Deep burgundy foliage provides a bold counterpoint to green textures, creating visual anchors that hold a garden bed together. If you are looking for plants with burgundy leaves, you have a wide range of choices that work in sun, shade, containers, and borders. These dark-leaved beauties add drama without needing a single flower.
In this guide, we will walk you through the best options for every situation. You will learn which ones are hardy, which ones need full sun, and how to care for them. Let’s get straight to the list.
Why Choose Burgundy Foliage
Burgundy leaves are not just a trend. They serve a real purpose in garden design. The dark pigment, called anthocyanin, acts like a natural sunscreen for the plant. It also helps the plant tolerate cold weather better than green varieties.
From a design perspective, these plants create depth. A dark leaf makes the bright green plants around it pop. It also gives your eye a place to rest. You can use them as a focal point or as a backdrop for silver or chartreuse flowers.
Another benefit is season-long interest. Most flowering plants bloom for a few weeks. Burgundy foliage plants look good from spring until frost. You get color every single day without deadheading.
Best Perennials With Burgundy Leaves
Perennials come back year after year. They are the backbone of a low-maintenance garden. Here are the top performers that keep their dark color all season.
Heuchera (Coral Bells)
Heuchera is the undisputed king of dark foliage. There are dozens of cultivars with deep purple, almost black, or burgundy leaves. They are clump-forming and work well at the front of a border.
- Variety ‘Palace Purple’: This is a classic. The leaves are a rich burgundy with a maple-like shape.
- Variety ‘Blackout’: This one is so dark it looks black in low light.
- Variety ‘Berry Smoothie’: A brighter burgundy with a slight sheen.
Heuchera prefers partial shade. Too much hot afternoon sun can bleach the leaves. They like well-drained soil that does not stay soggy in winter. You can plant them in the ground or in pots.
Sedum (Stonecrop)
Most people know sedum for its green leaves and pink flowers. But there are specific cultivars with stunning burgundy foliage. These are drought-tolerant and perfect for sunny spots.
Look for ‘Purple Emperor’. This plant has deep purple leaves and stems. It forms a neat mound about 12 inches tall. In late summer, it produces clusters of dusty pink flowers that attract bees. It is very easy to grow.
Ajuga (Bugleweed)
Ajuga is a ground cover that spreads quickly. The variety ‘Burgundy Glow’ has leaves that are a mix of burgundy, cream, and green. But if you want solid color, choose ‘Atropurpurea’. This one has uniform dark bronze-burgundy leaves.
It grows well in shade and tolerates some foot traffic. It sends up blue flower spikes in spring. This is a great option for filling in bare areas under trees.
Shrubs With Dark Burgundy Leaves
Shrubs give structure and height. They are the bones of the garden. A burgundy shrub can anchor a corner or serve as a living fence.
Physocarpus (Ninebark)
Ninebark is a tough, fast-growing shrub. The cultivar ‘Diabolo’ is famous for its deep burgundy foliage. It is a large shrub, reaching 8 to 10 feet tall if left unpruned. You can also cut it back hard in spring to keep it smaller.
It produces white or pink flower clusters in early summer. The dark leaves contrast beautifully with the light flowers. This shrub is very cold hardy and rarely has pest problems.
Sambucus (Elderberry)
Elderberry ‘Black Lace’ is a showstopper. The leaves are finely cut, almost like a Japanese maple, but the color is a deep purple-burgundy. It grows quickly and can reach 6 feet tall.
In summer, it has flat-topped pink flowers. These turn into dark berries that birds love. This plant prefers full sun for the best color. In too much shade, the leaves will turn greenish.
Berberis (Barberry)
Barberry is a dense, spiny shrub. The variety ‘Concorde’ is a dwarf that stays small, about 2 feet tall. It has tiny, rounded burgundy leaves that hold their color all summer. In fall, they turn a brilliant red.
Note that barberry is considered invasive in some regions. Check your local regulations before planting. If it is allowed, it makes a great low hedge.
