Why We Love Red Flowers
Red is the best color for attracting attention. Because of this, red flowers or plants are sure to captivate us and brighten a room. In fact, red is such a noticeable color that it is the first color babies perceive and one of the most visible colors to the human eye. Over 75% of the world’s flags use the color red, and it is also the universal hue for stop signs and stop lights.
Symbolism of the Color Red
The warm positivity that red gives off does wonders to lift our spirits and help us in a variety of ways. In color psychology, red has been shown to have a strong association with feelings of passion, anger, and love. It is also known to signify strength, courage, and power, which help to boost our confidence and motivate us. This powerful and stimulating color is also strongly linked to sexuality and increased appetites. This explains why restaurants use red in their advertisements so often.
Warm Reds vs. Cool Reds
When picking flowers to warm your home in the fall, it helps to consider whether they are a warm red or a cool red. Warm reds will have colors like yellow and orange in them, while cool reds use “cool colors” like green, blue, and violet. Color theory tells us that warm tones provide emotions of happiness, love, and joy. Cool hues are known for conveying feelings of peace, harmony, and nature. If you are looking to brighten your home in these colder months, you cannot go wrong with some beautiful warm red flowers.
Amaryllis
The amaryllis is a flower known for its brightly colored flowering bulbs. This bulb blooms in a dazzling warm red. Symbolizing radiant beauty as well as strength and determination, the amaryllis is sure to add warmth to your home.
Anemone
Known for its sweet symbolism of fragility and love, this poppy-like bloom ranges in color and size. Anemones are beloved for their fragile and simple petals that surround a dark and contrasting center.
Aster
Known for its daisy-like appearance, the red aster is also known as the Michaelmas Daisy. This beautiful flower is known for its history in greek mythology as well as its symbolism of devotion.
Carnation
Appearing in multiple shades, dark red carnations are known to symbolize love and devotion, while light red carnations represent appreciation and adoration.
Chrysanthemum
Known as the “Queen of Fall Flowers,” chrysanthemums, or mums, have a rich history going all the way back to the 15th century B.C.E. While they come in a wide range of colors, red mums are known to symbolize joy and beauty.
Rose
A favorite of many, these timeless blooms are the perfect flower for representing love, romance, beauty, and desire, and can be found in many vibrant shades of red.
Poinsettia
Likely the most iconic winter plant, the poinsettia is easily identified by its unique red flowers and green leaves. A popular plant during the holidays, the poinsettia represents success, joy, and the Christmas season.
Anthurium
This tropical plant is very exotic in its appearance in that instead of having flowers with soft petals, it has a single bright red waxy petal surrounding a bright yellow spadix. This unique plant symbolizes hospitality and happiness.
Christmas Cactus
This subtle houseplant is a succulent that is easy to care for and long lasting. The Christmas cactus produces pink and red flowers with the red variety of Christmas cactus symbolizing grandeur, warmth, love, and protection.
Kalanchoe
A succulent like the Christmas cactus, kalanchoes are also easy to care for plants. Kalanchoes are characterized by their many small blooms and broad waxy leaves.
Bromeliad
This tropical indoor plant makes for a great alternative to poinsettias in many situations and is much easier to care for and long-lasting than poinsettias. Red bromeliads represent joy and passion.
Winterberry Holly
Notable for its vivid red berries, the winterberry holly is actually more striking when it has lost its leaves in the winter months. The vibrant berries of the winterberry holly are symbols of winter and the Christmas season, making them a perfect way to bring holiday cheer to your home.
