Northwest Blooms · Groundcovers
Phlox subulata 'Ruby Riot'
Ruby Riot Creeping Phlox
- Family
- Polemoniaceae
- Height
- 4 to 6 in
- Width
- 18 to 24 in
- Flower color
- Rich ruby-violet to deep magenta with subtle darker tones near the center
- Foliage color
- Medium green, narrow needle-like evergreen foliage
- Bloom time
- Mid to late spring
- Light
- Full sun
- Water
- Low to moderate moisture, well-drained soil preferred
- Maintenance
- Low, shear lightly after flowering to encourage dense growth and maintain shape
- Growing zone
- USDA zones 3 to 9
- Wildlife
- Bees, butterflies
About this plant
Phlox subulata 'Ruby Riot' forms dense mats of fine, needle-like green foliage that create a neat ground layer year-round. In early to mid spring, vivid ruby-violet flowers blanket the plant, each bloom showing a slightly darker eye that adds richness and visual depth.
Blooming as winter recedes, this cultivar originates from selections of an eastern North American species. It suits slopes, rock gardens, borders, and path edges, where its spreading habit knits spaces together and provides early-season color that remains tidy after flowering finishes through spring plantings, complementing bulbs, stonework, and low perennials without overwhelming neighboring plants in small garden spaces.
Works well in
Rock Gardens · Borders · Pollinator Gardens · Slopes & Banks
Companion plants
Armeria · Heathers · Lavenders · Dianthus · Sedums · Blue fescues
Design tip
Plant broad drifts across sunny slopes, rock gardens, or retaining walls where the brilliant spring flowers can cascade over stone. Repeat evergreen groundcovers, compact shrubs, and upright flowering perennials to create bold color contrasts, texture, and year-round structure.
