Burgundy Plants Guide: Dramatic Foliage
Hey there, garden enthusiasts! Looking for burgundy leaf plants to add some dramatic flair to your Zone 7 landscape? Let’s dive into this gorgeous collection of burgundy plants that’ll make your clients’ jaws drop faster than leaves in autumn! This time around, I am adding in the groundcovers, perennials, ferns and grasses that carry burgundy color too, not just the shrubs and trees.
Native Burgundy Plants That Steal the Show
Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius ‘Summer Wine’)
Deciduous · Low Maintenance
This native stays easy because it takes drought and a wide pH range. White flowers grow lush up the stem in flat clusters. Naturally, they stand out against the burgundy leaf color. Then, when the leaves drop in winter, the bark exfoliates and gives you an additional season of interest.
Summer Wine grows in a rounded, spreading shape and reaches 6′ by 6′. For instance, try pairing it with tints of red or pink Knock Out Roses to play off the color. Also, tuck a groundcover underneath like Lysimachia nummularia, because its yellow-chartreuse leaves brighten the whole space. That chartreuse complements the gold tints in the newly forming leaves, too. Even the stems carry a burgundy shade.
In short, this show-stopper proves that native plants deliver both low maintenance and high impact.
Carolina Allspice (Calycanthus floridus)
Deciduous · Low Maintenance
Talk about a multi-sensory experience with this burgundy plant. It does not just look good, because it also perfumes everything around it.
You cannot walk past this one in bloom without smelling it. In fact, that fruity smell is exactly why we call it Carolina allspice. The burgundy flowers are hard to ignore in spring, and the leaves turn golden yellow in fall. Naturally, that makes it very colorful for a native garden.
Place these in a sunny location or part shade. They tolerate deer and adapt to clay or wet soils. Furthermore, this one naturalizes and spreads with suckering roots, so use it as a screen where you need privacy. It reaches upwards of 8′ by 10′ wide. Above all, plant it near a seating area so you can enjoy that fragrance up close. I first met this one near the pond at the Biltmore Estate, and I have recommended it ever since.
Japanese Maple ‘Crimson Queen’ (Acer palmatum var. dissectum)
Deciduous · Low Maintenance
If you need a focal point in the garden to enjoy year-round, look no more. Its low-hanging branches drape like a curtsy and make for a sculptural display even when the leaves have dropped. The burgundy leaves look like lace hankies waving back and forth in a breeze.
Don’t take your eyes off this 10 ft. tall, wide, delicate sweetheart. Plant this where you can enjoy it from all sides in partial to full sun. Contrast it with chartreuse-colored plants or pops of purple and blue evergreens, such as Blue Star Juniper, to accentuate its burgundy leaves. For more of this feeling, see my notes on bringing Japanese garden ideas home.
Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis)
Deciduous · Low Maintenance
When clients ask which burgundy plants bloom early, this beauty is my answer. Those purple-burgundy heart-shaped leaves make it a true landscape rock star.
This specimen tree ranks among my favorite spring bloomers. Its early bloom stuns people. Tiny purple edible flowers burst open on bare branches before anything else wakes up. Soon after, the purple-burgundy heart-shaped leaves emerge.
For example, this April bloomer pairs well with forsythia and early-blooming creeping phlox. Additionally, Delta Blue pansies or muscari nearby make a beautiful spring display. Double the pleasure by setting your blue pansies out in fall. Later, the color drama really starts when the Redbud leaves turn yellow above those pansies. Redbud performs well as an understory tree in full sun to part shade with consistent moisture. Finally, place it near a woodland border or a patio where you can take it in all season.
Ornamental Burgundy Plants That Show Off
Big Bluestem (Andropogon gerardii ‘Blackhawks’)
Ornamental Grass · Native · Low Maintenance · 4-5′ tall
Blades come up deep burgundy in spring. Then they turn near-black by fall above turkeyfoot seedheads. This is a selection of our native tallgrass prairie bluestem, so it belongs here in every sense.
Use it as a tall accent in masses, meadow plantings or dry open slopes. Because its roots run deep, it holds a bank and shrugs off drought. Cut it to the ground in late winter, before new growth pushes.
Pink Muhly Grass (Muhlenbergia capillaris)
Ornamental Grass · Low Maintenance
Frankly, this warm-season perennial grass is not noticed until fall, when you suddenly think the circus has come to town and left all the cotton candy in your garden. Its dramatic clouds of fall flowers give a wispy display that will stop the neighbors to ask, “What is it? I’ve got to have some.”
Even so, it does not take up much room. Only 3 ft. tall and wide, it tucks in nicely to a perennial border or cottage garden. The pink to mauve inflorescences bloom for a while in the fall, making the wait worth it. It can tolerate black walnut trees and drought, which makes it a keeper in areas where nothing else will grow. In particular, group them to make a broader swath of color, and team it with blue-green evergreens or purple asters for contrast.
