikes that bloom in late summer and fall, making it both a structural and colorful addition to gardens.
Rodgersia pinnata
Rodgersia has large, bold leaves that often emerge bronze or burgundy in spring before maturing to green. In cooler weather, the foliage may return to a reddish or burgundy shade, extending its seasonal interest and giving gardens a dramatic touch.
Sedum ‘Purple Emperor’
This hardy succulent perennial has fleshy, burgundy-purple leaves that stand out in sunny spots. The foliage pairs beautifully with its clusters of pink flowers in late summer, making it a striking plant in rock gardens, borders, and containers.
Persicaria microcephala ‘Red Dragon’
With elongated leaves in shades of burgundy accented by silver chevrons, this perennial adds a bold and exotic feel to landscapes. Its foliage maintains its deep coloration throughout the growing season, providing long-lasting impact.
Astilbe ‘Fanal’
Astilbes are known for their feathery flowers, but ‘Fanal’ also offers striking burgundy-tinged foliage. Its finely cut leaves provide texture and color even before the tall crimson flower plumes appear, making it valuable in shaded or woodland gardens.
Eupatorium rugosum ‘Chocolate’ (Chocolate Snakeroot)
This variety is admired for its dark chocolate-burgundy leaves, which create a bold backdrop in perennial beds. In late summer, it produces fluffy white flowers that contrast beautifully against its richly colored foliage.
Ajuga reptans ‘Black Scallop’
A groundcover perennial, this variety of bugleweed produces deep burgundy, almost black, scalloped leaves. Its low-growing habit makes it perfect for edging or covering bare spots, where its foliage provides year-round richness.
Canna Lily (Burgundy Varieties)
Though often grown for their tropical blooms, many canna lilies have striking burgundy or bronze foliage that provides dramatic structure. Their broad, colored leaves shine in full sun, making them equally valuable for foliage as for flowers.
Helleborus ‘Anna’s Red’
This perennial features leathery, evergreen leaves with a deep burgundy tint, often marbled with lighter veins. It blooms in late winter or early spring, but the colorful foliage ensures year-round garden interest.
Oxalis triangularis (Purple Shamrock)
This perennial is prized for its unique, triangular burgundy-purple leaves that resemble butterflies in shape. In addition to its foliage, it produces delicate white or pink flowers, but the leaves themselves are its main attraction.
Ligularia dentata ‘Britt-Marie Crawford’
This bold-leaved perennial has rounded foliage in glossy burgundy shades that deepen as the season progresses. Paired with its bright yellow daisy-like flowers in summer, the dark leaves provide dramatic contrast in moist, shaded areas.