The Phlox is a special kind of Phlox. Here you can find out what you need to consider when planting and caring for the Phlox paniculata.
Outstanding among the phloxes (Phlox) is the tall perennial phlox (Phlox paniculata). And this should not be missing in any garden. The mixture of different varieties results in a unique sea of flowers and the Flame Flower is also a beautiful eye-catcher along garden fences and walls.
Phlox paniculata
The tall perennial phlox is probably the best-known and most diverse type of phlox. In its homeland, the deciduous forests of North America, it grows along rivers. In your own garden, the phlox can be wonderfully mixed with other perennials and it also unfolds its full effect as a cut flower.
Phlox paniculata: characteristics and peculiarities
Its intense, sweet scent is especially beguiling, not only for us humans. The tall perennial phlox attracts countless of our native butterflies and hoverflies. Even at night it doesn't get quiet around the flowers, because the night owls want to get their share. The particularly beautiful thing about the tall perennial phlox is its long flowering period from spring to autumn, depending on the variety. This pleases both you as a garden owner and all those who need its nectar.
As its name suggests, the tall perennial phlox is one of the large phlox species. It can grow up to 1.5 meters high. Its flowers shine in almost every imaginable color - from pure white to intense pink or blue-violet. Even mottled variants are available.
The requirements of Phlox paniculata are very special: Although it loves full sun or maximum light shade, it should always be nice and humid. However, once it has found its place and feels comfortable, it will delight the garden owner for many years and can even reproduce itself from seeds or runners.
Phlox paniculata varieties
The tall perennial phlox is aextremely popular and attractive garden plant. It has been cultivated as an ornamental plant in Europe for a long time. So it's no wonder that there are now so many different varieties. These vary mainly in their color and size of the flowers, but also in terms of height. Important differences between the cultivars are also their drought tolerance and resistance to powdery mildew.
The following varieties of Phlox paniculata are particularly beautiful:
- ‘Bright Eyes’: The name says it all. The intense dark pink dot in the middle of the large light pink flower shines like an eye. The variety simply smells summery from June to September. It is characterized by its particular mildew resistance and is almost a meter high.
- ‘Blue Paradise’: This variety flowers, how could it be otherwise, in an intense blue. In contrast to the relatively drought-tolerant 'Bright Eyes' variety, 'Blue Paradise' always needs sufficient moisture. A layer of mulch can help keep the soil moist. The variety prefers slightly cooler places, but with enough sunlight. In the right conditions, it can reach almost a meter in height and flowers from July to September.
- ‘Amethyst‘: The variety 'Amethyst' impresses with its countless intense dark purple flowers. It grows up to a meter tall and flowers from July to September.
- ‘A. E. Amos': This phlox variety flowers bright red in July and August and is an absolute eye-catcher. With a height of 90 cm, it makes a good mix with other phlox varieties.
- ‘Alabaster‘: The ‘Alabaster’ variety is white with a purple center. In cool summers, white predominates, while hot summers turn the flowers pink. 'Alabaster' is the weatherman among the phloxes.
- 'Twister': This variety immediately attracts attention with its unusual stripes. Each petal is white with a rich pink stripe. The variety reaches a height of up to one meter.
- ‘Utopia‘: A true giant among phloxes is ‘Utopia’. The variety grows up to 180 cm high. This makes her an excellent background plant in the truest sense of the word. Its flowers are a pale pink.
Plant Phlox paniculata
The right location is the be-all and end-all. In its homeland, the tall perennial phlox grows along bodies of water. This location is bright and sunny,at the same time, the soil is always sufficiently moist and rich in nutrients. If possible, look for a location for your phlox that comes close to these conditions. Since only a few can score points with a stream running through the garden, the right conditions can also be created artificially. Plant the phlox in a sunny spot with good, humus-rich soil. A layer of mulch around the plants keeps the soil nice and cool. Make sure the plant has enough space. It should not be too dense, but rather a little free so that you can always dry well after rain. If there is too much moisture between the leaves, there is a risk of mildew attack (Erysiphe cichoracearum). The Flame Flower integrates beautifully in perennial borders, in the background or foreground, depending on the variety, and is a long-time companion.
You can read more about planting phlox here.
Summary of the correct location for Phlox:
- Bright and Sunny
- Nutrient-rich, humic soil
- Cool and damp ground
- Relatively detached
Caring for Phlox paniculata: You should pay attention to this
Caring for phlox is not too complicated. The right location is half the battle. Watering is only necessary in hot and dry summers, but fertilizing in the spring with fresh compost or manure really stimulates the plant to grow. If there is unfortunately not such an optimal location in the garden, the phlox can become a bit more demanding. Drought can get to him. In a location with little water, you should therefore water a little more often. A layer of mulch around the plant reduces evaporation and keeps the soil moist.
We have put together everything you need to care for phlox here.
You can also find more about the related species Phlox douglasii here.