If you want a garden that really pops, few things work better than plants with red and yellow flowers. These vibrant and colorful blooms create a warm, energetic feel that can brighten any outdoor space from the moment spring arrives until the first frost.
Let’s look at some fantastic options. We’ll cover annuals, perennials, and even shrubs so you can plan a garden full of fiery color all season long.
Plants With Red And Yellow Flowers
This category includes plants where the blooms themselves mix red and yellow, either on the same petal or in striking combinations. They are natural show-stoppers.
Marigolds (Tagetes)
Marigolds are a classic, easy-to-grow choice. The ‘Durango’ series offers stunning bicolor varieties where petals are streaked with deep red and bright gold.
- They thrive in full sun and aren’t too picky about soil.
- Great for borders, containers, or as companion plants in vegetable gardens.
- Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage more blooms all summer.
Gaillardia (Blanket Flower)
This tough perennial is a must-have for hot, sunny spots. Its daisy-like flowers often have red centers that fade to yellow tips, or bold rings of both colors.
- Extremely drought-tolerant once established.
- Blooms continuously from early summer to fall if you deadhead it.
- Attracts butterflies and makes excellent cut flowers.
Roses
Many rose cultivars feature stunning red and yellow blends. ‘Double Delight’ is a famous hybrid tea rose with creamy yellow centers and red-edged petals.
- Plant in a location with at least 6 hours of direct sun.
- Provide good air circulation to prevent common fungal diseases.
- Feed with a balanced rose fertilizer in spring and after the first bloom cycle.
Dahlia
Dahlias offer incredible variety. Look for decorative or cactus types with red and yellow patterns, like ‘David Howard’ or ‘American Dawn’.
- Plant tubers in spring after the danger of frost has passed.
- Stake taller varieties when planting to avoid damaging the tubers later.
- For bigger blooms, pinch out the center shoot after the plant develops three sets of leaves.
Zinnia
Zinnias are one of the easiest annuals to grow from seed. The ‘Queen Red Lime’ variety has touches of antique red and soft yellow, while many others offer vibrant contrasts.
- Sow seeds directly in the garden bed; they dislike being transplanted.
- Space plants properly to ensure good airflow and prevent mildew.
- Pick them often for bouquets – cutting them encourages more flowers.
Designing With Red and Yellow Blooms
Using these colors effectively is key. They are both warm and advance visually, making them feel closer to you.
Creating Focal Points
A cluster of red and yellow flowers instantly draws the eye. Use them around a garden bench, beside a gate, or in a central container.
Pairing with Complementary Colors
To calm the intensity, add some cool-colored foliage or flowers. Silvery plants like artemisia or blue blooms like salvia provide a perfect balance. Deep green leaves also make the red and yellow stand out more.
Considering Height and Bloom Time
Always check the plant’s mature height and spread. Place taller plants like some dahlias or roses at the back of a border. Stagger plants with different bloom times so you always have some color showing.
Essential Care Tips for Vibrant Color
To get the most from your plants, they need the right basics. Healthy plants produce the best flowers.
Sunlight Needs
Almost all plants with brightly colored flowers need plenty of sun. Aim for at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily for the most intense flower color.
Soil and Watering
Well-draining soil is crucial. Amend heavy clay with compost. While needs vary, a deep watering once or twice a week is usually better than frequent light sprinklings. Always water at the base to keep leaves dry.
Feeding for Success
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at planting time. For heavy bloomers like dahlias and roses, a fertilizer higher in phosphorus (the middle number) can promote better flowering. Don’t overdo nitrogen, or you’ll get more leaves than blooms.
Great Companion Plants
What you plant nearby can make your red and yellow flowers look even better.
- Ornamental Grasses: Their soft, flowing texture contrasts nicely with bold flowers.
- Purple Flowers: Think salvia, verbena, or catmint. Purple is opposite red and yellow on the color wheel, creating a vibrant look.
- White Flowers: White alyssum or shasta daisies can help separate and define strong color blocks, preventing the garden from looking to busy.
Extending the Bloom Season
You don’t have to have color for just a few weeks. With planning, you can enjoy it for months.
- Start Early: Plant spring bulbs like tulips that have red and yellow streaks. They’ll bloom before your summer annuals and perennials kick in.
- Succession Planting: For annuals like zinnias, sow seeds every 2-3 weeks in early summer for a continuous supply of fresh plants.
- Deadhead Religiously: Removing old flowers tells the plant to produce more buds instead of setting seed.
- Add Fall Stars: Chrysanthemums come in beautiful red and yellow bicolors and will take over as summer flowers fade.
FAQ
What are some red and yellow flowers that are perennials?
Gaillardia (Blanket Flower), some varieties of coreopsis, helenium, and certain daylilies are excellent perennial choices that return each year with minimal fuss.
Can I grow these in pots or containers?
Absolutely. Marigolds, smaller dahlias, and zinnias are perfect for containers. Just ensure the pot is large enough and has excellent drainage holes.
What attracts more butterflies: red or yellow flowers?
Butterflies are attracted to many colors, but they often seem to prefer bright yellows, oranges, reds, and purples. Plants like gaillardia and zinnias in these colors are butterfly magnets.
How do I keep the colors looking vibrant?
Adequate sunlight is the number one factor. Also, consistent watering (not too much or too little) and occasional feeding with a bloom-booster fertilizer can help maintain intense flower color throughout the season.
Are there red and yellow flowering shrubs?
Yes. Certain varieties of azaleas and camellias have bicolor flowers. Also, some hardy hibiscus cultivars feature large blooms with red centers and yellow edges or vice versa.
Adding plants with red and yellow flowers is a surefire way to create a lively, welcoming garden. By mixing different types and following these simple care tips, you’ll be rewarded with a stunning display that lasts for many months. Start with one or two of the easy growers like marigolds or gaillardia, and you’ll likely find yourself wanting to add more of these vibrant and colorful blooms next year.