The Color Red

Few colors have as much presence in the garden as red. It’s the color of passion, love, and adventure—a hue that radiates energy. Even a single red bloom has the power to pull your eye from across the yard, making it a natural choice for drawing people in and leading them through a space.

Red on its own is bold and brilliant, but like any monochromatic color scheme, it can feel flat unless there’s some variation. Layering different tints and shades keeps things dynamic: think of pairing bright scarlet flowers with peaches, creams, magentas, or even a touch of pink. Playing with value—the lightness or darkness of red—adds even more depth. Crimson, burgundy, or plum tones can bring a moodier note, softening the intensity of true red while still keeping the drama.

And color in a garden doesn’t have to stop at the plants. Because red is such a powerful color, sometimes it works best as a series of accents: a painted gate, a set of red chair cushions, a bold ceramic pot, or even a path of red brick pavers. These details echo your plant palette and keep the color story alive long after the flowers fade.

MONOCHROMATIC COLOR TIPS

Monochromatic color schemes are a great way to set a mood while focusing your planting design. Choose one color (like red!) and then:

Inject variety. Use a harmonious mix of shades to add interest. Combine lighter tones with darker ones to avoid a flat, one-note look.

Add neutrals. White, cream, or even a soft peach will make red stand out even more. (Red schemes, in particular, come alive with a few peach tones—a wonderful tip from floral designer Kiana Underwood.)

Think beyond bloom time. Color is fleeting. Form, texture, and structure—the shapes of plants and how they fill space—are what carry a monochromatic garden through the whole season.

Red is fearless. Whether you sprinkle it sparingly for sparks of energy or embrace a full spectrum of reds, this color will always add drama, movement, and a touch of daring to your garden.

RED GARDEN INSPIRATION

Find some bold and bright red plants in your zone using the MONROVIA NURSERY PLANTFINDER.

One of my favorite books on using color: COLOR ME FLORAL by Kiana Underwood. This book focuses on floral design, but the ideas can be transferred into your garden. Plus, check out our COLOR IN GARDEN DESIGN book list (these last two are affiliate links).