What Red Flowers Are Poisonous?

Beautiful yet deadly. That is the perfect way to describe these poisonous red flowers, as they are the sirens in the world of plants. From alkaloids, and amino acids to glycosides, these sinister red blossoms are more than enough to cause mild skin rash, or even danger, a lethal poisoning that can cost you a life! So what red flowers are poisonous for humans and pets? Why are these magnificent seductresses containing such harmful chemicals?

Why Do Poisonous Red Flowers Exist? 

As living beings, we have been programmed to resist threats from the outside world, and so do these red breathtaking flowering plants. Some plants are poisonous, from mild to strong amounts of toxic chemicals, as their natural way to defend themselves from predators–which mostly are herbivores. So, it’s not because these plants are made to hurt or even kill us, but more as their way to survive in the harsh wild environment.

What To Do Before Planting Poisonous Red Flowers?

To prevent poisoning, there are numerous tips you can do. First, make sure to search for some information about the red flowers you’ve brought. Are they really poisonous? If so, how harsh is the toxin? After finding out the toxicity level, don’t forget to label the plant and keep the plant away from children, pets, and grandparents.

Next, always use protective gloves whenever you want to touch the flowering red plants. Whether it’s for watering time, or when it’s a pruning session, using protective gloves will protect your skin from rash and infection. Last and most importantly, don’t eat any part of the plant without taking any precautions. With these tips in mind, you don’t have to worry about having these breathtaking red blossoms in your garden.

Poisonous Plants With Red Flowers You Should Keep An Eye On

In addition, the toxicity level of these poisonous red flowers varies depending on their species. Some may just cause a mild skin rash, some may cause seizure, vomiting, or even diarrhea. What red flowers are poisonous but would surely create a spectacular view of your nursery?

Flamingo Flower (Anthurium)

Growing Zones: 11 to 12

Best For: Small growing areas such as containers, as well as tropical-themed garden

Toxicity Level: High

Flamingo flowers, also known as the painter’s palette, might successfully seduce anyone with their glossy, bright pink or magenta, lily-like blossoms. But be wary as these tropical American native flowering plants are 100% toxic. If eaten, they can cause mild to severe mouth-burning sensation and swelling in your mouth, making it difficult for you to swallow!

Devil’s Shoestring (Campsis radicans)

Growing Zones: 4 to 10

Best For: Pollinator-themed garden, butterfly-themed garden, tropical-themed garden

Toxicity Level: Low

The next beauty that we got on what red flowers are poisonous is the sun-loving devil’s shoestring. Commonly known as trumpet vine, this climbing plant produces tiny blossoms with trumpet-shaped and 5 red-orange petals. These deadly beauties are bisexual, meaning they carry both male and female reproductive organs. Poisoning indications include skin rash, irritation, and redness that lasts only for a few minutes.

Red Bleeding Heart (Dicentra)

Growing Zones: 3 to 8

Best For: Shade garden, rock-themed garden, woodland-themed garden

Toxicity Level: Medium

What red flowers are poisonous yet very exotic-looking? That’s our primadonna, the red bleeding heart! As the name states, this shade-loving plant that prefers cooler areas to grow has a bunch of small heart-shaped blooms with striking deep red or pink colors. All parts of the red bleeding heart are toxic, as they contain isoquinoline alkaloids, and can cause vomiting, diarrhea, skin irritation, or even trembling,

Burning Bush (Euonymus alatus)

Growing Zones: 4 to 8

Best For: Pollinator-themed garden, oriental-themed garden, drought-resistance garden

Toxicity Level: Low

This deciduous shrub may not be easy to maintain, but it will grant you with such beautiful coral red, oval-shaped foliage and tiny burgundy flowers that bloom during the spring season. Poisonous plants with red flowers can cause harm only if ingested. Poisoning signs include diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, irregular heartbeat, and weakness.

