Roll Out the Red Carpet: Designing a Garden That Commands Attention

I went through a passionate red phase when I first started decorating my own apartments in my twenties. After about five years, I fell out of love with the hot hue and dove headfirst into a love affair with green—and sometimes the faintest whisper of blue. Perhaps that shift makes perfect sense; it was exactly when my obsession with gardens began.

These days, while I still adore my greens and grays, my affection for red is roaring back. Forget timid pinks and subtle creams in the garden. Give me power. Give me impact. Give me red. Red can perk up a lackluster bed, draw the eye to undervalued corners, and deliver a punch of color to any potted arrangement. Let's celebrate this fiery hue.

Debora Carl Landscape Design

Red flowers waving in the breeze say "Hello!" to visitors in a strong, welcoming voice.

Windsor Companies

Red draws the eye immediately—hence the appropriately colored stop signs. To bring attention to your front door, plant a swipe of red annuals like impatiens in a classy arrow pointing straight toward your main entrance.

Debora Carl Landscape Design

Red can go subtler when paired with deep blues and maroons. With the high contrast of green and red, this grouping of red kangaroo paw and grasses says "Hello!" with a beautiful South African accent.

Ami Saunders, MLA

If you know red in the garden, then you have probably met a Japanese maple. With cut leaves so intricate they almost look like blood-tinged lace, Japanese maple makes a statement loud and clear. Pair your maple with understated evergreens, rocks, and greens for the best show.

How to grow Japanese maples

Huettl Landscape Architecture

Are you tired of the same old cottage garden look? A touch of red is like a swipe of lipstick, bringing a smile to the garden.

AMS Landscape Design Studios, Inc.

Don't be afraid to mix magenta and red. These often-clashing tones look great when they're combined purposefully. Leave no doubt that you intended to marry the two hues for a fiery statement.

1800Lighting

Coordinate your blooming reds with hard features in your home and garden. Match the hue of your crimson front door, bring attention to your red barn, or plant a sea of red poppies to emphasize red trim.

Christopher Kellie Design Inc.

For a pop of red without much work, choose red blooms, such as these geraniums, for container gardens flanking the front door. Add some at a higher level as a bonus.

JOHN DANCEY Custom Designing/Remodeling/Building

Whether your red is climbing or potted, wispy or solid, it says loud and clear, "This is my home of which I am proud. Please come visit!"

Tell us: Do you use red in the garden?