Trees have the remarkable ability to elevate the colors in your garden, both literally and figuratively. Not only do they enhance the aesthetic appeal of your landscape, but they also provide shade, increase property values, and can even uplift your mood. Choosing the right tree, however, can be a daunting task. A good starting point is to consider color as a unifying theme for your garden. If you’re drawn to the energizing allure of red, there are several tree varieties that can bring that vibrant hue to your landscape throughout the year.
Key Takeaways
Red Foliage: Infusing Your Garden with Boldness
One tree that deserves attention is the Eastern redbud. While it’s primarily known for its striking floral display, there are cultivars available that boast beautiful burgundy foliage. Consider the ‘Burgundy Hearts’ cultivar for a touch of sophistication in your landscape. This small- to medium-sized deciduous tree thrives in North Florida.
The flowering dogwood is another tree that can impress with its red fall foliage. In years with ideal autumn temperatures, this native tree, growing up to 35 feet tall, showcases a mesmerizing display of crimson leaves. It thrives in filtered sun and reveals lovely white flowers in the spring, followed by crimson berries.
If you’re seeking a native Floridian tree with changing fall foliage, look no further than the red maple. Naturally found in wet areas across North and Central Florida, this tree can also be cultivated in home landscapes with supplemental irrigation. ‘Florida Flame’ offers bold red fall color, while ‘Summer Red’ boasts year-round red leaves that transition to yellow, orange, or purple just before they drop. In the spring, your tree will be adorned with beautiful red flowers.
For those with larger spaces, the Shumard oak is an excellent choice. This towering native tree can reach up to 80 feet in height and provides ample shade during the summer months. Moreover, it consistently presents stunning red fall foliage, making it a showstopper in any landscape.
Red Flowers: Nature’s Crimson Beauties
If you’re fascinated by the allure of red flowers, the red buckeye will captivate your senses. This small deciduous tree, ideally suited for North and North-central Florida, produces tubular red flowers that attract graceful hummingbirds in the spring. Reaching a maximum height of 20 feet, this tree thrives in partial shade. Keep in mind that the seed pods of the red buckeye are poisonous to humans, so exercise caution when children are around.
In South Florida, the royal poinciana is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful trees in the world. During the summer, this majestic tree adorns itself with stunning deep red to orange flowers reminiscent of orchids. As it matures, it can reach an impressive height of 40 feet, with a canopy spanning 40 to 60 feet.
Another tree worth considering is the bottlebrush. Easy to identify by its distinctively vibrant red flowers, this tree attracts hummingbirds and various pollinators. With its maximum height of 25 feet, it adds interesting texture to your landscape. The bottlebrush tree is available in both rigid and weeping forms, offering versatility in design.
With such a diverse array of options, ranging from red fall foliage to bright crimson berries and captivating red flowers, you’re bound to find the perfect red companion for your landscape.
Discover More on Gardening Solutions
To explore further, visit the Ames Farm Center for more information on the following tree varieties:
- Bottlebrush
- Flowering Dogwood
- Red Buckeye
- Red Maple
- Eastern Redbud
- Royal Poinciana
- Shumard Oak
- Taiwan Cherry
Watch the video below to learn more about incorporating trees with red features into your garden:
