Red leaves...?

Question

I live in the UK.

I know that plants absorb red and blue light and reflect the green light, this is why most appear green. My question is: why are some plant leaves red?

This is in the spring/summer time.

Could you please also try to include a link in you answer.

Answer 1

Plants with red leaves contain large amounts of anthocyanin. This is the same pigment that tinges new growth pink, colours red fruits and turns autumn leaved red.