Annuals For Instant Color
If you want immediate impact, annuals are the way to go. You plant them in spring and they grow fast. They will not survive winter, but they give you a full season of color.
Coleus
Coleus is the most versatile annual for foliage. There are hundreds of varieties. Many have burgundy centers with bright green or pink edges. Others are solid dark maroon.
Coleus grows well in shade or part sun. They are perfect for containers. Pinch the flower spikes off to keep the plant bushy. If you let them flower, the plant will get leggy.
Ipomoea (Sweet Potato Vine)
The ornamental sweet potato vine ‘Blackie’ has deep burgundy, almost black, leaves. It is a trailing plant. This makes it perfect for spilling over the edges of a pot or hanging basket.
It grows very fast in warm weather. Give it full sun and regular water. You can also plant it in the ground as a fast-filling ground cover.
Perilla (Shiso)
Perilla is a herb, but it is grown for its looks. The leaves are a striking burgundy with a ruffled texture. It grows upright to about 2 feet tall. It self-seeds readily, so you will often get volunteers the next year.
It likes full sun and average soil. The leaves are edible and have a hint of mint and cinnamon. Use them in salads or as a garnish.
Trees With Burgundy Foliage
If you have space, a tree with dark leaves makes a strong statement. It provides shade and becomes the centerpiece of the yard.
Acer Palmatum (Japanese Maple)
The Japanese maple is the classic choice. Varieties like ‘Bloodgood’ have deep burgundy leaves that hold their color well in sun. They are slow-growing and can live for decades.
These trees prefer morning sun and afternoon shade. They do not like hot, dry winds. The leaves are delicate and can scorch in extreme heat. Give them a sheltered spot with moist, acidic soil.
Prunus (Purple Leaf Plum)
The purple leaf plum tree is a fast-growing ornamental. It has dark burgundy leaves that stay colorful all summer. In spring, it is covered with small pink flowers before the leaves emerge.
This tree is short-lived, often only 20 years. But it grows quickly and provides shade in a hurry. It is a good choice if you want a medium-sized tree, about 20 to 25 feet tall.
How To Combine Burgundy Plants
Using burgundy foliage is not just about picking one plant. It is about creating a composition. Here are some practical tips for pairing them.
Contrast With Silver
Burgundy and silver are a classic combination. The silver foliage of plants like lamb’s ear or artemisia reflects light. This makes the dark burgundy look even deeper. Plant them side by side for a high-contrast look.
Pair With Lime Green
Lime green or chartreuse plants are the perfect partner. The bright green makes the burgundy look richer. Try pairing a burgundy heuchera with a lime green sweet potato vine. This works great in containers.
Use As A Backdrop
Use a tall burgundy shrub as a backdrop. Plant bright flowers in front of it. The dark leaves will make the flower colors pop. This is especially effective with white, yellow, or hot pink flowers.
Care Tips For Burgundy Foliage Plants
Burgundy leaves need a little extra attention to keep their color. Here is a simple guide.
- Provide enough sun: Most burgundy plants need at least 4 to 6 hours of sun. Too little sun and the leaves will turn green as the plant tries to make more chlorophyll.
- Do not over-fertilize: High nitrogen fertilizer encourages green growth. Use a balanced fertilizer or one low in nitrogen. Too much fertilizer will wash out the dark color.
- Water consistently: Stress from drought can cause leaves to drop or turn brown. Keep the soil evenly moist, but not waterlogged.
- Prune regularly: Some plants, like coleus, need pinching to stay compact. For shrubs, prune in early spring to encourage new burgundy growth.
- Mulch the roots: A layer of mulch keeps the soil cool and moist. This helps the plant stay healthy and maintain its color.
Container Gardening With Burgundy Leaves
Containers are a great way to use burgundy plants. You can move them around to change the look of your patio. You can also bring them indoors in winter if they are not hardy.
Here is a simple recipe for a burgundy container:
- Thriller: A tall burgundy cordyline or a small Japanese maple in the center.
- Filler: A mounding heuchera or coleus around the base.