Burgundy Foliage Plants
Sedum ‘Firecracker’
Perennial · Low Maintenance
Looking for burgundy foliage that laughs in the face of drought? This tough little groundcover is your go-to for those challenging slopes and rocky areas.
If you have a dry, well-drained area and you need a colorful groundcover, try this burgundy perennial. It’s rabbit and deer tolerant, and bonus: it helps with soil erosion. This would be great on a border or creeping around rock croppings. The burgundy foliage plant thrives in full sun.
Stonecrop (Sedum spurium ‘Dragon’s Blood‘)
Perennial · Low Maintenance · 3-6″ tall
Here is Firecracker’s darker cousin, and your true burgundy succulent. Deep wine-red leaves spread into a low mat. Better still, the color deepens as nights cool in fall. Rose-red flowers appear in late summer, too.
This one laughs at drought, just like Firecracker does. So give this burgundy plant full sun and sharp drainage. Meanwhile, it handles rock gardens, wall crevices, hot strips and dry slopes without complaint. Deer and rabbits leave it alone, too.
Coral Bells (Heuchera ‘Plum Pudding’)
Perennial · Low Maintenance
This showy foliage plant has burgundy leaves that stop every passerby. Its foliage mounds and does best in part shade. Get double duty from this burgundy plant. First, pop it in a container garden. Then move it into the border garden afterward. A woodland garden is a great place to plant and enjoy in the shade. Its height can reach a little over 2 ft. tall and wide.
Coral Bells (Heuchera micrantha ‘Palace Purple’)
Perennial · Low Maintenance · 12-18″ tall
Growers have leaned on this classic for years, and for good reason. Bronze-purple leaves mound up into a tidy semi-evergreen clump, then airy wands of tiny flowers rise in early summer.
Use it for edging, mass groundcover or containers, right alongside Plum Pudding above. It also lights up a dark bed. Because it stays semi-evergreen here, it keeps working through most of winter. Give it part shade and average water.
Redhead Coleus (Solenostemon scutellarioides)
Annual · Low Maintenance
Honestly, nothing gets more attention than this burgundy foliage plant. Its annual color tucked in just the right places makes for spectacular fireworks of color in a garden where it can have partial sun. I love to team mine with blue Angelonia and Diamond Frost Euphorbia. The contrast in colors makes them showstoppers and rightly so! These grew from 1-gallon size containers and reached 24 inches in height and about the same in width. I grow them every year in my garden.
Black Mondo Grass (Ophiopogon planiscapus ‘Nigrescens’)
Perennial · Low Maintenance · 6-10″ tall
If you want the darkest thing in the garden, stop here. Those near-black strap-like leaves stay evergreen, so this one holds color through winter while everything else quits. Pinkish flowers arrive first, then glossy black berries follow.
Use it as an edger, or plant a drift of it against gold leaves, silver leaves or pea gravel. Because it spreads slowly by runners, it never bullies its neighbors. Best of all, it asks for almost nothing. Simply give it part shade and average water.
Carpet Bugleweed (Ajuga reptans ‘Chocolate Chip’)
Perennial · Low Maintenance · 4-6″ tall
Narrow chocolate-green leaves knit into a dense evergreen carpet, and blue flower spikes rise above them each spring. Since it only reaches 4-6″ tall while spreading 12-24″ wide, it works beautifully under trees and along erosion-prone slopes.
One caution: it spreads readily. Therefore, give it room or edge it properly. Shear it after bloom, and it stays tidy.
Carpet Bugleweed (Ajuga reptans ‘Burgundy Glow’)
Perennial · Low Maintenance · 4-6″ tall
This tricolor cousin of Chocolate Chip blends cream, pink and green, with burgundy-purple washing through the older leaves. Look closely and you will see it: the purple runs through the older leaves and deepens in cool weather, so you get burgundy tones without a heavy block of color.
Otherwise, treat it like the rest of the bugleweeds. Give it part shade and average water. Then shear it after bloom.
Japanese Painted Fern (Athyrium niponicum pictum ‘Regal Red’)
Fern · Low Maintenance · 18-24″ tall
Silver fronds carry deep red-burgundy ribs. Meanwhile, the whole clump arches like something from a fairy tale. Nothing else brings that cool burgundy shimmer into shade.
Plant it in woodland borders, along shady paths or massed under trees. It likes moist, rich soil, so give it steady water. It goes deciduous in winter, so simply clear the old fronds in late winter. Deer and rabbits pass it by.
