14 Shrubs With Red Leaves All Year Round
Red foliage adds instant drama and warmth to any garden. Unlike flowers that fade after a few weeks, shrubs with red leaves hold their color for months — some even all year.
Whether you’re going for a bold modern look or a cozy cottage feel, these vibrant shrubs make sure your garden never looks dull, no matter the season.
Japanese Barberry
This tough, low-maintenance shrub is a favorite for its deep red to burgundy leaves that stay rich in color from spring through fall. Some varieties even keep a red tint during winter.
It’s drought-tolerant and great for borders, hedges, or rocky gardens. The dense, thorny branches also make it a natural barrier for privacy or to keep pets away from certain areas.
Photinia ‘Red Robin’
Photinia is best known for its glossy red new growth that turns green as it matures — creating a constant mix of fiery and fresh tones.
It’s an excellent hedge plant that thrives in full sun and mild climates. Trim regularly to encourage new red shoots and keep its color vibrant year-round.
Loropetalum (Chinese Fringe Flower)
Loropetalum’s plum-red leaves and pink fringe-like blooms give it a fun, tropical feel. The foliage keeps its deep tone all year in mild climates.
It’s perfect for foundation planting or as a colorful accent shrub. Pair it with light green or white-flowering plants for striking contrast.
Nandina Domestica (Heavenly Bamboo)
Nandina is a showstopper in every season, with leaves that shift from green to scarlet, bronze, and even crimson in winter.
It thrives in partial shade and looks great in clusters near entrances or along walkways. Its berries also add a touch of red through the cold months.
5. Smoke Bush (Cotinus coggygria)
Smoke Bush is famous for its velvety red-purple foliage and misty, cloud-like flowers that give it a dreamy, smoky look.
It thrives in sunny spots with good drainage and is perfect for adding depth to modern gardens. Even after the blooms fade, the leaves keep their rich hue.
Crimson Pygmy Barberry
This compact version of the Japanese Barberry has vivid crimson-red foliage that keeps its color all season long.
It’s great for edging, rock gardens, or small urban yards where space is limited but style is a must. The best part? It’s almost maintenance-free.
Red-Tip Photinia
This evergreen shrub produces new growth in bold red that lasts through most of the year before maturing to dark green.
Use it as a privacy hedge or backdrop for lighter-colored flowers. Trim in spring to keep the red flush of growth going strong.
Berberis ‘Rose Glow’
‘Rose Glow’ lives up to its name — the leaves blend deep red with splashes of pink and silver for a marbled effect.
It’s a hardy shrub that brings artistic flair to garden borders. Full sun brings out its best color, and it’s resistant to pests and drought.
Cordyline ‘Red Star’
Cordyline isn’t a traditional shrub, but its sword-like deep red leaves add structure and a modern tropical vibe to gardens year-round.
It grows beautifully in containers or mixed borders and pairs well with grasses or succulents for a contemporary outdoor look.
Leucothoe ‘Scarletta’
This evergreen shrub has red-tinged leaves in spring that deepen into burgundy as the seasons change.
It thrives in shaded or woodland gardens and looks stunning as an underplanting for taller trees. Its glossy leaves stay vibrant even in winter.
Pieris Japonica ‘Forest Flame’
This shrub lives up to its fiery name — new leaves burst out red before turning cream, then green, creating constant color play.
It’s ideal for adding elegance near patios or garden entrances. Pair it with evergreens for a balanced and polished landscape design.
Red-Leaf Japanese Maple (Compact Varieties)
While technically a tree, compact Japanese Maples like ‘Shaina’ or ‘Pixie’ work beautifully as shrubs with their rich burgundy-red leaves all season long.
They add an instant zen vibe to small spaces, patios, or front yards and need minimal pruning to maintain their sculptural shape.
Coprosma ‘Evening Glow’
This glossy evergreen features stunning red-orange variegation that glows like sunset light. It’s especially striking in mild, coastal climates.
Use it in containers, along borders, or as an accent plant where it can catch the sun and show off its reflective leaves.
Euonymus alatus ‘Compactus’ (Dwarf Burning Bush)
The Dwarf Burning Bush explodes into a brilliant red display in autumn but holds a blush tone in spring and summer too.
It’s a great option for low hedges or focal points. Low-maintenance and cold-hardy, it delivers year-round drama without any effort.
Why Red-Leaved Shrubs Are Worth It
Red-leaved shrubs aren’t just for color lovers — they make landscapes look lively in every season. They add structure in winter, contrast in summer, and richness all year long. Plus, most are low-maintenance, drought-tolerant, and perfect for homeowners who want high impact without high effort. Whether you’re after modern curb appeal or cozy backyard warmth, a few well-placed red shrubs can completely change your garden’s personality.
