January
- Camellia japonica – Camellia (Bright red winter blooms against dark green foliage.)
Camellia japonica, commonly known as the Japanese Camellia, is a popular evergreen shrub known for its glossy, dark green leaves and strikingly beautiful flowers. The blooms, which appear in late winter to early spring, come in a variety of colors, with red being one of the most prominent. The flowers can be single, semi-double, or double, and range in size from 2 to 5 inches in diameter. The petals are often waxy and thick, giving the flowers a luxurious, almost velvety appearance. The shrub itself can grow to be quite large, reaching heights of 6 to 12 feet with a similar spread, though it can be pruned to maintain a smaller size.
Care and Growing Conditions: Camellias thrive in well-drained, acidic soil rich in organic matter. They prefer a location with partial shade, particularly in the afternoon, as too much direct sunlight can scorch their delicate leaves. When planting Camellia japonica, it’s important to choose a spot that is protected from strong winds and frost, as these conditions can damage the flower buds and leaves. Regular watering is crucial, especially during dry spells, but care should be taken to avoid waterlogging, which can lead to root rot.
Mulching around the base of the plant helps retain moisture and keeps the roots cool. Camellias also benefit from regular feeding with a fertilizer designed for acid-loving plants, typically in the early spring and again in midsummer. Pruning should be done after flowering to maintain the desired shape and size, as well as to remove any dead or weak branches.
While Camellia japonica is primarily grown for its ornamental value, it also has some additional uses. In traditional medicine, parts of the Camellia plant have been used for their purported anti-inflammatory and astringent properties. The seeds of the Camellia plant are used to produce Camellia oil (or tea seed oil), which is prized for its use in skin and hair care products due to its moisturizing and antioxidant properties. In Japan, Camellia oil has long been used in cooking and as a hair treatment. Though less commonly utilized, the wood of older Camellia plants is dense and fine-grained, making it suitable for certain types of woodworking and tool handles. However, its primary value remains in its ability to bring vibrant color to the garden during the colder months, making it a cherished addition to winter landscapes.
February
- Helleborus orientalis – Lenten Rose (Some varieties have reddish hues and can bloom in late winter to early spring.)
March
- Chaenomeles speciosa – Flowering Quince (Vibrant red flowers before the leaves appear, a striking early spring bloomer.)
April
- Tulipa – Red Tulips (Classic spring bloomers with vibrant red flowers.)
- Rhododendron – Red Azaleas (Bright red flowers appear in mid-spring.)
May
- Papaver orientale – Oriental Poppy (Large, vibrant red poppies bloom in late spring.)
- Dicentra spectabilis – Bleeding Heart (Red varieties provide unique, heart-shaped flowers.)
June
- Rosa – Red Roses (Many rose varieties start blooming in June and continue through summer.)
- Pelargonium – Red Geraniums (Classic summer bloomers that thrive in containers and beds.)
July
- Crocosmia ‘Lucifer’ – Montbretia (Produces striking red, sword-like flowers in mid-summer.)
- Lilium – Red Asiatic Lilies (Bold red lilies that bloom in early to mid-summer.)
August
- Hibiscus rosa-sinensis – Tropical Hibiscus (Produces large, vivid red flowers in late summer.)
- Zinnia elegans – Red Zinnias (Bright red blooms that thrive in the heat of late summer.)
September
- Salvia coccinea – Scarlet Sage (Bright red flowers that attract pollinators, blooming into fall.)
- Dahlia – Red Dahlias (Continue blooming through late summer into early fall.)
October
- Acer rubrum – Red Maple (The leaves turn a brilliant red in the fall, adding vibrant color to the landscape.)
- Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’ – Autumn Sedum (The flowers turn a deep red as fall progresses.)
November
- Chrysanthemum – Red Mums (Fall-blooming chrysanthemums offer vibrant red flowers, perfect for late fall gardens.)
- Pyracantha coccinea – Scarlet Firethorn (Produces bright red berries that persist into winter, adding color even as other plants fade.)
December
- Ilex verticillata – Winterberry (A type of holly that bears bright red berries in winter, providing color in the garden even when most plants are dormant.)
- Skimmia japonica – Japanese Skimmia (Produces clusters of small red berries, which can add a festive touch to winter landscapes.)
This comprehensive list will give you a garden that features red blooms or foliage every month of the year.