Astilbe ‘Dark Side of the Moon’
Perennial · Medium Maintenance · 18-24″ tall
Feathery raspberry-purple plumes rise above truly dark purple leaves, which is unusual for astilbe. Most astilbes give you flowers and plain green leaves. This one gives you both.
Mass these burgundy plants in moist woodland borders or shady beds. However, it demands consistent moisture and will not forgive a dry summer. Cut back spent foliage in late fall.
More Show-Stopping Burgundy Plants
Holy smokes! These smoky plumes will blow you away in the landscape! ~Smoke Bush ‘Royal Purple’
Smoke Bush ‘Royal Purple’ (Cotinus coggygria)
Deciduous · Low Maintenance
Certainly, talk about a show-stopper that earns its keep in any design! This burgundy beauty matures to 10-15 feet tall and just as wide, perfect for that dramatic backdrop you’ve been dreaming of. Those smoky plumes still put on their misty purple dance show either way!
Purple Beech (Fagus sylvatica ‘Purpurea’)
Deciduous · Low Maintenance
Now we’re talking about a real legacy burgundy plant, one that will have future generations thanking you! This magnificent specimen can reach 50-60 feet tall and spread 35-45 feet wide at maturity. Picture this: in about 20 years, you’ve got yourself a living burgundy wall that provides the ultimate in sophisticated screening. And unlike some purple-leaved trees that fade to green by August, this beauty keeps its rich color all season long!
Purple Fountain Grass (Pennisetum setaceum ‘Rubrum’)
Ornamental Grass · Annual in Zone 7
Here’s your answer for adding medium-height burgundy drama! This graceful grass reaches about 3-5 feet tall and 2-4 feet wide in a single season. The best part? Those burgundy plumes add another foot or so of height, creating what I like to call the “burgundy fountain effect.” It’s like nature’s version of a purple fireworks display that lasts all season!
Sweet Potato Vine (Ipomoea batatas)
Annual · Low Maintenance
So, ready for some numbers that will make your burgundy plant container designs sing? While the plant stays a manageable 8-12 inches tall, those trailing stems can cascade 4-6 feet long! That’s right, we’re talking about the perfect spiller that can transform a boring retaining wall into a burgundy waterfall. And between you and me, I’ve seen these vigorous vines stretch even longer in perfect conditions. How’s that for bang for your buck?
Pro Tips for Pairing Your Burgundy Plants
Oh, get ready to have your design mind blown! Here are some burgundy plant combos that’ll make your clients’ gardens look like they were designed by Mother Nature herself, after she aced a semester of color theory. For deeper background, see my guide to flower garden color schemes.
The “Sunset Serenade” Combo
- Japanese Maple ‘Crimson Queen’ (Acer palmatum ‘Crimson Queen’)
- ‘Ogon’ Sweet Flag (Acorus gramineus ‘Ogon’)
- Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia)
- ‘Lemon Light’ Daylily (Hemerocallis ‘Lemon Light’)
The “Purple Rain” Power Mix
- Smoke Bush ‘Royal Purple’ (Cotinus coggygria ‘Royal Purple’)
- ‘Walker’s Low’ Nepeta (Nepeta × faassenii ‘Walker’s Low’)
- ‘Blonde Ambition’ Blue Grama Grass (Bouteloua gracilis ‘Blonde Ambition’)
- White Gaura (Gaura lindheimeri)
The “Burgundy Border Bash”
- Ninebark ‘Summer Wine’ (Physocarpus opulifolius ‘Summer Wine’)
- ‘Moonbeam’ Coreopsis (Coreopsis verticillata ‘Moonbeam’)
- ‘Blue Fortune’ Agastache (Agastache ‘Blue Fortune’)
- ‘Diamond Frost’ Euphorbia (Euphorbia hypericifolia ‘Diamond Frost’)
The “Shade Swagger” Collection
- Coral Bells ‘Plum Pudding’ (Heuchera ‘Plum Pudding’)
- Japanese Forest Grass ‘All Gold’ (Hakonechloa macra ‘All Gold’)
- White Bleeding Heart (Dicentra spectabilis ‘Alba’)
- ‘Jack Frost’ Brunnera (Brunnera macrophylla ‘Jack Frost’)
The “Hot Summer Nights” Design
- Ninebark ‘Summer Wine’ (Physocarpus opulifolius ‘Summer Wine’)
- ‘Phenomenal’ Lavender (Lavandula × intermedia ‘Phenomenal’)
- ‘Strawberry Blonde’ Lantana (Lantana camara ‘Strawberry Blonde’)
- Mexican Feather Grass (Nassella tenuissima)
The “Container Carnival” Crew
- Purple Queen Sweet Potato Vine (Ipomoea batatas ‘Purple Queen’)
- ‘Silver Falls’ Dichondra (Dichondra argentea ‘Silver Falls’)
- ‘Diamond Frost’ Euphorbia (Euphorbia hypericifolia ‘Diamond Frost’)
- Blue Fan Flower (Scaevola aemula)
Zone 7 Regional Tips for Your Burgundy Plants
Because even tough burgundy plants need a little local love, here’s how to help these burgundy plants thrive in our neck of the woods.
