 The genus Phlox is comprised of about 67 species (and innumerable cultivars) that are found within the family Polemoniaceae, which of course also includes the genus Polemonium (Jacob’s Ladder). The vast majority of Phlox are native to North America in habitats ranging from shaded woodlands to moist creek sides and even alpine conditions. As you might expect they vary greatly in size potential as well, with some species (i.e. P. subulata, etc.) reaching only a few inches in height while others (P. paniculata, etc.) can grow to almost 6’ (2m) under ideal conditions. Flowers can range from white through pink, red, blues and purples with hybridization enlarging the color pool into yellows and oranges. Depending upon the species flowering takes place from early spring right through until late fall. Phlox is yet another North American native that has been embraced with enthusiasm by European breeders and gardeners who continue to develop new and interesting cultivars and then send them back home for us to enjoy.
One of the main goals of the breeding and introduction programs for all phlox is to select for resistance to powdery mildew, which unfortunately can be a problem with these lovely plants. Many of the older cultivars are no longer recommended for areas with humid summers as they can become quite unsightly. Fortunately the newest releases and several of the older stalwarts are quite resistant and worthy additions to any garden or growing program with only a few caveats as to care and sanitation. Phlox paniculata are native to the eastern United States, being found chiefly in moist, riverside locations. Keep this in mind when situating them in the garden. They prefer full sun to partial shade, and moist but well drained soil. They don’t like to sit in water, but neither do the appreciate drying out. If the plant is kept stress-free it is far less susceptible to any disease or insect pressures. A well-ventilated area with excellent air circulation will also be of great benefit. Good sanitation – removal of any diseased foliage, cutting back and removal of dead stems in the fall and dead heading of finished flowers – will also reduce the possibilities of any disease taking hold.
Phlox paniculata are garden favorites and deservedly so, as their height and color make them indispensable for summer display. Known by several common names, Tall Phlox, Garden Phlox, Summer Phlox, and even Flame Flower. The latter is probably in reference to the derivation of the genus name, Phlox is Latin for flame, an allusion to the shape and native color of the inflorescence, not any ability or tendency towards spontaneous combustion. In addition to having showy flowers, Phlox generally have a wonderful fragrance and are excellent cut flowers as well as being attractive to butterflies and hummingbirds, but not to deer. Great companion plantings include Eupatorium, Ornamental Grass, Echinacea, and Hemerocallis. Below are descriptions of a few favorite selections.
P. paniculata ‘Baby Face’ Bright baby pink flowers have a captivating central red eye zone that really pops. Plants are extremely floriferous and resistant to mildew. Excellent container plant. Height: 24”-30” (60 cm-75cm). Spread: about 15” (45 cm). USDA 3 – 8.
P. paniculata ‘Little Boy’ A cultivar that has been around for a little while and still exhibits great mildew resistance. Valuable for its dwarf stature and wonderful lilac blue flowers with their sparkling white eyes. Height: 12”-18” (30cm – 45 cm) with a similar spread. USDA 4 - 8.
P. paniculata ‘Nicky’ A good strong grower with excellent disease resistance, Nicky’s deep purple flowers are the darkest of any cultivar currently available. Flowering occurs July through August on plants that will reach a height of 30” (75 cm) and a spread of 15” (45 cm). USDA 4 – 8.
P. paniculata ‘Peppermint Twist’ PP # 18,196 A unique color break is achieved with this selection with alternating stripes of white and hot pink in a pinwheel pattern on each flower. This compact selection ‘struts its stuff’ from July through September. Height and spread about 16” (40 cm) making this little guy a great contender for planting in containers. Excellent mildew resistance. USDA 3 – 8.
P. paniculata ‘Sherbet Cocktail’ Touted as a color breakthrough for tall phlox, the flowers are multicolored in a very pleasing design. Each flower is a lovely shade of pink-white with a subtle creamy-yellow edge (the first phlox with yellow in the bloom) but the display starts with little yellow-green buds that emerge from burgundy chocolate bracts – yummy. Bloom occurs in mid to late summer and the plants will reach a height of about 30” (75 cm) and form a clump about 15” (45cm) across. Mildew resistant. USDA 3 – 8. |
