Plants With Maroon Leaves

If you want to add drama and depth to your garden, look no further than plants with maroon leaves. This striking dark foliage creates a beautiful contrast that can make your green space pop.

These plants are like the supporting actors that steal the show. They provide a constant color, unlike flowers that come and go. From sunny borders to shady corners, there’s a maroon-leaved plant for almost every spot.

Let’s look at some of the best options for your garden. We’ll cover trees, shrubs, perennials, and even annuals. You’ll find ideas for every season and garden style.

Shrubs and Small Trees

These plants form the backbone of your garden. They offer structure and year-round interest.

Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum): Cultivars like ‘Bloodgood’ or ‘Emperor I’ are famous for their finely cut, deep burgundy leaves. They prefer dappled shade and protect from harsh winds.
Smoke Bush (Cotinus coggygria): ‘Royal Purple’ or ‘Velvet Cloak’ have rounded, rich purple-maroon leaves. In summer, they get wispy pink flowers that look like smoke.
Purple Leaf Sand Cherry (Prunus x cistena): This tough shrub has reddish-purple foliage and pretty pink spring blooms. It’s great for colder climates.
Copper Beech (Fagus sylvatica ‘Purpurea’): A large tree with smooth, coppery-purple leaves. It’s a stunning focal point for big landscapes.

Perennials for Lasting Color

These plants come back every year, getting better with time. They fill your beds with reliable dark foliage.

Coral Bells (Heuchera): A top choice! Varieties like ‘Palace Purple,’ ‘Obsidian,’ and ‘Blackout’ offer a rainbow of maroon, plum, and near-black leaves in sun or shade.
Purple Fountain Grass (Pennisetum setaceum ‘Rubrum’): This grass has arching maroon blades and soft, bottlebrush flowers. It adds wonderful movement (tender in cold zones).
Bugbane (Actaea simplex): Look for ‘Brunette’ or ‘Hillside Black Beauty.’ They have deeply cut, chocolate-maroon foliage and send up tall spires of fragrant white flowers in fall.
Sedum (Stonecrop): ‘Xenox’ and ‘Purple Emperor’ have succulent, dark burgundy leaves. They are drought-tolerant and attract butterflies with their late blooms.

Annuals and Tender Plants

Use these for a guaranteed burst of instant color in pots or garden gaps. They are perfect for experimenting.

Coleus (Plectranthus scutellarioides): The king of colorful foliage! ‘Black Dragon,’ ‘Wizard Scarlet,’ and ‘Kong Scarlet’ thrive in shade and offer incredible maroon patterns.
Purple Heart (Tradescantia pallida ‘Purpurea’): Long, trailing stems with vibrant purple leaves. Excellent in hanging baskets or as a groundcover in warm areas.
Ornamental Pepper (Capsicum annuum): ‘Black Pearl’ has glossy, blackish-purple leaves and round, pearl-like peppers that mature from black to red.
Sweet Potato Vine (Ipomoea batatas): ‘Blackie’ or ‘Sweet Caroline Bewitched’ provide a fast-growing cascade of deep purple, heart-shaped leaves.

How to Design With Dark Foliage

Placing these plants well is key. Here’s how to make them shine.

Create Contrast and Highlights

Dark leaves disappear in shady corners. Place them next to light colors to make them stand out.

Pair with silver (Artemisia, Dusty Miller), gold (Hostas, Spirea), or bright chartreuse (Golden Japanese Forest Grass).
Use them in front of light-colored walls or fences.
Mix with plants that have variegated or bright green leaves.

Use as a Focal Point

A single, large maroon plant can anchor a bed. A Purple Smoke Bush or a Japanese Maple makes a beautiful centerpiece. It draws the eye and gives the garden structure.

Add Depth and Perception

Dark colors seem to recede. Planting maroon foliage at the back of a border can make the space feel larger. Placing it at the front can make it feel more intimate and cozy.

Care Tips for Your Dark-Leaved Plants

Most dark-foliage plants don’t need special care, but a few tips will keep them looking their best.

Sunlight: Many need full sun to develop their richest color. However, some, like Heuchera and Coleus, prefer shade. Always check the plant’s specific needs—too much sun can scorch, too little can fade the color.
Soil: Well-draining soil is crucial. Soggy roots cause problems. Adding compost at planting time improves drainage and provides nutrients.
Watering: Water deeply but less frequently to encourage strong roots. Morning watering is best to prevent disease. New plants need more frequent watering until established.
Fertilizing: A balanced, slow-release fertilizer in spring is usually enough. Over-fertilizing can lead to weak growth or reduced leaf color.
Pruning: For shrubs like Smoke Bush, prune in early spring to encourage new growth, which often has the brightest color. Remove any branches that revert to green.

Common Problems and Solutions

Even the toughest plants can have issues. Here’s what to watch for.

Fading Leaf Color

If your maroon leaves turn greenish, it’s often a light issue. The plant might not be getting enough sun. Some cultivars also revert; prune out the green shoots immediately.

Leaf Scorch

Brown, crispy edges on leaves can mean too much hot afternoon sun, drought stress, or wind exposure. Provide more water or consider moving potted plants to a slightly shadier spot.

Pests and Diseases

Dark foliage isn’t pest-proof. Keep an eye out for aphids, spider mites, and slugs. Good air circulation and avoiding overhead watering helps prevent fungal diseases like powdery mildew, which can be more noticable on dark leaves.

FAQ: Your Questions Answered

Do plants with dark leaves need more sun?

It really depends on the plant. Many, like Purple Fountain Grass, need full sun for the best color. Others, like many Heucheras, are bred for shade. Always check the plant tag.

Will maroon-leaved plants grow in full shade?

Some will, but the color may appear more black or dark green in deep shade. For shade, choose plants specifically recommended for it, like certain Coleus, Heuchera, or Bugbane.

Are there any maroon-leaved plants for containers?

Absolutely! Coleus, Sweet Potato Vine, Ornamental Pepper, and Purple Heart are fantastic in pots. Even smaller Japanese Maples can thrive in large containers for years.

Why is my purple plant turning green?

The main causes are not enough sunlight, too much nitrogen fertilizer, or a plant that is reverting to it’s original form. Assess light first, then check your feeding routine.

Can I combine different maroon plants together?

Yes, but use texture and shape to create interest. Mix the broad leaves of a Canna with the fine leaves of a Japanese Maple. Add different heights to avoid a flat, dark blob.

Adding plants with maroon leaves is one of the easiest ways to make your garden look sophisticated and planned. They provide long-lasting interest with minimal fuss. Start with one or two in key spots, and you’ll soon see how that striking dark foliage can change your whole garden’s mood. The deep colors are calming and elegant, and they make the brighter flowers around them seem even more vibrant. With so many choices available, you can enjoy this beautiful effect in every part of your yard.