Phlox paniculata
Border phlox, Perennial phlox, Summer phlox, Autumn phlox, Fall phlox
- Height × spread
- 1.2m × 0.6m
- Position
- Full sun
- Hardiness
- Colder than -20C (RHS H7)
- Flowers
- Summer
Availability
Generally available in Summer
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
This is a parent of many hybrids and cultivars. In summer, the perennial phlox bears white to lilac flowers in a large head, sweetly fragrant in the evening. It is a healthy plant and, in flower, summery and delightful. Smaller than many of the hybrids, it is well suited to naturalistic plantings. It originates in the eastern United States, where it grows in wooded areas, often beside moving water. These plants enjoy sun and rain and don't relish dry conditions at all. There are many cultivars which have slightly different flowering seasons. Thus, across the range this extends from the end of June till the end of September. The height of the individual cultivars will vary somewhat according to the weather, they are taller when it's cool and wet than when it's hot and dry!
- Flower colour
- Blue, Purple, Red, White
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- Yes, sweet
- Shape
- Cube
- Height
- 1.2m
- Spread
- 0.6m
- Season of interest
- Summer
- Flowers in
- Summer
- Evergreen
- Deciduous
- Garden style
- Seaside garden, Scented garden, Prairie garden, Cottage garden
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun, likes part shade, tolerates light shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam (normal)
- Soil pH
- All types
- Drainage
- Moisture retentive soil, Damp and wet soil
- Hardiness
- Colder than -20C (RHS H7)
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Use for
- Bee attraction, Butterfly attraction
- Hazards
- No
AutumnNow
Autumn - late · Planting
Prune foliage back
Cut foliage back to the ground in late autumn.
Some plants often present good autumn colour which can be an asset in the garden. It is worth delaying the autumn trim until such foliage displays are over.
Autumn - late · Planting
Divide every 3 years
Physically divide clumps every three years, or the plant will flower and grow less well. Discard or give away unwanted portions, or replant them to make a larger display. Plants can sometimes take a while to recover from this procedure.
Spring
Spring - late · Outdoors
Feed with slow release fertiliser
Apply a general purpose slow release fertiliser, spreading it around the root area of the plant as it is coming into growth. (Or apply a liquid feed at regular intervals throughout the growing season.)
This is a simple way to provide a nutrient boost as a single annual procedure.
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water to keep the soil moist
For best results, this plant needs soil that is always moist. Water deeply and regularly as soon as soil appears dry. Even for established plants in the ground, a dry week can cause problems with some soils. Check plants in pots more often, especially in hot weather. Or install an automatic irrigation system which will do the hard work for you, even when you are away on holiday.
Without regular watering some plants never fully regain their beauty.
Summer
Summer-Autumn · Planting
Support young plants
Provide support for young plants, and tie in any growth to the support to keep it tidy.
Found in
More Phlox
Phlox
Phlox Light Pink Flame = 'Bareleven'
Phlox paniculata
Border phlox, Perennial phlox, Summer phlox, Autumn phlox, Fall phlox
Phlox paniculata 'Blue Paradise'
Border phlox, Summer phlox
Phlox paniculata 'Harlequin'
Border phlox, Summer phlox
Phlox paniculata 'Laura'
Border phlox, Perennial phlox, Summer phlox, Autumn phlox, Fall phlox
Phlox paniculata 'Miss Pepper'
Border phlox, Summer phlox
Phlox paniculata Purple Eye Flame = 'Barthirtythree'
Border phlox, Summer phlox