Hippeastrum (Hippeastrum)

Growing Zones: 7 to 10

Best For: Small growing spaces such as containers, tropical-themed gardens, butterfly-themed garden

Toxicity Level: Medium

Hippeastrum is a flowering plant from the Amaryllis Family. Growing up to 90 centimeters tall with massive 12 centimeters, bright to deep red showy blooms. This tropical-looking perennial shows up its blossoms during the cold winter and spring seasons. When talking about what red flowers are poisonous, hippeastrum is part of the list as they may cause diarrhea, vomiting, and nausea if the bulb is ingested.

Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis)

Growing Zones: 3 to 9

Best For: Butterfly-themed garden, pollinator-themed garden, water garden

Toxicity Level: Medium to high

What red flowers are poisonous and adaptable to grow in mostly all hardiness zones? It’s the cardinal flower! Aside from their tolerance to drought, in the wild, cardinal flowers are often seen growing near streams, rivers, and ponds. Their beauty can be fatal as this plant is medium to highly toxic to both humans and animals. Indications that may occur include abdominal pain, salivation, exhaustion, to an irregular heartbeat.

Red Spider Lily (Lycoris radiata)

Growing Zones: 6 to 10

Best For: Small space gardens, cottage-themed garden

Toxicity Level: Low

These poisonous red flowers have such a peculiar look with their long, thin red stamens that resemble spider’s legs, which they are best known for. To make the red spider lily happy, you need to plant them in good drainage soil that is occasionally dry. This unique-looking plant is toxic for humans and pets. As for humans, red spider lily poisoning can cause shivering, abdominal pain, nausea, and diarrhea. The poisoning effect may be worse for pets.

French Marigold (Tagetes patula)

Growing Zones: 2 to 11

Best For: Pollinator-themed garden, butterfly-themed garden, cutting garden, drought tolerant garden

Toxicity Level: Low

The following flowering plant to answer our curiosity about what red flowers are poisonous is the French marigold. Yep, you read that right! Although almost all marigold species are safely edible for humans, we can’t say the same for this classic beauty. Don’t get easily fooled by their showy, bright orange-red blossoms that resemble aster, since the French marigold contains chemicals called phototoxic thiophene derivatives. If touched, it can cause minor problems such as a burning sensation, skin redness, itchiness–and even eye and nose irritation if you inhale the flower!

Red Common Hyacinth (Hyacinthus orientalis)

Growing Zones: 4 to 8

Best For: Small space garden, houseplants, drought tolerant garden

Toxicity Level: Medium

With their spectacular raceme-shaped and fragrant inflorescence, combined with ease of maintenance, it’s not difficult to see why these poisonous red flowers are among the top favorites for gardeners. The red common hyacinth is mostly cultivated for cut flowers, ornamental flowers, or bouquet flowers despite the toxicity of their bulbs, which contain a high dose of lycorine. Vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, and excessive salivation may occur if you accidentally eat the red common hyacinth bulb.

Red Lupine (Lupinus)

Growing Zones: 4 to 8

Best For: Pollinator-themed garden, meadow, shade-loving plants garden, small space garden

Toxicity Level: Low

Last but not least, what red flowers are poisonous are the cool-temperate loving, red lupines. They thrive up to 50 centimeters tall and are perfect to grow as an annual, perennial, or biennial. A little fun fact, the red lupines carry the symbolism of happiness and admiration, because of their ‘flamboyant’ red to the deep pink inflorescence. Nonetheless, red lupines are toxic and can be fatal if eaten in large amounts as they contain quinolizidine alkaloids. Not so beautiful for a flower that represents happiness, isn’t it?

Poisonous Red Flowers In A Nutshell

Although these menacing red bombshells are harmful, with some precautions in mind, they surely should be okay to be invited to your garden. Ensure to re-check which red flowers you have brought, ask your local gardener if it’s possible, and make use of using gloves as a habit. We hope this article about what red flowers are poisonous has given you some sort of insight. Always careful and happy gardening!