Gardeners often seek trees with vibrant red leaves that persist through all four seasons. While most crimson-hued trees are deciduous, a select few broadleaf evergreens maintain deep red or burgundy foliage year-round. This characteristic red color is due to pigments called anthocyanins, which are constantly produced and retained in the foliage of these unique evergreen species. Understanding the distinction between truly evergreen red foliage and long-lasting seasonal color is key to identifying the right tree for a continuous display.
Truly Evergreen Red-Leaved Trees
The most reliable sources of year-round red foliage come from specific cultivars of broadleaf evergreen shrubs that can be trained into small tree forms. These plants retain their leaves for multiple seasons, with new growth continuously replacing older foliage without complete defoliation.
The Chinese Fringe Flower, Loropetalum chinense var. rubrum, offers several cultivars known for spectacular color retention. Cultivars like ‘Red Diamond’ and ‘Ever Red’ feature deep burgundy to near-black leaves that hold their color even in summer heat. Hardy in USDA Zones 7 through 10, these varieties can be grown as large shrubs or pruned into small patio trees. Their year-round color is complemented by clusters of fringy, dark pink or red flowers that bloom in early spring and often rebloom sporadically.
Trees Often Mistaken for Year-Round Red
Many popular red-leafed trees are not truly evergreen, but their extended color display leads to the misconception that they hold their red leaves year-round. Deciduous Japanese Maples (Acer palmatum cultivars) are the most common example. Varieties such as ‘Bloodgood’ and ‘Crimson Queen’ maintain a rich crimson or purple-red from spring until they drop their leaves in late autumn, leaving the trees completely bare in winter.
Other trees exhibit marcescence, which is the retention of dead, dried leaves through the winter until new buds swell in spring. Certain Oaks, like Pin Oak (Quercus palustris), and European Beech (Fagus sylvatica) hold onto these leaves, which are typically a faded russet or brown-red color. Similarly, Photinia x fraseri ‘Red Robin’ is an evergreen whose new growth flushes a brilliant copper-red. However, these leaves soon mature to a glossy, dark green, meaning the intense red is only present for a few weeks after pruning or a growth spurt.
Cultivation Tips for Optimal Red Color
To ensure the deepest possible red in genetically predisposed trees, environmental conditions must be managed to maximize anthocyanin production. Anthocyanin acts as a sunscreen for the leaf, and its synthesis is triggered by stress factors like intense light and high sugar concentration. Planting red-leafed cultivars in a location that receives full, direct sunlight is the single most important factor for maintaining a vibrant crimson hue.
Soil nutrition is a second factor; avoiding excessive nitrogen fertilization is crucial, as high nitrogen levels encourage chlorophyll production and green growth, which mutes red pigmentation. Instead, a balanced or slightly lower nitrogen fertilizer ratio encourages the accumulation of sugars necessary for anthocyanin formation. Additionally, a slightly acidic soil pH helps the plant absorb the necessary micronutrients to support healthy, deeply colored foliage.