A garden painted in shades of red evokes passion, energy, and elegance. If you’re seeking to infuse your Cleveland, Ohio landscape with the fiery charm of red blooms all year long, look no further. We’ve curated a collection of striking red plants that will grace your garden with new bursts of color each month.
January – Winterberry (Ilex verticillata)
Winterberry is a striking shrub that defies the winter gloom with its vibrant red berries. Adorning bare branches, it’s a treat for both eyes and birds during chilly months.
Sunlight: Winterberry thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Soil: Plant in moist, acidic soil that is well-draining.
Watering: Regular watering is crucial to keep the soil consistently moist.
Pruning: Prune to shape in late winter or early spring.
February – Redtwig Dogwood (Cornus sericea)
In the heart of winter, Redtwig Dogwood shines with its fiery red stems. Its vibrant color is a testament to the beauty that exists even in the coldest months.
Sunlight: Plant in full sun to partial shade.
Soil: Redtwig Dogwood thrives in moist, well-draining soil.
Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist during the growing season.
Pruning: Prune to rejuvenate stems by removing old ones in late winter.
March – Japanese Quince (Chaenomeles japonica)
March brings forth the Japanese Quince’s scarlet blossoms. These vibrant flowers signal the awakening of spring’s red palette.
Sunlight: Plant in full sun for optimal flowering.
Soil: Japanese Quince prefers well-draining soil with average fertility.
Watering: Keep the soil evenly moist during the growing season.
Pruning: Prune after flowering to shape and encourage new growth.
April – Redbud (Cercis spp.)
April sees the Redbud decked in pinkish-red blooms. Its unique blossoms add a touch of elegance to the spring landscape.
Sunlight: Plant in full sun to partial shade.
Soil: Redbuds thrive in well-draining soil that’s slightly acidic.
Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during establishment.
Pruning: Prune to remove dead or crossing branches.
May – Weigela (Weigela spp.)
Weigela boasts crimson blossoms that grace May’s gardens with their vibrant hue. Their trumpet-like flowers attract pollinators and garden enthusiasts alike.
Sunlight: Plant in full sun for best flowering.
Soil: Well-draining soil with good fertility is ideal for Weigela.
Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist during the growing season.
Pruning: Prune to shape and remove spent flowers to encourage reblooming.
June – Bee Balm (Monarda spp.)
Bee Balm bursts forth in June with its red blooms that attract pollinators like a magnet. Its vibrant color is matched only by its ecological value.
Sunlight: Plant in full sun to partial shade.
Soil: Bee Balm prefers moist, well-draining soil.
Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during hot spells.
Pruning: Prune after flowering to prevent self-seeding and promote bushy growth.
July – Daylily (Hemerocallis spp.)
July belongs to the Daylily, which flaunts its fiery red blooms. These resilient flowers are a symbol of summer’s vibrancy.
Sunlight: Plant in full sun to light shade.
Soil: Daylilies thrive in well-draining soil with good fertility.
Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist during the growing season.
Pruning: Remove spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming.
August – Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis)
August witnesses the Cardinal Flower’s intense scarlet spikes. These native blooms are a beacon for hummingbirds and a testament to the beauty of late summer.
Sunlight: Plant in partial shade to full sun.
Soil: Cardinal Flower prefers consistently moist, rich soil.
Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during hot spells.
Pruning: Remove spent flowers to encourage reblooming and prevent self-seeding.
September – Autumn Blaze Maple (Acer x freemanii ‘Jeffersred’)
The September landscape is transformed by the Autumn Blaze Maple’s scarlet foliage. Its vibrant leaves add warmth to the transitioning season.
Sunlight: Plant in full sun for best fall color.
Soil: Autumn Blaze Maple thrives in well-draining soil.
Watering: Regular watering, especially during establishment, is essential.
Pruning: Prune to shape in late winter or early spring.
October – Beautyberry (Callicarpa spp.)
October’s Beautyberry graces the garden with clusters of vibrant red berries. These delightful fruits provide a feast for the eyes and birds alike.
Sunlight: Plant in full sun to light shade.
Soil: Beautyberry prefers well-draining soil.
Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during establishment.
Pruning: Prune in late winter or early spring to shape and encourage new growth.
November – Winterberry (Ilex verticillata)
Winterberry makes a second appearance in November as its bright red berries steal the show. A true gift to the eyes in the midst of autumn.
Sunlight: Plant in full sun to partial shade.
Soil: Winterberry thrives in moist, acidic soil that is well-draining.
Watering: Regular watering is crucial to keep the soil consistently moist.
Pruning: Prune to shape in late winter or early spring.
December – Holly (Ilex spp.)
December belongs to Holly, with its glossy red berries adding festive cheer to the winter landscape. These iconic berries bring holiday spirit to the garden.
Sunlight: Plant in full sun to partial shade.
Soil: Holly prefers well-draining soil that’s slightly acidic.
Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during establishment.
Pruning: Prune to shape and remove dead branches.
Incorporating these stunning red plants into your Cleveland garden promises a year-round visual delight. With a little care and attention, your landscape will blaze with the passionate hues of each season. Revel in the beauty of crimson blooms and the changing tapestry they create.
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