Spring Savvy
When your Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis) starts its purple party, keep an eye on late frosts. A little frost protection can keep those burgundy leaf plants looking like a million bucks (and only if it’s just a pup)!
Summer Success
Our humidity can be thicker than a peanut butter sandwich, so space those burgundy-colored plants with enough room for airflow. Trust me, happy plants make for happy clients! Watering matters here too, so review my best practices for watering new plants.
Fall Finesse
Your burgundy foliage will put on its best show when you dial back the fertilizer in late summer. It’s like telling the plants, “okay folks, time for your grand finale!”
Winter Wisdom
Most of our burgundy plants are tough cookies, but new plantings might appreciate a little extra mulch their first winter. Think of it as tucking them in with a cozy blanket, and choose wisely from my roundup of popular mulches for garden beds.
Burgundy Plants FAQ
What perennial plants have burgundy leaves?
Coral Bells, Japanese Painted Fern ‘Regal Red’, Ajuga ‘Chocolate Chip’, Sedum ‘Dragon’s all carry burgundy or near-black foliage. Notably, these plants hold color far longer than any bloom does.
What are the best burgundy plants for shade?
For shade, start with Coral Bells ‘Palace Purple’, Japanese Painted Fern ‘Regal Red‘, Astilbe ‘Dark Side of the Moon’ and Black Mondo Grass. Each one takes part shade happily. Additionally, Ajuga carpets the ground beneath them.
Are there native burgundy plants for Zone 7?
Yes, and several rank among my favorites. Ninebark ‘Summer Wine’, Carolina Allspice, Eastern Redbud, Big Bluestem ‘Blackhawks’, are all natives or native selections.
Do burgundy plants need full sun to keep their color?
Many do, though not all. Generally, sun-loving burgundy plants deepen in strong light. Then they fade toward green in shade. However, shade specialists like Coral Bells and Japanese Painted Fern hold their color without it.
What burgundy plants work best in containers?
Redhead Coleus, Sweet Potato Vine, Coral Bells and Purple Fountain Grass all shine in pots. Coleus and sweet potato vine grow as annuals here, so you get fast fill and a season of bold color.
Are burgundy plants deer resistant?
Many of them are. Specifically, Black Mondo Grass, Ajuga, Sedum, Japanese Painted Fern, Bee Balm ‘Midnight Oil’, Amsonia ‘Storm Cloud’ and Geranium ‘Boom Chocolatta’ all get left alone. Coral Bells is rarely damaged.
When should I plant burgundy plants in Zone 7?
Fall is my first choice. Roots settle in through the cool months without heat stress. Spring works well too. Meanwhile, avoid planting in the middle of a July heat wave unless you can water faithfully.
Do burgundy plants lose their color in summer heat?
Some do fade. Heat and deep shade both wash out color. However, the picks on this list hold up well in Zone 7. Coral Bells with villosa parentage handle our humidity best.
How do I keep burgundy plants from looking heavy or gloomy?
Break the mass with contrast. Burgundy plants need a foil. Chartreuse, silver, blue-green, and white all lift burgundy plants and keep a bed from reading as a dark hole. Consequently, one well-placed gold grass can transform an entire planting.
The Grand Finale: Making Your Burgundy Plants a Garden Legacy
Remember, in our Zone 7 sweet spot, these burgundy plants aren’t just surviving. Rather, they’re thriving! Whether you’re creating a sophisticated shade garden with those sultry Coral Bells or making jaws drop with a Japanese Maple focal point, these burgundy beauties are your ticket to landscape stardom.
So, want to create that perfect landscape that has folks stopping their cars for a second look? Mix and match these burgundy color plants like an artist with a living palette. Layer those burgundy leaf plants with contrasting textures, play with height variations, and watch as your design transforms from “nice” to “NICE!” For more inspiration, browse my low maintenance garden ideas and my Western North Carolina design inspiration.
Want help choosing the right mix of burgundy plants for your yard? Explore my design services and book a consultation! If you need a landscape design on a steep slope in the Henderson or Buncombe County area, call me, and we can discuss your project.
Burgundy Plants Resources
- The Homeowner’s Complete Tree & Shrub Handbook, Penelope O’Sullivan
- Three Cheers for Ninebark: Physocarpus opulifolius
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder
- NC State Extension Plant Toolbox
- Cuba Center native plant trials
