Plants with Maroon Leaves

Plants with maroon-colored leaves add depth, contrast, and visual interest to the landscape. Today, I am at the home of Devo and Rosemary Lancaster in Grenada, MS. Let’s take a look at plants growing in their landscape with maroon colored leaves. The various deciduous Japanese maples on the property add rich color to the landscape with their finely cut, deep maroon foliage. Their graceful branching structure and delicate leaves create a striking focal point, whether used as a specimen tree or as part of a woodland garden. The Japanese barberries planted in the landscape are deciduous shrubs known for their dense, spiny branches and vibrant foliage. The small, oval to oblong leaves measure about ½ to 1¼ inches long and are arranged alternately or in clusters along the stems. This variety has foliage that ranges in color from dark green to a deep maroon/burgundy color. During spring, typically from April to May, Japanese barberry produces delicate, bell-shaped or cup-like flowers that are pale yellow and about ¼ inch in diameter. These blooms appear singly or in small drooping clusters along the stems and have a light fragrance that attracts bees and other early-season pollinators. After flowering, the shrub develops small, bright red berries that persist through fall and winter, adding ornamental interest and serving as a food source for birds. Check with your local nurseries and garden centers to see what plants they have available with maroon leaves. I'm Eddie Smith, and I look forward to seeing you next time on Southern Gardening!