A white phlox and blue lily-of-the-Nile.
A Cottage Garden Favourite
Common Name: Garden Phlox
Botanical Name: Phlox paniculata Form: Upright vertical Family: Polemoniaceae Genus: Phlox Species: paniculata Plant Type: herbaceous perennial Mature Size: 2 to 4ft x 2 to 3ft Growth: fast Origin: Eastern United States Hardiness Zone: 4 to 8 Foliage: simple linear green leaves that are opposite on the stem, some cultivars have variegated foliage Flowers: large clusters of flat 5 petalled flowers, showy, fragrant, pinks, purples, whites, some have a light or dark central eye, July to September, Stems: green, sturdy with opposite leaves Exposure: full sun best Soil: soil tolerant including clay, rich moist soils, dislikes dry soils Uses: bird, butterfly and humming bird gardens, borders Propagation: divide in fall after flowering or early spring, seeds Pruning: Remove dead flowers to prompt more blossoms, cut to ground in fall Problems: powdery mildew prone Cultivars: many, select ones with mildew resistance: Jeana and Delta Snow have the best resistance. Others include: Caspian, Omega, Rosalind, White Admiral, Cinderella, David, David’s Lavender, Midsummer White, Miss Universe, Hot September Pink to name a few. There are many different cultivars of garden phlox available. Some are under 3 feet tall: Red Riding Hood, Jr. Dance, Jr. Surprise, Little Boy. Phlox over 10 feet include Caspian, Mile High Pink and Caspian. Comments: Phlox are flashy, gorgeous plants that are reliable mainstay in many gardens. Garden phlox are intolerant of drought and wilt rapidly. Avoid placing under trees or overhangs as they are prone to powdery mildew, which is encouraged by dry soil and wet foliage. To learn more about powdery mildew click here. Phlox benefit from being mulched, which holds moisture in and keeps the soil cool. Deadhead spent flowers for a repeat bloom and to prevent their seeds from unwanted self-seeding. Their seeds revert to the species which grow with vigor. To prevent overwintering diseases, cut back plants to the ground and remove any of their leaf litter. |