Shrubs with red flowers are among the most eye-catching plants in a landscape because of the intensity and vibrancy of their blooms. Red is a color that symbolizes energy, warmth, and passion, and when it appears in gardens, it instantly draws attention. These shrubs create strong focal points, whether planted as standalone specimens or grouped together for a dramatic effect.
Also, their brightly colored blooms are highly attractive to pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Some stay compact, ideal for borders or small gardens, while others grow larger and serve as hedges, screens, or anchor plants in landscaping. Some shrubs burst into red blooms during spring, signaling renewal and growth, while others provide color in the heat of summer or even into fall.
Shrubs With Red Flowers
Hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis)
The tropical hibiscus is one of the most iconic red-flowering shrubs. Its large, trumpet-shaped blooms in shades of scarlet and crimson appear throughout the warm months. Often grown in tropical and subtropical regions, it thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. It commonly used when creating bold garden accents.
Red Azalea (Rhododendron spp.)
Azaleas are spring-blooming shrubs known for their vibrant colors, and red varieties stand out for their brilliance. These evergreen or deciduous shrubs flourish in acidic, well-drained soils and partial shade. Their striking red blooms often appear in masses, creating dazzling displays in woodland or ornamental gardens.
Bottlebrush (Callistemon citrinus)
The bottlebrush shrub is native to Australia and easily recognizable by its cylindrical, brush-like clusters of bright red flowers. It is evergreen, drought-tolerant, and attracts hummingbirds and pollinators. With its unique shape and vivid color, it provides an exotic flair to gardens and landscapes.
Red Camellia (Camellia japonica)
Camellias are elegant shrubs with glossy, dark green foliage and long-lasting flowers. Red camellias bloom in late winter to early spring, bringing life to the garden when few other plants are in bloom. Their layered, rose-like flowers add a touch of sophistication to shaded gardens.
Pomegranate (Punica granatum)
Grown both for its fruit and ornamental value, the pomegranate shrub bears stunning scarlet-red flowers in late spring and summer. These blooms give way to the well-known edible fruits. Hardy and drought-resistant, this shrub suits both decorative and edible landscaping.
Distylium
Distylium (Distylium spp., e.g., ‘Vintage Jade’) is an evergreen shrub, 3-6 feet tall, with small, red, petalless flowers in late winter to early spring, complemented by glossy green foliage. Hardy in USDA zones 7-9, it thrives in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil, ideal for low hedges or foundation plantings with low maintenance needs.
Bougainvillea (Bougainvillea glabra)
Bougainvillea is a vigorous climbing shrub known for its papery bracts that come in vivid shades of red, pink, and purple. Red bougainvillea adds tropical brilliance to walls, fences, or trellises. It thrives in warm, sunny climates and blooms almost year-round in frost-free regions.
Red Weigela (Weigela florida)
Weigela is a deciduous shrub with arching branches covered in tubular red flowers in late spring and early summer. Its blooms attract hummingbirds and pollinators, while its easy-care nature makes it a reliable choice for borders and hedges. Some cultivars also have attractive variegated foliage.
Flowering Quince (Chaenomeles speciosa)
This hardy deciduous shrub produces brilliant red blossoms in early spring, often before its leaves emerge. Its flowers are followed by small, fragrant fruits. Flowering quince is well-suited for hedges, wildlife gardens, and as an early source of nectar for pollinators.
Red Buckeye
Red Buckeye (Aesculus pavia) is a deciduous shrub or small tree, up to 25 feet tall, with tubular red flower clusters in spring, drawing hummingbirds and butterflies. Hardy in USDA zones 4-8, it prefers partial shade and moist, well-drained soil, ideal for pollinator gardens but sensitive to scorching sun.
Rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus) – Red Cultivars
Rose of Sharon is a hardy deciduous hibiscus that produces large flowers through summer and fall. Red cultivars provide a splash of color that lasts when many other shrubs are dormant. It is easy to grow, tolerates different soils, and serves well as a hedge or specimen shrub.
Texas Sage (Leucophyllum frutescens – Red Varieties)
Though often grown in purple and pink tones, some cultivated varieties of Texas sage produce rich reddish blooms. This drought-tolerant shrub thrives in arid and semi-arid conditions, making it a great ornamental for hot, dry regions. Its silvery foliage enhances the boldness of the flowers.
Red Oleander (Nerium oleander)
Oleander is a Mediterranean evergreen shrub that thrives in hot, sunny locations. Red oleander cultivars produce clusters of deep crimson flowers throughout summer. Highly drought-tolerant and salt-resistant, it is ideal for coastal landscapes but should be planted with care since all parts of the plant are toxic.
Red Knock Out Rose (Rosa ‘Radrazz’)
This compact shrub rose variety is famous for its prolific red blooms that continue from spring through frost. Unlike traditional roses, Knock Out roses are low-maintenance, disease-resistant, and perfect for mass plantings or borders. Their constant flowering makes them a garden favorite.
Coral Bean (Erythrina herbacea)
Also known as Cherokee bean, this deciduous shrub produces striking spikes of tubular red flowers in spring and summer. Native to the southeastern U.S., it attracts hummingbirds and pollinators. Its dramatic blooms and interesting seed pods make it both ornamental and ecologically valuable.
