1 / 2

Key characteristics

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

Groundcovers

Phlox subulata 'Ruby Riot'

Ruby Riot Creeping Phlox

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.

Light

Full sun

Water

Low to moderate moisture, well-drained soil preferred

Bloom time

Mid to late spring

Find this plant

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.

Printable plant sheet (PDF)