look at this link: https://www.oldhousegardens.com/ByzantineGladsFineGardening

There are clematis that either have red-purple blossoms or have purple with a red stripe or visa versa. Check out C. Stasik, Mikelite, Ruutel, Firefly, Dark Eyes, Warsaw Nike, Black Tea, Burning Love, Mrs. N Thompson, etc.

There are roses in that color range.

Thanks, Jean--that's most likely what I read!
Sandy, I appreciate that rec!
Babs, thank you! Do you grow any of those Clematis?

You could look at the Princess Lily strain of Alstroemeria - both 'Oxana' and 'Letizia' offer that deep cherry-red coloring.

Thanks GG, years ago I planted the common orange Alstromeria--took me years to eradicate its footprint--coming up in the middle of nearby plants, etc. Do the ones you mention not travel? Are they clumpers? They are lovely. You know I'm askeered fo plants that *run*!

BTW--I'm going to the Heronswood open day May 16th, are you? A friend graciously offered to drive. Can't wait.

Catkin, I have clematis Mikelite, and love it! Long bloom, not fussy, incredible color.

Heronswood Open day?? Hmmmm.....I hadn't thought about it but since the garden is maybe all of 10 minutes away, I might have to swing by. It's not at all the same since Dan moved on, but he will likely be there (still very involved with the restoration) and there's always some interesting nurseries with booths offering something or other I might just have to have.

Yes, I did the orange alstroemerias once (much to my former neighbor's regret, I'm sure) but the ones currently on the market, especially the very compact Princess Lily series, do not share that propensity to move throughout the neighborhood. They are very restrained.

Awesome! I'm hoping to find some choice stuff!
Great news on the Alstromerias--I kept wondering why people were using them seems like I wrongly assumed they were all runners. Thank you!

Babs that is gorgeous! Just the color I'm looking for! Thanks for sharing your garden photo!

Hi catkin,

I have Byzantine gladiolus, which grows wild in this area, an escapee. As far as confusion over whether the plant being sold is the genuine article, nobody here ever buys it as someone will give it to you. Forum friends, please note that I live in the bug capital of the world & cannot mail plants - sorry! Always quite beautiful & a favorite pass-along plant around here.

My Princess Diana clematis is a bright magenta & much pinker than Byzantine. Not what you are looking for but you made me think of it. Good luck! Pretty pictures, everybody - both your yards & the nurseries.

A friend's house, Byzantine gladiolus - color changes as it opens & then fades:

http://public.fotki.com/rivercrossroads/town-and-country/lagladbayourapides.html

My place, camera makes color of gladiolus too light:

http://public.fotki.com/rivercrossroads/garden-2012-springsummer/la-glad20120329close.html

http://public.fotki.com/rivercrossroads/garden-2012-springsummer/pd20120415-1.html

There are 2 common species of gladioli in the UK - the gladioli communis subsp byzantinus and also the slightly paler g.illyricus - both are fabulous little bulbs which will thrive in a hot, dry situation. The illyricus will also tolerate a degree of shade (it grows wild in the New Forest in Hampshire).

I spotted some honesty with deep pink edgings to the purple flowers in our local graveyard - have earmarked for seed thievery as I have never before seen such depth of colour on a common old lunaria.

Magenta has always been a garden fave of mine - no tasteful pastels in this woman's garden...although I have been forced to tone it down for the woods.

river, thank you for those great pics! How long does it stay the darker color? Love the Clematis! Loved Princess Di, too. Baby girl announcement for Will and Kate!

Explanation appreciated, Camp!

Hi catkin,

Over in the blink of an eye! Beautiful but brief. You are wise to seek a long-blooming perennial
with a similar color. Thanks for your
comments! And you are the one who told me about Princess Diana's granddaughter, as I had had a busy day. Maybe a new clematis named for her - when she gets a name - not to be confused with the clematis named for her ancestor whose name she will bear.

Camps, great info, thank you!

catkin - There is Phlox paniculata 'Starfire' that spends much of its time this color. It is an oldie but a goodie that I really like because the foliage has burgundy edges. The burgundy fades out somewhat when in flower. Great performer in the garden.

The thread on Furman's red might interest the OP. See picture and description here Furman's red. In my garden it's a deep velvety raspberry, but color may depend on your soil.

Cheryl

River, you're welcome! That's too bad! I've never seen these Glads in my neck of the woods. Still waiting for the name...

Peren, ooooh that sounds very pretty! It's on the *list*! Thank you.

jadeite, I hadn't red that thread but I'm off to do just that! Love your description *deep, velvety raspberry*! Thanks to you.

I thought I'd already posted on this thread, but my message is not here. I wanted to suggest Rose Campion as a long-blooming intensely colored perennial. I would call its color magenta, and it's so intense, even its small flowers are eye-catching from far off. The plants are indestructible, and it re seeds to the point that many consider it a garden thug. But, it is beautiful. It likes full sun and is very drought tolerant.

Martha

Thanks, Docmom, I have a few of these and am always happy to see its babies!

River, in case you read before seeing the news: Her name is Princess Charlotte Elizabeth Diana.

Catkin, thanks! Princess Diana clematis comes from a British hybridizer, Barry Fretwell, 1984, so maybe granddaughter Charlotte Elizabeth Diana will grow it herself one day. Appreciate the info!

You're welcome! Thank you for the Clematis scoop!