Red Salvia (Salvia splendens)
Though often seen as an annual, in warm climates red salvia can grow into a shrubby perennial. It produces dense spikes of scarlet flowers from summer into fall. Highly attractive to hummingbirds and bees, it adds long-lasting color to borders, containers, and mixed plantings.
Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica) – Red Cultivars
Crape myrtle is a versatile shrub or small tree that produces vibrant flower clusters through summer. Red cultivars stand out for their fiery shades, combined with attractive peeling bark and colorful fall foliage. It thrives in hot climates and works well as a hedge, screen, or specimen plant.
Firebush
Firebush (Hamelia patens) is a perennial or semi-woody shrub, 4-10 feet tall, with clusters of tubular red flowers blooming year-round in warm climates. Hardy in USDA zones 8-11, it prefers full sun and well-drained soil, ideal for hedges or wildlife gardens, attracting hummingbirds.
Japanese Kerria
Although more commonly found in yellow, some cultivated varieties of Kerria bear red-tinted double blooms. This deciduous shrub thrives in partial shade and adds splashes of color in spring. Its arching stems and vibrant blossoms make it a graceful addition to woodland gardens.
Indian Hawthorn (Rhaphiolepis indica – Red Varieties)
This evergreen shrub is often grown for its glossy leaves and fragrant clusters of flowers. Some cultivars bloom in shades of red or deep pink during spring, followed by small berries. Indian hawthorn is salt-tolerant, making it a good choice for coastal gardens.
Cherokee Bean
Coral Bean (Erythrina herbacea) is a native deciduous shrub, 8-25 feet tall, with red tubular flowers from spring to fall, followed by toxic scarlet seeds. Hardy in USDA zones 7-10, it thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, suitable for naturalized or pollinator gardens.
Cigar Flower
Cigar Flower (Cuphea ignea) is an evergreen shrub, 2-3 feet tall, with narrow, red or orange tubular flowers from summer to fall, resembling lit cigars. Hardy in USDA zones 9-11, it prefers full sun and well-drained soil, perfect for borders or containers, attracting hummingbirds.
Chilean Lantern Tree
Chilean Lantern Tree (Crinodendron hookerianum) is an evergreen shrub, 6-20 feet tall, with striking, lantern-shaped red flowers from late spring to summer. Hardy in USDA zones 9-11, it prefers partial shade and moist, acidic soil, adding a unique focal point to shaded gardens.
Coral Honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens)
Although often trained as a vine, coral honeysuckle can be maintained as a shrubby form. It bears clusters of tubular red flowers in spring and summer. The nectar-rich blooms are a magnet for hummingbirds and butterflies, adding ecological value to gardens.
Flame Bush (Emmenopterys henryi)
This rare but striking shrub produces red-tinted flowers surrounded by bracts that intensify its color. Though slow-growing, it becomes a spectacular feature plant when mature. It is valued for both its unusual blooms and its exotic appearance in temperate gardens.
Burning Bush (Euonymus alatus)
Known more for its fiery red autumn foliage, some varieties also develop small reddish flowers in spring. Its primary appeal lies in its seasonal color transformation, making it a widely planted shrub for dramatic fall displays in temperate gardens.
Escallonia (Escallonia rubra)
A hardy evergreen shrub, Escallonia rubra produces small, bell-shaped red flowers throughout summer. Its glossy green foliage and tolerance for coastal conditions make it a favorite for seaside gardens. It also works well as a flowering hedge or screen.
Bat-Faced Cuphea
Bat-Faced Cuphea (Cuphea llavea) is a compact evergreen shrub, 1-3 feet tall, with small, red and purple bat-faced flowers from late spring to fall. Hardy in USDA zones 9-12, it thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, perfect for borders or containers, attracting hummingbirds.
Chinese Witch Hazel
Chinese Witch Hazel (Loropetalum chinense) is a compact evergreen shrub, 4-6 feet tall, with spidery red flowers in late winter and red-tinged foliage. Hardy in USDA zones 7-9, it thrives in partial shade and well-drained, acidic soil, ideal for woodland gardens or as a colorful hedge.
Staghorn Sumac
Staghorn Sumac (Rhus typhina) is a deciduous shrub, 10-15 feet tall, with red flower clusters in summer, followed by red berries, attracting wildlife. Hardy in USDA zones 3-8, it prefers full sun and poor, well-drained soils, ideal for slopes or naturalized areas, controlling its spreading habit.
Fuchsia-Flowered Gooseberry
Fuchsia-Flowered Gooseberry (Ribes speciosum) is an evergreen shrub, 4-6 feet tall, with dangling, bright red, fuchsia-like flowers from late winter to spring, followed by edible fruits. Hardy in USDA zones 7-10, it prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil, ideal for naturalized gardens, attracting hummingbirds.
Red Buckeye
Red Buckeye (Aesculus pavia) is a deciduous shrub or small tree, up to 25 feet tall, with tubular red flower clusters in spring, drawing hummingbirds and butterflies. Hardy in USDA zones 4-8, it prefers partial shade and moist, well-drained soil, ideal for pollinator gardens but sensitive to scorching sun.