An interesting question, Ed ... and thoughtful discussion, Becky! I too have been in search of a clear, home-garden sturdy red, and ended up falling head over heels for darker reds with black or blue undertones. For me it was their ability to take the direct sun and stand up to the intense heat of my zone, and lend more of a background substance to beds that contain a mix of colors - that role for the reds - their subtle ability to blend in and still shine, stole my heart.
Frankly Scarlet
Dixie Land Band
But, I think when I finally come across a clear red that does not fade to orange/brown (or show a lot of orange/brown under intense sun) it will truly win me over! And, finding an evergreen dip red that can fill the bill would be my holy grail (a double ev dip red ... the ultimate challenge) since the Dixie Land Band that I have is a tet conversion, so the search continues...
