Common Weeds with Red Flowers: Lawn Care Tips
01 April 2025
Red-flowered weeds might stand out in your lawn, but that doesn't mean they belong there.
Weeds like broad-leaved dock and scarlet pimpernel may look colourful, but they’re tough, persistent, and can quickly take over if left unchecked.
If you’ve noticed red blooms popping up in your grass and aren’t sure what they are, or how to get rid of them, this guide has you covered. We’ll walk you through some of the most common red-flowering weeds and give you practical advice on how to stop them from spreading and keep your lawn looking its best.
Broad-Leaved Dock (Rumex obtusifolius)
Description:
Broad-leaved docks are one of the most common species of the dock-leaved family of weeds. It can be discerned by its deep-green, oval-shaped leaves and its reddish flowers that bloom on stems that grow upright.
Season:
This weed's flowering period is in the summer to early autumn, June to September
Growth Habits:
Broad-leaved docks can disperse the seedlings via the wind, meaning they can quickly spread around a lawn.
Broad-leaved docks have a lateral rooting system called a taproot, in which they can regrow if parts of the roots are broken off.
Common lawn issues:
Broad-leaved weeds can grow in a wide variety of soil types and conditions so they can quickly become a problem in your lawn. They can outcompete the grass plant for vital nutrients, so controlling them could be essential to helping your lawn flourish.
Control:
Deadheading broad-leaved weeds will help to prevent seed dispersal and the spread of the weed.
Selective weed control, which is a part of both our Early Season Treatment and Mid-Season Treatment, can help to tackle broad-leaved docks.
Scarlet Pimpernel (Anagallis arvensis)
Description:
The scarlet pimpernel can be recognised by its flower heads that consist of 5 equally sized petals, which are darker in colour the closer to the seedlings.
Season:
Scarlet pimpernel blooms during early summer to early autumn, from June to September.
Growth Habits:
The flowers of the scarlet pimpernel only open up when the sun is shining.
Common lawn issues:
It is a low-growing weed, so it can avoid being mowed even when on a low setting.
Control:
A well-fertilised lawn will help the thickness of the lawn and the strength of the grass plant. This will help to prevent scarlet pimpernel from appearing, as it does well in lawns that are lacking in growth. Our Annual Lawn Care Programme contains fertiliser treatments that can help you to achieve a strong, lush lawn.
Selective weed control, which is a part of both our Early Season Treatment and Mid-Season Treatment, can help to tackle selfheal.
Need help identifying other weeds by flower colour?
White-flowered lawn weeds like daisies, yarrow and white clover can be just as invasive. Learn more about how these weeds can be identified and controlled.
Bright yellow flowering weeds are often spotted in early spring and summer. This guide helps you identify yellow bloomers like dandelions and creeping buttercup, and offers tips to control them.
Blue-flowered weeds like germander speedwell can be stubborn and hard to control. Here are some tips on how you can identify and control blue-flowered weeds.
Some lawn weeds bloom in shades of pink or purple and can be deceptively attractive. From creeping thistle to selfheal, find out how to spot and remove these colourful invaders.
Need Help Controlling Red Flowering Weeds?
If your lawn is being overrun by red-flowered weeds, our expert team is here to help. We offer:
• Selective weed control treatments
• Soil fertilisation to boost lawn health
• Seasonal lawn care programmes tailored to your garden
Contact us today to learn how we can restore your lawn and keep it weed-free all year round.
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