There is no argument that trees with red leaves are almost always breathtakingly beautiful in any yard. The problem is that it is often difficult to know which trees have red leaves all year round, not only during the cool autumn months.
Several different beautiful trees have red leaves all year round, but not every tree will be perfect for every yard. The more you know about these trees, the better prepared you will be to choose the perfect one.
The following are eleven beautiful trees that have red leaves on them all year round.
Table of Contents
Japanese Red Maple
Acer palmatum atropurpureum
Average Height: 15′ to 25′
Zone: 5-8
The Japanese red maple tree is a small-sized tree that features gorgeous red leaves for three seasons. The leaves are reddish-purple during parts of the year, but for the most part, this tree does feature red or red-tinted leaves throughout much of the year.
These trees do best in moist soil that is not overly hydrated with some shade throughout the day. They do not do great in harsh weather or extremely cold areas. They will grow up to 20 feet tall in the right conditions.
Due to their medium size, Japanese red maple trees are great additions to most yards, especially if you want to add a little color to your landscaping.
Copper Beech
Fagus sylvatica purpurea
Average Height: 60’-80’
Zone: 4-7
The copper beech tree is a tall, stunning tree that sports deep red, almost purple leaves throughout the year. These are exceptionally tall and broad trees, so it is important not to plant them too close to homes, buildings, or trees.
Copper beech trees grow best in direct sunlight or at least partial sunlight. They do not thrive in areas that remain shady all day.
These trees also require regularly watered soil, but overwatering may lead to critical issues. These red-tinted trees do well in most residential yards.
‘Forest Pansy’ Redbud
Cercis canadensis ‘Forest Pansy’
Average Height: 20′ – 30′
Zone: 5-9
The ‘Forest Pansy’ redbud is a midsize tree that features stunning, red-tinted leaves throughout the year. Technically, during part of the year, the blossoms that emerge on the tree are a pinkish red, and then gorgeous red leaves add to the mix.
This tree performs well in partial shade and lightly moist soil. Not only are these trees beautiful, but they also attract butterflies and bees.
The ‘Forest Pansy’ redbud only grows to about thirty feet high, so they will do well in most yards where you plant them away from homes and buildings.
‘Crimson Queen’ Laceleaf Maple
Acer palmatum dissectum ‘Crimson Queen’
Average Height: 6’-10′
Zone: 5-9
‘Crimson Queen’ laceleaf maple trees are stunning small-sized trees that grow to only about 10 feet tall if that much. Their leaves have a gorgeous, deep crimson color during the year that only brightens during the fall months.
These trees prefer partial shade but still thrive in mostly sunny areas if you make sure they are watered regularly. The soil should remain moist, well-drained, and free of oversaturation.
Their small size and gorgeous appearance make this tree ideal for almost any yard.
‘Royal Red’ Norway Maple
Acer platanoides ‘Royal Red’
Average Height: 40′
Zone: 4-7
The ‘Royal Red’ Norway maple tree is a strikingly tall tree with reddish-purple leaves all year round. These trees grow up to 40 feet tall, so you may want to avoid planting them too close to homes or structures.
Unlike some trees on this list, this tree does best in full sunlight. It is essential to make sure the soil surrounding it stays moist without being overwatered.
Due to their enormous height, ‘Royal Red’ Norway maple trees may or may not be ideal for your yard, depending on your space and landscaping.
Common Smoketree
Cotinus coggygria
Average Height: 10′ – 15′
Zone: 4-9
The common smoketree is another small-sized tree that features reddish-tinted leaves all year round. Usually, the leaves will appear more purple than red, but in the right sunlight, the red hue shines through.
This is an excellent red-leaved tree to feature in any landscaping because it is smaller and easy to maintain. These trees grow best in full sunlight along with moist soil, so you should be able to find an ideal location in your backyard,
‘Royal Burgundy’ Cherry Tree
Prunus serrulata ‘Royal Burgundy’
Average Height: 20′
Zone: 5-8
The ‘Royal Burgundy’ cherry tree is another lovely tree with red-tinted leaves, pink flowers, or red fruit throughout the year. These trees grow to a medium height, often reaching 20 feet tall at maturity.
