While most dragon fruit species produce white flowers, some rare varieties display striking red dragon fruit flowers. This makes them particularly unique in the Hylocereus (now Selenicereus) genus. These red dragon fruit flowered varieties represent some of the most interesting genetic variations in dragon fruit cultivation. Rare Dragon Fruit Varieties with Red Flowers Several notable dragon fruit varieties feature red flowers: Selenicereus guatemalensis Natural species with red to pink flowers Native to Central America, Guatemala, and Mexico. Smaller flowers compared to white-flowered varieties Physical Red (Hylocereus costaricensis variant) Distinctive white flowers with red outline on the edges of their buds. Originally discovered in Costa Rica. Flowers are huge about 15 inches but self-sterile. Known for producing small red-fleshed dragon fruits. Red Seeded Natural Natural variety with reddish-pink flowers Contains more seeds than typical varieties Asunta 2- H. stenopterus x H. guatemalensis It is a hybrid dragon fruit variety, also known as Mexican hybrid dragon fruit It has naturally shaded flower with red and pink inner petals. These flowers are beneficial and can be used to make Dragon fruit tea. Red Jade Dragon fruit A hybrid variety with stunning red to purple shade flowers. Flowers are self-fertile but being hybrid, can be cross-pollinated to give good yield. Maybe due to the epiphyllum, this flower unusually starts opening at nearly 5 pm under sunlight. However, all other Dragon fruit flowers bloom completely after sunset. Kathy Van Arum- H. stenopterus x H. undatus It is a pink-fleshed dragon fruit hybrid variety developed by German botanists Eckhard Meier, Bruni, and Connie Mayer. The flowers are not so large in size and have beautiful pink and red colored petals with white tips. It is a self-sterile variety that produces egg-shaped small dragon fruits. AX Red Flower Dragon Fruit- H. stenopterus x H. guatemalensis As the name suggests, this variety produces beautiful crimson flowers. Stunning, fragrant, nocturnal red dragon fruit flowers develops into purple-fleshed dragon fruits. Biological Reasons for Red Dragon Fruit Flowers The red coloration in dragon fruit flowers is attributed to several factors: Pigment Production Due to the natural occurrence of pigments such as betalains and anthocyanins (so yes! You can dry colored dragon fruit flowers, and enjoy a pigmented and healthy Dragon fruit tea) Another reason is the presence of a higher concentration of flavonoids Bottom Line Red dragon fruit flowers represent a fascinating and stunning variation in the dragon fruit family! They are not only ornamental increase the beauty of your home garden but also can be a healthier option if used dried for making Dragon fruit flower tea (We recommend always searching about contents, your health conditions, and allergies before trying any new remedies or recipes). Dragon fruit tea!!!! Interesting... right? Learn more about its benefits, uses, and recipes here (https://tasteofdragonfruit.com/dragon-fruit-tea/)
