Deserts may seem barren, but they are home to a surprising diversity of plant life. Many desert plants produce stunning red flowers that add splashes of color to the sandy beige landscape. From cacti to shrubs to wildflowers, vibrant red blooms can thrive despite the harsh conditions.
When most people think of desert plants cacti probably come to mind first. Several cactus species bear bright red flowers like the coral cactus, cane cholla, and Christmas cactus. The flowers attract pollinating birds and insects, signaling a sweet nectar reward. Though cacti are well-adapted to conserve water, they bloom following rains when conditions are right.
In addition to cacti, many woody desert shrubs put on a floral display in red. Fairy duster produces fuzzy red pom-pom blooms above fine, fern-like foliage. Ocotillo, a shrubby succulent, sends up spiky red flower clusters. Desert mallow and chuparosa both have showy, poppy-like red blooms.
Wildflowers are a special component of the desert landscape. They transform the scrubby terrain with carpets of color following winter and spring rains. Red species include Indian paintbrush, Arizona poppy, sand verbena, evening primrose, and winecups. Their seeds can lay dormant for years, germinating when conditions are favorable.
Below are 25 of the most eye-catching desert dwellers that produce red flowers:
Cacti
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Coral Cactus – Round red blooms top this small barrel cactus
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Cane Cholla – Known for its spiny stems, it has vibrant red-orange tubular flowers.
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Christmas Cactus – A popular houseplant, it produces cherry red flowers during winter.
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Claret Cup Cactus – Red, nectar-filled blooms are held upright on this hedgehog-like cactus
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Hedgehog Cactus – Its spines are hidden by colorful magenta flower clusters.
Trees and Shrubs
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Ocotillo – Red flower spikes jut upward from this spiny succulent shrub.
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Chuparosa – Hummingbird bush has showy red tubular flowers with orange centers.
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Desert Mallow – Five-petaled red blooms open on this short-lived perennial shrub.
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Fairy Duster – Fluffy red flowers top this drought-tolerant groundcover shrub.
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Firecracker Bush – Red tubular blossoms cover this bushy desert perennial.
Wildflowers
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Indian Paintbrush – A classic wildflower, it has brush-tipped red flowers.
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Arizona Poppy – This poppy cousin lights up desert washes with orange-red blooms.
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Sand Verbena – Tiny five-petaled crimson flowers carpet areas of sandy soil.
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Desert Marigold – Cheery red daisy-like blooms shine on this drought-tolerant annual.
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Winecup – The aptly named winecup has dark red cup-shaped flowers.
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Evening Primrose – Showy yellow blossoms on this spreader open pink then fade red.
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Desert Lily – Trumpet-shaped blooms emerge red then fade to yellow on this bulb plant.
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Parry’s Penstemon – Spike-like red flowers shoot upward on this bushy perennial.
How to Grow Red-Flowering Desert Plants
Many red-blooming desert plants are forgiving, thriving in full sun and reflected heat. Good drainage is key, so amend soil with gravel or sand if needed. Group plants according to their water and sun needs. Drought-tolerant selections like cacti and succulents require less water than short-lived wildflowers. Drip irrigation and mulch help conserve moisture.
Choose red flowering plants to coordinate with the existing colors in your desert garden. Repeat red tones for a bold, vibrant look. Or combine red blooms with pink, orange, yellow and purple flowers for a colorful blended palette. With the right plant choices, you can enjoy red blooms in the desert garden year-round.
Lost Dutchman State Park
Lost Dutchman sits at the base of the often fabled Superstition Mountains, just on the fringe of the Phoenix metro area in Apache Junction, AZ. This rich Sonoran Desert ecosystem is home to a large variety of desert plants and animals that can be experienced from the campgrounds and the expansive network of trails that traverse the park. Take a day trip from Phoenix or stay for a while at a campsite or in a cabin. We’re sure there will be plenty of things to keep you busy here.
State Parks With Desert Plants
We hope you have found this guide to Arizona’s desert plants useful and plan to expand your knowledge of them in the parks! Choose from the following desert parks to explore the diversity of Arizona’s flora, then get out there and see these beauties first hand from the trail.
47 Best Flowers for Full Sun | Heat Tolerant Flowers for Containers #flowers #flower #container
FAQ
What desert plant has red flowers?
Thus, ocotillos make the best of good times and survive the worst, a typical way of doing things for desert plants. Ocotillos produce clusters of bright red flowers at their stem tips, which explain the plant’s name. Ocotillo means “little torch” in Spanish.
What are the red flowers in Arizona?
- Acalypha phleoides – Shrubby Copperleaf.
- Anisacanthus thurberi – Thurber’s Desert Honeysuckle.
- Bouvardia ternifolia – Firecrackerbush.
- Castilleja austromontana – Rincon Mountain Indian Paintbrush.
What is the name of the plant with a red flower?
Popular red flowers include roses, tulips, dahlias, hibiscus, poppies, geraniums, camellias, begonias, zinnias, anthuriums, amaryllis, peonies, salvias, celosia, and marigolds, each offering vibrant color and unique appeal to gardens and landscapes.
What kind of flowers bloom in the desert?
The variety of desert flowers allows gardeners to create seasonal interest and color throughout the year. Many desert perennials, such as Desert Marigold and Penstemon, are known for their drought tolerance and long blooming periods, adding pops of color during the spring and summer.