I’ve been searching for a red perennial phlox (Phlox paniculata) for a long time. Most of the cultivars I’ve tried have “red” in the name but the flowers are really pink or violet-pink (yes, ‘Red Super’, I’m talking to you). I think I’ve finally found the closest thing to a red perennial phlox. This is ‘Red Riding Hood’:
The flowers are a lovely, deep, cherry-red:
‘Red Riding Hood’ grows 22 inches tall. The plants will grow in full sun or partial-sun, but I’ve noticed that the red color appears a lot richer in partial-sun conditions.
I planted ‘Red Riding Hood’ in one of my flowerbeds last spring, so I haven’t had a lot of time to evaluate this cultivar, but it performed well in its first year. I can’t wait to see what it will do this summer now that it’s had a little time to get established.
‘Red Riding Hood’ is hardy in Zones 4-8 and blooms from mid-summer through early fall.