Plants With Red Under Leaves

If you’re looking for a way to add a suprise element to your garden, look for plants with red under leaves. That flash of vibrant crimson undersides when the wind blows can create stunning visual drama. It’s a simple trick that adds depth and a touch of magic to any planting scheme. Let’s look at some of the best plants that offer this beautiful feature.

This unique characteristic isn’t found in just one type of plant. You can find it across trees, shrubs, and perennials. The red pigment, often caused by anthocyanins, can serve a few purposes. Sometimes it helps protect the leaf from strong sunlight, and other times it might deter pests. For us gardeners, it’s simply a gorgeous design opportunity.

Top Trees with Crimson Undersides

These trees make a bold statement, especially on breezy days when their leaves flip to reveal their secret color.

Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum ‘Bloodgood’): While known for its deep purple-red top foliage, the undersides are a brilliant, contrasting scarlet. The effect is breathtaking.
Silver Maple (Acer saccharinum): This common tree has a silvery-white underside, but cultivars like ‘Silver Queen’ can show a soft pink to reddish hue against the green top.
Indian Bean Tree (Catalpa bignonioides ‘Purpurea’): Its new leaves emerge a dark purple-black, with a lighter, often reddish-purple underside that remains visible as they mature.

Stunning Shrubs for Your Borders

Shrubs are perfect for adding this feature at a lower height, where you can appreciate the detail up close.

Evergreen Dogwood (Cornus capitata): This shrubby tree has green leaves with grayish-green undersides that can take on a reddish tint in cooler weather, especially in winter.
Fragrant Sarococcca (Sarococcca ruscifolia): A fantastic shade-loving shrub with glossy, deep green leaves. The new growth and the undersides of the leaves often have a beautiful bronze-red color.
Some Rhododendron varieties: Certain species, like Rhododendron falconeri, have famously cinnamon or rusty-red indumentum (a fuzzy coating) on the leaf undersides, which is spectacular.

Perennials and Groundcovers

For the lowest layer of your garden, these plants will provide a carpet of color and texture.

Heuchera (Coral Bells): Many heuchera cultivars are bred specifically for foliage. Varieties like ‘Forever Red’ or ‘Blackout’ have deep burgundy tops with even deeper, redder undersides.
Begonia rex: A classic houseplant and shade garden star. The intricate patterns on the tops of the leaves are often mirrored or contrasted by stunning red, purple, or maroon undersides.
Wild Ginger (Asarum species): These shade groundcovers have heart-shaped leaves. The undersides of many species, like Asarum canadense, are a rich, sometimes hairy, green with hints of red or purple.

How to Care for These Special Plants

While each plant has its own needs, there are some general tips to help the foliage colors look their best.

Light Requirements

Light is crucial for developing good leaf color. For many red-leaved plants, some direct sun is needed to intensify the pigments. However, for some, like begonias, bright indirect light is key to prevent scorching. Always check the specific needs of your plant.

Soil and Feeding

Well-draining soil is essential for almost all of these plants. Overly wet roots can lead to disease. Using a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in spring is usually sufficient. Avoid high-nitrogen feeds, which can encourage green growth at the expense of red pigmentation.

Watering Practices

Consistent moisture is important, but let the top inch of soil dry out between waterings for most varieties. Water at the base of the plant to keep the leaves dry and prevent fungal issues. Mulching helps retain that moisture and keeps roots cool.

Design Ideas for Your Garden

Think about how to place these plants to maximize their impact. Here are a few ideas.

On a Slope: Plant them on a bank where you look up at them. This angle naturally shows off the leaf undersides.
Along a Pathway: Place lower shrubs or perennials next to a path. As you walk by, you’ll catch glimpses of the red beneath.
In Windy Spots: A breezy corner will keep the leaves in motion, constantly revealing the hidden color. It’s a dynamic display.
Contrast Companions: Pair them with plants that have silver, blue, or bright green foliage. The contrast makes the red pop even more.

Propagating Your Favorites

Once you find a plant you love, you might want to make more. Here’s a simple guide to propagation for many of these shrubs and perennials.

Timing: The best time is usually late spring or early summer when growth is soft and fresh.
Take Cuttings: Using clean shears, cut a 4-6 inch stem tip just below a leaf node. Remove the lower leaves.
Prepare: Dip the cut end into rooting hormone powder. This step isn’t always nessecary but increases success rates.
Plant: Insert the cutting into a pot filled with a mix of perlite and peat-free compost. Water it gently.
Create Humidity: Cover the pot with a clear plastic bag or place in a propagator. Keep it in bright, indirect light.
Wait for Roots: In 4-8 weeks, check for resistance by giving a very gentle tug. If it resists, roots have formed!

Common Problems and Solutions

Even the most careful gardeners face issues. Here’s how to tackle common ones.

Faded Leaf Color: This often means too much shade. Try moving the plant to a spot with a bit more morning sun.
Brown Leaf Edges: Usually a sign of underwatering, low humidity, or fertilizer burn. Check your watering schedule and ensure you’re not over-feeding.
Pests: Aphids and spider mites can be a nusiance. Blast them off with a strong jet of water or use an insecticidal soap spray.
Powdery Mildew: Improve air circulation around the plant and avoid overhead watering to prevent this fungal issue.

FAQ

Why do some plants have red undersides?
The red pigment (anthocyanin) can act as a sunscreen, protect from cold, or even help the plant conserve water. It’s a fascinating adaption.

Can I grow these plants indoors?
Absolutely! Many, like Rex Begonias and some Heuchera, make excellent houseplants. Just provide enough humidity and the right light.

Do the red undersides last all year?
For evergreen plants, yes. For deciduous trees and shrubs, you’ll enjoy the effect from spring until leaf drop in autumn.

Which plant is the easiest for beginners?
Heuchera (Coral Bells) are very tough and adaptable. They come in many colors and are generally low-maintenance, making them a great choice.

Where can I buy plants with red underleaves?
Check local nurseries, especially those with good perennial or tree selections. Online specialty plant retailers are also a fantastic source for specific cultivars.

Adding plants with this unique trait is a surefire way to make your garden more interesting. It encourages you to look closer and appriciate the details. With so many options, from towering trees to small groundcovers, you can easily incorporate this element at every level of your garden design. Start with one or two and see how that flash of crimson changes your perspective.