These trees do well in full sunlight and well-drained soil. They are an excellent option for almost any yard and are a fantastic addition to color.
It is important to note that the ‘fruit’ on a royal burgundy cherry tree is not edible and does not taste good to anyone except animals like deer and rabbits.
‘Red Silver’ Flowering Crabapple Tree
Malus hybrida ‘Red Silver’
Average Height: 15′ – 25′
Zone: 4-8
The ‘Red Silver’ flowering crabapple tree is truly a sight to behold. This tree grows up to 25 feet tall at maturity and features red buds, red flowers, or reddish-purple fruit throughout the year.
These trees appear to have red coloring throughout most of the year, and they enjoy full sunlight and moist soil. These trees grow quickly and have partially weeping limbs that only add to their beauty.
With their beautiful leaves, weeping limbs, and medium size, these trees look great in any yard.
Purple-Leaf Plum Tree
Prunus cerasifera
Average Height: 25′
Zone: 4-9
The purple-leaf plum tree is a medium-sized tree that features reddish-purple leaves throughout the year. These trees prosper in full sunlight and moist but well-drained soil.
Purple-leaf plum trees do well in hot climates, even in some instances of drought. This tree features white and pink flowers during the spring months and tasty plums at the end of summer.
‘Red Dragon’ Japanese Threadleaf Maple
Acer palmatum dissectum ‘Red Dragon’
Average Height: 6-10
Zone: 5-8
The ‘Red Dragon’ Japanese maple tree is an adorable small-sized tree that features breathtaking purple-red leaves all year around. During the fall, the leaves are often a stunning bright cherry red.
These trees prefer full sunlight but will also thrive in partial sun and are incredibly hardy. These trees are gorgeous, compact, and will look great in any yard.
‘Garnet’ Japanese Threadleaf Maple
Acer palmatum dissectum ‘Garnet’
Average Height: 6′ to 9′
Zone: 5-9
The ‘Garnet’ Japanese maple tree is a small tree that has gorgeous reddish-purple or maroon leaves throughout the year. In the fall, these leaves are even brighter and more beautiful in color.
These trees do excellent in partial or full sunlight if the soil is moist and not oversaturated with water. It is usually recommended not to place it in full sun if the climate is overly hot because the leaves can burn on the edges.
These small trees are simply beautiful and will go great in any yard.
Final Thoughts
While many trees have red-colored leaves in fall, far fewer trees have red or red-tinted leaves all year around. The good news is that now you know which trees fall into that category. There is no doubt that one of the trees on this list would be ideal for your yard.
Resources:
- https://www.arborday.org/trees/treeguide/TreeDetail.cfm?ItemID=866
- https://naturewalk.yale.edu/trees/fagaceae/fagus-sylvatica/copper-beech-16
- https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid
- https://townofpittsford.org/copperbeech
- https://www.gardenia.net/plant/cercis-canadensis-forest-pansy-eastern-redbud
- https://mrmaple.com/products/buy-acer-palmatum-dissectum-crimson-queen-laceleaf-japanese-maple
- https://www.plantingtree.com/products/crimson-queen-japanese-maple-tree
- https://plants.gertens.com/12070009/Plant/1620/Royal_Red_Norway_Maple/
- https://www.mckaynursery.com/royal-red-maple
- https://www.backyardgardener.com/plantname/malus-hybrida-red-silver-flowering-crabapple/
- https://www.arborday.org/trees/treeguide/TreeDetail.cfm?ItemID=1090
- https://www.plantingtree.com/products/red-dragon-japanese-maple
- https://www.naturehills.com/royal-burgundy-flowering-cherry
- https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/cotinus-coggygria/
- https://mrmaple.com/products/acer-palmatum-dissectum-garnet-japanese-maple/
- https://www.backyardgardener.com/plantname/prunus-serrulata-royal-burgundy-japanese-flowering-cherry/