11 Stunning Dark Cherry Red Flowers to Plant This Year

GardeningFlowers

Apr 28

Dark cherry red is trending all over Pinterest, and honestly? It's easy to see why. This rich, dramatic hue instantly adds depth, passion, and a little bit of mystery to your garden beds and containers. No matter if you're just getting into gardening or simply want to shake things up this season, cherry red flowers are a beautiful way to add bold, unforgettable color.

Here's everything you need to know to get started!

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Best Cherry Red Flowers to Grow

1. Dahlia 'Arabian Night'

Zones 8-11 / Full Sun/ Late Summer Bloomer

Grown as an annual in most zones, this flower has deep, velvety cherry-red blooms with almost black undertones. These dahlias thrive in full sun and rich, well-draining soil. Perfect as a dramatic focal point in late summer and fall gardens. Stake them early to support the large blooms.

2. Celosia 'Dracula’

Zones 10-11 / Full Sun/ Summer to Fall

Typically grown as an annual in most zones, this heat-tolerant plant produces unusual, velvety, deep red blooms that almost look like flames. They love hot, sunny spots and need little maintenance once established.

RELATED: The Best Annual Flowers for a Fragrant Garden

3. Geranium 'Calliope Dark Red’

Zones 9-11 | Full sun | Summer to Fall

Often treated as an annual in colder zones, it is a powerhouse performer with vibrant, intense cherry-red blooms. Known for being drought-tolerant and thriving in both garden beds and containers. Deadhead spent flowers to keep the show going strong.

4. Petunia 'Supertunia Black Cherry’

Zones 10-11 | Full Sun | Spring to Frost

Commonly grown as an annual, these petunias spill beautifully from hanging baskets and containers with deep cherry red blooms. They're self-cleaning, meaning no need to remove spent blooms — they just keep blooming all summer long!

5. Lily 'Black Out'

Zones 4-9 | Full sun | Mid-Summer Bloomer

A true perennial that is very winter hardy! A striking Asiatic lily with deep cherry-red petals and even darker centers. It grows up to 4 feet tall and prefers sunny locations with good drainage. Plant bulbs in spring for stunning mid-summer blooms.

6. Cherry Cola Heuchera

Zones 4-9 | Part Shade | Foliage Plant

A perennial that is great for temperate climates. A foliage superstar! This coral bells variety features rich, cherry-red leaves that shimmer in partial shade. It's drought-tolerant once established and adds color and texture even when flowers aren't in bloom.

7. Superbells Cherry Red Calibrachoa:

Zones 9-11 | Full sun | Spring to Frost

Treated as an annual in cooler zones, a mini-petunia lookalike with bright cherry-red blooms. Loves containers and hanging baskets. It’s self-cleaning, heat-tolerant, and blooms nonstop from spring to frost with minimal effort.

RELATED: Best Flowering Annuals for Shade – 7 Stunning Blooms for Dark Gardens

8. Hibiscus 'Cherry Cheesecake'

Zones 4-9 | Full Sun | Summer Bloomer

This is a hardy hibiscus not the tropical kind. Giant blooms with creamy white petals and bold cherry-red centers. Hardy hibiscus loves full sun and moist soil. This showstopper can reach up to 5 feet tall and attracts pollinators like crazy.

9. Snapdragon 'Black Prince'

Zones: 7-10/ Full Sun to Partial shade/ Spring-Fall Bloomer

Usually grown as an annual, it has dark foliage and rich cherry-red flower spikes make this snapdragon a standout. Best planted in cooler seasons (spring and fall) as it prefers cooler temperatures and can tolerate light frosts.

10. Poppy 'Cherry Glow'

Zones: 3-9 / Full Sun / Spring Bloomer

Delicate papery blooms in a vibrant cherry-red shade. Perfect for wildflower gardens and meadows. Scatter seeds directly into prepared soil in early spring for easy color with minimal effort.

11. Begonia 'Nonstop Deep Red'

Zones: 10-11 / Partial shade / Continuous Bloomer

Treated as an annual in cooler climates, these compact begonias burst with vivid, cherry-red blooms all season long. Ideal for shaded gardens, they thrive in rich, moist soil and reward you with constant color without deadheading.

Why Cherry Red Flowers Are Perfect for Beginner Gardeners

They offer major impact with little effort.
They're easy to pair with other plants.
Many cherry-red varieties are low maintenance and tough.
They fit any style — whether you love cottage gardens, tropical flair, or modern minimalist spaces.

Adding even a few cherry red flowers can make your garden feel intentional, lush, and magazine-worthy.

Where to Plant Cherry Red Flowers

Front Entrances: Make your entryway unforgettable.
Patio Pots: Create a dramatic backdrop for summer gatherings.
Garden Borders: Cherry reds look stunning when they contrast with silver or pale green foliage.
Shade Gardens: Yes! Some varieties like Heuchera and Begonias thrive in shadier spots.

Tip: Dark colors recede visually. To make them pop, plant cherry reds closer to paths, patios, or seating areas where they'll catch the eye.

How to Style Cherry Red Flowers

Want a designer look? Try these combos:

Elegant: Cherry red dahlias + dusty miller + white cosmos (All full sun and well-draining soil)

Tropical: Cherry hibiscus + orange canna lilies + elephant ears (All love full sun and moist, rich soil.)

Romantic: Black cherry petunias + pink geraniums + white bacopa (All thrive in full sun with well-draining soil and have similar watering needs.)

Mix bold flowers, airy fillers, and lush foliage for a high-end, intentional look.

Feeling Overwhelmed? Here's Your Starter List

If you only plant three cherry-red flowers, start with:

Geranium 'Calliope Dark Red' (incredibly reliable and easy)
Petunia 'Supertunia Black Cherry' (great for pots and patios)
Dahlia 'Arabian Night' (instant wow factor for late summer gardens)

Cherry red isn't just a trendy color—it's a powerhouse addition that transforms gardens into vibrant, unforgettable spaces. Whether you're planting a few pots on your patio or redesigning an entire flower bed, dark cherry red flowers are an easy way to stay stylish and create a garden that feels full of life.

Are you ready to embrace the bold beauty of cherry red in your garden? I’d love to hear which ones you're excited to plant first!

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