Phlox paniculata: planting & caring for garden phlox
Garden phlox is a special phlox species. Here, you can learn what you need to consider when planting and caring for Phlox paniculata.
Garden phlox (Phlox paniculata) is a prominent phlox (Phlox) variety. And this should not be missing in any garden. The mixture of a wide range of varieties results in a unique sea of flowers, and garden phlox is also a beautiful eye-catcher along garden fences and walls.
Contents
Garden phlox is probably the best known and most varietal species among phloxes. In its homeland, the deciduous forests of North America, it grows along riverbanks. In your home garden, phlox looks lovely when mixed with other perennials and also unfolds its full effect as a cut flower.
Phlox paniculata: features and characteristics
Its intense sweet fragrance is not only appealing to us humans. Garden phlox attracts countless native butterflies and hoverflies. Even at night, the flowers are not ignored, because nighttime critters also want to get their share. What is particularly nice about garden phlox is its long blooming period from spring to autumn, depending on the variety. This pleases both you, the owner of the garden, and all those who need its nectar.
Garden phlox belongs to the large phlox species. It can grow to a height of 1.5 m. At the same time, its flowers shine in almost every colour imaginable – from pure white to intense pink or blue-violet. Even mottled variants are available.
The requirements of Phlox paniculata are quite special: although it loves full sun or light shade, it should always be kept nice and moist. However, once it has found its place and feels comfortable, it will delight garden owners for many years and can even reproduce unaided via seeds or runners.
Phlox paniculata varieties
Garden phlox is an extremely popular and attractive garden plant. For a long time, it has been cultivated in Europe as an ornamental plant. No wonder, then, that there are now many diverse varieties. These vary mainly in colour and size of flowers, but also in height. Important differences among cultivars also include their tolerance to drought and resistance to mildew.
The following varieties of Phlox paniculata are particularly beautiful:
- ‘Bright Eyes’: the name says it all, really. The intense dark pink dot in the middle of the large light pink flower resembles an eye. The variety releases it is summery scent from June to September. It is characterised by its particular resistance to powdery mildew and grows to a height of just under one metre.
- ‘Blue Paradise’: This variety blooms – as the name suggests – in intense blue. Unlike the relatively drought-tolerant variety ‘Bright Eyes’, ‘Blue Paradise’ always needs sufficient moisture. A layer of mulch can help keep the soil moist. The variety prefers somewhat cooler places, but with sufficient sunlight. Under the right conditions, it reaches almost a metre in height and blooms from July to September.
- ‘Amethyst’: The ‘Amethyst’ variety impresses with countless intense dark purple flowers. It grows up to one metre tall and flowers from July to September.
- ‘A. E. Amos’: This phlox variety blooms bright red in July and August and is an absolute eye-catcher. With a height of 90 cm, it does well in a mixture with other varieties of phlox.
- ‘Alabaster’: the ‘Alabaster’ variety presents itself in white with a purple centre. In cool summers the white predominates, while in hot summers the flowers tend to turn pink. ‘Alabaster’ is thus the weatherman among phloxes.
- ‘Twister’: This variety is immediately noticeable for its unusual stripes. Each petal is white with a bold pink stripe. The variety reaches a height of up to one metre.
- ‘Utopia’: ‘Utopia’ is a true giant among phloxes. The variety grows up to 180 cm high. This makes it an excellent background plant in the truest sense of the word. Its flowers shine in pale pink.
Planting garden phlox
The right location is key. In its native habitat, garden phlox grows along bodies of water. This site is bright and sunny, at the same time the soil is always sufficiently moist and nutritious. So if possible, find your phlox a location that approximates these conditions. Since few gardeners are lucky enough to have a stream running through the garden, the right conditions can be created artificially. Place the phlox in a sunny spot with good, humus-rich soil. A layer of mulch around the plants keeps the soil nice and cool and moist. Make sure that the plant has enough space. It should not be planted too densely, but left with a bit of room to dry well after rain. Too much moisture between the leaves could invite an infestation of powdery mildew (Erysiphe cichoracearum). Garden phlox integrates beautifully into perennial beds, in the back or foreground depending on the variety, and is a long-lasting companion.
You can read more about planting phlox here.
The right location for phlox, summary:
- Sunny and bright
- Humus and nutrient-rich soil
- Cool and damp substrate
- Relatively freestanding
- Perfect for all flowering plants in garden beds & pots
- For beautiful blossoms & healthy plant growth
- Peat-free & organic soil: CO2-saving composition
Phlox paniculata care
Phlox care is not too complicated. The right location is half the battle. Watering is only necessary in hot and dry summers, but fertilising in the spring with fresh compost or manure really stimulates the plant’s growth. If there’s no optimal location in the garden, phlox can become a bit more demanding. Drought can affect it. Therefore, in a location with little water, you should water a little more often. A layer of mulch around the plant reduces evaporation, keeping the soil moist.
We have summarised everything you need to know about caring for phlox here for you.
You can also find more about the related species Phlox douglasii here.
