Red Riding Hood garden phlox forms a compact, upright clump of green, oval to lance-shaped leaves. From midsummer into early fall, sturdy stems carry vivid cherry-red panicles made from many small, fragrant tubular flowers. The saturated color makes a bold border accent, while the nectar-rich flowers draw bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds and the straight stems are useful for cutting.
Plant it in full sun or partial shade in fertile, moist but well-drained soil. Keep the root zone evenly moist, especially during dry weather, but water at the base and allow good airflow around the stems. Deadheading encourages a longer display. Cut stems down in late autumn, and divide established clumps in spring or autumn when renewal is needed.