Hi Kate,

I think you mean Romantika. Mine is a very dark when it first opens, a very dark purple rather than red.
Here are a few pics of mine last year. It was its first year in the garden.

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Back view

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I have mine planted with Betty Corning. It does seem to attract mildew.

You can read more about it here.

Helen

Here is a link that might be useful: COTW

Niobe is more red if you are looking for reddish. So is Rouge Cardinal.

Ooooh, it's Romantika, not Romantic. No wonder I couldn't locate anything on it.

Maggie, those pics are sooooooo gorgeous that I wish I needed that color in that open spot in my garden! Unfortunately, I really need more reddish tones.

Buyorsell, yes, I've been considering Niobe, but thanks for mentioning Rouge Cardinal. I had forgotten about it.

Any other suggestions from anyone?

Kate

My two favorite reds are Julia Correvon and Rogue Cardinal. Victor Hugo is described as reddish purple but I think it's too purple for your needs.

Katie

Some say 'Rebecca' is red but the one I saw in bloom inside at Donahue's looked maroon to me. Maybe it is red in the sun.

Gravety Beauty, a texensis, pruning group three, is the best red for me.

Gravety Beauty 2nd year, 2009

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'Madame Julia de Correvon' appears wine colored (maroonish) to me. This photo is a little dark.

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Rouge Cardinal appears a velvety maroon though can look more red if the sun hits it just right.

Rouge Cardinal 2008

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