- Spiller: A trailing sweet potato vine ‘Blackie’ over the edge.
Make sure the pot has drainage holes. Use a high-quality potting mix. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Feed with a liquid fertilizer every two weeks.
Common Problems And Solutions
Sometimes burgundy plants do not look their best. Here are the most common issues.
Leaves Turning Green
This is the most common problem. It usually means the plant is not getting enough sun. Move it to a sunnier spot. It can also happen after heavy rain or over-fertilizing. Give it time to recover.
Scorched Leaf Edges
Brown, crispy edges mean the plant is getting too much sun or not enough water. This is common with Japanese maples. Move them to a shadier spot and water more regularly.
Leggy Growth
If the plant is stretching out and losing leaves, it needs more light or a prune. Pinch back the stems to encourage bushier growth. This is especially true for coleus and perilla.
Best Companions For Burgundy Plants
To make your burgundy plants look their best, choose companions with contrasting colors. Here are some suggestions.
- Silver: Lamb’s ear, dusty miller, artemisia.
- Lime green: Sweet potato vine ‘Marguerite’, golden creeping Jenny.
- White flowers: White impatiens, white alyssum, white hydrangea.
- Pink flowers: Pink astilbe, pink geraniums, pink cosmos.
- Blue flowers: Blue lobelia, blue salvia, forget-me-nots.
These combinations create a balanced palette. They prevent the garden from looking too dark or too chaotic.
Seasonal Interest
Burgundy foliage is not just for summer. Many of these plants look great in fall and winter too.
In fall, the leaves of some shrubs, like ninebark and barberry, turn even more intense. They may shift to a deep red or orange. This extends the season of interest.
In winter, the bare stems of some plants, like dogwood, can be burgundy or red. This adds color to a snowy landscape. Consider planting a mix of evergreen and deciduous burgundy plants for year-round appeal.
Where To Buy Burgundy Plants
You can find these plants at most garden centers. Look for them in the perennial section or the shrub section. Online nurseries have a wider selection of rare cultivars.
When buying, check the plant tag for the specific variety name. Not all plants with “purple” in the name have burgundy leaves. Read the description carefully. Check the mature size to make sure it fits your space.
Buy healthy plants with no yellowing leaves or pests. Avoid plants that are root-bound in their pots. These may struggle to establish after planting.
Final Thoughts
Adding plants with burgundy leaves is one of the easiest ways to upgrade your garden. They provide contrast, depth, and long-lasting color. Whether you choose a small heuchera for a pot or a large ninebark shrub for a border, you will not be disappointed.
Start with one or two plants. See how they look in your space. Then build from there. You will quickly see why dark foliage is a favorite among garden designers.
Remember to give them the right amount of sun and water. Do not over-fertilize. With a little care, these plants will reward you with stunning color for many years.
So go ahead and pick a few. Your garden will thank you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best plant with burgundy leaves for shade?
Heuchera is the best choice for shade. Varieties like ‘Palace Purple’ and ‘Blackout’ thrive in partial to full shade. They do not need much sun to maintain their dark color.
Do burgundy leaves turn green in the summer?
Yes, they can. This usually happens if the plant is in too much shade or if it receives too much nitrogen fertilizer. Move the plant to a sunnier spot and reduce feeding to restore the color.
Are there any burgundy leaf plants that are deer resistant?
Yes. Barberry and ninebark are generally deer resistant. Heuchera is also less palatable to deer. However, hungry deer will eat almost anything if food is scarce.
Can I grow burgundy foliage plants indoors?
Yes. Coleus and some heuchera varieties can be grown indoors. They need bright, indirect light. Keep them away from cold drafts and dry heating vents. They will need higher humidity than outdoor plants.
How often should I water burgundy leaf plants?
It depends on the plant and the weather. Generally, water when the top inch of soil is dry. Container plants need more frequent watering than ground plants. Check daily during hot, dry spells.
We hope this guide helps you choose the right burgundy plants for your garden. If you have more questions, leave a comment below. Happy planting.