Looking to add a pop of color to your backyard? Plants with red fruits aren’t just eye candy—they’re often delicious and packed with nutrients, too. Here’s a breakdown of some of my favorite red-fruiting plants and what they can bring to your garden.
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++Barberry (Berberis vulgaris)
Barberry bushes produce small red berries with a signature tart flavor. These little gems are loaded with Vitamin C, and they’ve actually been used in traditional Indian medicine for centuries. You can even find the dried berries in specialty grocery stores! As a plant, the Barberry is a hardy, low-maintenance shrub that fills out beautifully once it’s settled in. It’s a great choice if you want something pretty that doesn’t require a ton of fuss.
++”Red Delicious” Apple (Malus domestica ‘Red Delicious’)
Nothing beats the classic look of a red apple tree. The “Red Delicious” variety is famous for its sweet flavor and crisp, juicy flesh. To get the best harvest, make sure to plant your tree in a spot that gets plenty of direct sunlight—that’s the secret to developing that full, sugary aroma. Beyond the fruit, I love the gnarled, character-filled look of an older apple tree. Plus, if you store them right, these apples will stay fresh for a long time.
++Red Currant (Ribes rubrum)
Red currants are a staple for any berry lover. They have a sharp, acidic tang that makes them the perfect base for refreshing summer drinks or a tart contrast in sweet desserts. These bushes stay relatively compact, which makes harvesting a breeze. Just give them a bright, sunny spot, and they’ll reward you with clusters of jewel-like berries every summer.
++Cherry (Prunus)
There’s something so rewarding about picking a basket full of ripe cherries from your own tree. Cherry trees have been garden favorites for centuries, but keep in mind they do need a fair amount of space and lots of sun to thrive. And let’s not forget the blossoms! Cherry blossoms are world-famous for their beauty (just look at the festivals in Japan or D.C.). It’s a tree that offers a spectacular show in the spring and a delicious treat in the summer.
++Tomato (Lycopersicon)
Is there any smell more “summery” than a tomato vine? Whether you’re tossing them into a salad or eating them right off the vine, homegrown tomatoes are in a league of their own. Because they can be so sweet, they’re often treated like fruit in the kitchen. If you’re short on space, you can easily grow smaller varieties like cherry tomatoes on a balcony. Just remember: they love sun and hate wet leaves, so water at the base of the plant to keep them happy.
++Strawberry (Fragaria)
Strawberries are the ultimate summer treat. Fun fact: they’re actually part of the rose family! These are super versatile—you can plant them in garden beds, raised planters, or even window boxes. They are quite sensitive to frost, though, so make sure the ground has warmed up and the danger of a late freeze has passed before you move them outside.
++Raspberry (Rubus idaeus)
If you want the most intense flavor possible, raspberries are the way to go. These plants grow as canes and usually need a trellis or support system to keep them upright. Find a sunny spot for them, and you’ll be able to snack on fresh berries all season long. They’re the perfect “finishing touch” for almost any dessert you can imagine.
++Rose Hip (Rosa canina)
Rose hips are the bright red fruits left behind after a wild rose finishes blooming. They are incredibly hardy and produce delicate flowers before the “hips” appear. You can use them to make vitamin-rich tea or jams, but here’s a pro tip: be careful with the seeds inside! They contain tiny hairs that can cause some serious itching if they get on your skin (which is why kids often call them “itching powder”).