Adding a Pop of Color with Red-Blooming Succulents

Succulents are cherished for their unique shapes, textures, and colors. While most people associate them with blue, green, and grey foliage, there are also many stunning varieties that produce beautiful red flowers. These eye-catching blooms provide a warm, vibrant pop of color in succulent gardens and container arrangements. Read on to discover 15 of the best red-flowering succulents to grow.

The Allure of Red Succulent Blooms

Red is an energizing, passionate hue that instantly draws the eye in the garden. When set against the unique shapes and forms of succulents, red flowers create an electrifying contrast. They bloom at various times of the year, often during winter or spring when color is scarce, so are extra treasured.

In addition to their beauty, red blooms signal the plant’s health and maturity. The vibrant nectar-rich flowers attract hummingbirds and butterflies too, bringing delightful motion and life. Whether they flower prolifically or produce just a few precious blossoms, red-blooming succulents always make a statement.

15 Striking Red Succulents for Your Collection

Here are some of the most popular and widely available red-flowering succulents to grow

Barrel Cactus

These stout, barrel-shaped cacti explode with rings of bright fuchsia-red flowers in spring and summer. Smaller varieties work nicely in containers.

Christmas Cactus

Though technically an epiphyte, Christmas cactus produces incredible lipstick-red flowers around the winter holidays if given proper cool, dry rest after blooming.

Scarlet Hedgehog Cactus

As the name suggests this small rounded cactus is covered in tiny red-tipped spines that give it a fuzzy look. Clusters of neon red flowers appear at the tips in summer.

Aloe Vera

While valued for its medicinal gel, the common aloe vera also bears elegant tubular coral red blooms on tall stalks in winter and spring.

Old Lady Cactus

Old lady cactus is nearly covered in dense white hair-like spines, an unusual sight. Depends on the variety sometimes the edges of the stems turn bright red when it blooms.

Pig’s Ear

This aptly named succulent has thick, oblong leaves dappled in red dots. In summer, it sends up sprays of tiny bell-shaped red flowers.

Cleistocactus

This columnar cactus produces vibrant scarlet red blooms that emerge right from the stems, a unique look. Different species bloom at various times.

Epiphyllum

Commonly called orchid cactus, epiphyllum has large, lush green leafy stems that flower abundantly with huge, flamboyant red blooms in spring and summer. Stunning!

Euphorbia Trigona

Tall stems of Euphorbia trigona bear unique colorful bracts in spring that resemble flowers. Varieties like Royal Red have deep burgundy bracts.

Crown of Thorns

This aptly named succulent is armed with wicked thorns but bears lovely red, pink, or yellow flowers year-round. Provide bright sun and limit water in winter for best blooms.

Ruby Ball Cactus

Resembling a stack of green balls, this cactus turns fiery red when it blooms in summer, completely covered in color. A true showstopper.

Red Yucca

Though not a true succulent, Red Yucca has slender sword-shaped leaves and tall spikes of pendulous red blooms that hummingbirds adore. Grow it in well-drained soil and full sun.

Firestick Euphorbia

Firestick euphorbia offers electric green foliage and often even brighter red flower bracts in spring and summer. Give this upright grower plenty of sunlight.

Ruby Glow Stonecrop

For zones 3-9, this hardy sedum offers evergreen groundcover and bursts of bright ruby red starry flowers above the foliage in late summer and fall.

Aloe Cameronii

A tender aloe best suited to zones 9-11, Aloe cameronii bears stunning upright red-orange flower spikes up to five feet tall in winter. Quite the spectacle!

Growing and Designing with Red-Blooming Succulents

To get the most from your red-blooming succulents, provide these care tips:

• Plant in a sunny location with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Morning sun is essential.

• Use a very porous, well-draining potting mix and include added perlite or pumice.

• Allow the soil to dry out between thorough waterings. Less frequent water in winter.

• Protect from frost and freezing; many red-blooming succulents thrive outdoors in zones 9-11.

• Apply a dilute, balanced fertilizer monthly while actively growing and blooming.

Combine red succulents with cool blues, greens, whites, and silvers for stunning color contrast. Display together in groups or along borders for maximum impact. Containers, rock gardens, and accent groupings will all showcase these beauties wonderfully. Now is the perfect time to expand your succulent collection with vibrant red-blooming varieties!