19 Plants With Burgundy Leaves – Amazing Garden Choices

Plants with burgundy leaves are some of the most amazing sights in nature. Grown as a singular specimen or grouped as a collection, plants with burgundy foliage – such as spice bush or mondo grass – never fail to impress.

After all, there’s nothing better than plants with dark foliage to bring out your inner mystique and magic.

Some Plants with Dark Burgundy Leaves

1. Coral Bells

There are several species known by this common name, and all of them fall under the Heuchera genus. This plant is a perennial, providing much-needed nectar to butterflies and hummingbirds.

Heuchera plants are not very picky about temperature ranges, as long as they are grown in areas above 45 degrees Fahrenheit. Cultivars with burgundy foliage can tolerate full sun better than those with green leaves.

2. Japanese Maple

Also known as Acer palmatum, this maple originated in East Asia where it is grown for its beauty. Generally, they can tolerate temperatures above -10 degrees Fahrenheit, although some cultivars can withstand as low as -30 degrees Fahrenheit.

One of the most popular cultivars is the Bloodgood. However, you can always try the lesser-known Wolff and Shishigashira varieties.

3. Eastern Redbud

This tree, botanically classified as Cercis canadensis, is known for its pretty pink flowers that come out during winter.

Given that they are highly adaptable to temperature changes, Eastern redbud trees can grow in temperatures from -10 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Homeowners love the Forest Pansy for its colors. Alternatively, you can also choose to plant Ruby Falls or Merlot.

4. Common Ninebark

This plant, scientifically known as Physocarpus opulifolius, is a deciduous flowering shrub. Native to North America, it thrives particularly well in colder regions.

In warmer areas, the heat and humidity can make the shrub susceptible to powdery mildew. Try the Summer Wine for some dramatic foliage, or you can go even darker with Diablo or Coppertina.

5. Spice Bush

This plant has several names, such as Eastern sweetshrub and Carolina allspice. Therefore, it is less confusing to look for it using its scientific name, Calycanthus floridus.

It is native to the southeastern parts of the United States, where it is popular as a garden plant. There is only one cultivar of this shrub with deep purplish-red leaves, the aptly-named Burgundy Spice.

6. Sweet Potato

Sweet potatoes are not related to regular potatoes, nor are they similarly developed. Sweet potatoes need to be grown from stems and leaves that sprout from the crop.

On the other hand, potatoes are cultivated whole. Homeowners love the Blackie cultivar while others have a preference for the Illusion Midnight Lace.

7. Mondo Grass

While there are many types of mondo grasses around, very few have distinctive burgundy colorations. While the dark mondo variety can look like pure black, this variety is a dark shade of purple with hints of burgundy in its leaves.

There is only one known dark mondo cultivar. It is called the black mondo grass, also known as Ophiopogon planiscapus Nigrescens.

8. Japanese Barberry

Scientifically known as Berberis thunbergii, this hardy deciduous shrub is grown as a landscape plant despite its tendency to become invasive.

Homeowners should note that parts of the plant can be mildly toxic to humans and pets. Look for the Crimson Pygmy if you’re feeling particularly cheerful or the Purple Japanese barberry for redder hues.

9. Smoke Bush Plant

While the botanical name of this plant is Cotinus coggygria, it is more known by its common name. Smoke bush plants often have green leaves, except for some cultivars with mysterious dark purple leaves.

These burgundy plants get their name from the billowy nature of the flowers. Homeowners should note that this plant can be mildly toxic to humans and pets.

10. Bugleweed

This creeping ground cover grows quickly while choking out weeds. The shiny leaves of the Bugleweed are extremely attractive, coming in dark green or red-wine hues.

Known scientifically as Ajuga reptans, the Bugleweed can spread aggressively if not contained properly. Black Scallop is a popular choice in many gardens while we like Purple Brocade and Mahogany.

11. Ti Plant

This popular decorative plant can be grown indoors and outdoors with equal success. The Ti plant, known botanically as Cordyline fruticosa, sometimes produces fragrant flowers and berries.

However, this plant is toxic to cats and dogs. Ti Black Mystique is widely grown in many gardens. Florida and Hawaiian Boy are also popular choices.

12. Colombian Peperomia

With a botanical name of Peperomia metallica var. columbiana, it’s pretty obvious this dark plant is meant for drama.

With a metallic stripe running through the rib of each leaf, the Colombian peperomia is guaranteed to catch admiring glances. This works well with plants of similar colors but can also work to contrast plants with varying foliage colors.

13. Cranberry Hibiscus

This unique hibiscus plant has purplish leaves that hover between burgundy and grape. While it is usually grown outdoors, it is excellent as an indoor potted plant.

When the plant flowers, which is usually in summer, the blooms come singly but can sometimes appear in clusters. Aside from hummingbirds, these flowers attract useful insects, such as bees and butterflies.

14. Philodendron Black Cardinal

Its ever-changing leaf colors is the top reason why homeowners love this philodendron cultivar. With emerging leaves in bronze shades, the plant slowly transforms them into rich burgundy shades to dark purple tones.

As the leaves fully mature, they turn a deep dark green. Some prefer to keep this plant outdoors but the majority enjoy looking at this philodendron inside.

15. Abidjan Ficus

Rubber trees are prized for their tropical charm and easy care. This particular cultivar is even more beloved due to its leaves, which are in rich burgundy colors.

From vivid scarlet to black grape tones, this plant exhibits its color range with passion. Since it grows so slowly, you’ll never have to worry about the plant overtaking your space.

16. Obsession Nandina Shrub

Masses of small elongated leaves in rich burgundy tones set this cultivar apart from its relatives. Providing some contrast is the presence of green-hued maroon leaves.

It has a compact spreading growth despite its ability to cover ground quickly. It can become sensitive when exposed to full sun, so keep this plant under dappled light to bring out its colors.

17. Dyckia Cherry Cola

This hybrid is one of the most colorful in the Dyckia species. Featuring spiky leaves with tapering growth, it is popular as a hedge or barrier plant.

What’s curious about this plant is that its leaves turn reddish-brown in full sun yet become a richer burgundy color under lower light levels. While it is mostly an outdoor plant, it is equally comfortable when grown inside.

18. Aeonium Mardi Gras

As a succulent evergreen sub-shrub, this plant is extremely easy to care for and some homeowners can sometimes neglect it.

The succulent has a rosette pattern when producing leaves, which is common among many of its kind. When mature, it can grow up to 3 feet tall, with each leaf reaching up to 8 inches in length. 

19. Loropetalum Chinense Red Diamond

This plant grows in a rounded habit with multiple stems branching from a central base. It grows from 6 to 10 feet tall when established, but many cultivars have exceeded 20 feet in height as mature plants.

It is a member of the witch hazel family, making this plant as easy to care for as its relatives. Loropetalum is beloved for its fringe-like flowers, which grow in massive clusters.

Conclusion

When looking for plants that have burgundy leaves, there are so many cultivars to choose from, especially if you’re looking for black beauty foliage plants.

But before you go buying all the plants on our list, here are some reminders:

• Plants with purplish-red foliage are uncommonly beautiful and dramatic.
• Some purple leaf plants, such as sweet potatoes, are nutritious when consumed moderately.
• However, some outdoor plants with burgundy leaves on this list can be invasive or mildly toxic despite their beauty.
• To increase the colors of the leaves, expose them to higher light levels.
• Some plants can require more maintenance than others, so select carefully.

With the list of these attractive, dark-colored plants in your hands, you’re in a better position to make the best choices for your garden. 

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