It is more compact than many kinds of tall garden phlox, reaching a height of just 15 to 18 inches, with a spread of 12 to 14 inches. Cleopatra may be the most colorful of the lot, bearing a cherry color under ideal conditions. Perhaps that’s because it’s common in wild places throughout the eastern half of the country and beyond. It is a member of the Polemoniaceae family, and it comes in more than 50 different varieties. A reliable bloomer with a high resistance to mildew, Phlox paniculata 'Nicky' is an herbaceous perennial with large, pyramidal clusters of dark magenta purple flowers, the darkest of all tall garden phlox. Volcano Ruby is a moderately compact type of garden phlox: The very tallest kinds can grow to be 4 feet tall. Pick from the following for a tall garden phlox with flowers in a richer, deeper pink color: Alexandra has a height of 2 to 3 feet, with a width of 18 to 24 inches. This variety of phlox will set seeds, which produce seedlings that rarely resemble the parent plant. The plant, perennial in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 3 through 8, is an attractive middle-of-the-border plant for full sun that grows from 2 to 3 feet tall and blooms for as long as six weeks from late summer into fall. The name of that family may ring a bell. And its superior mildew resistance allows for its use in relatively hot climates, which is a major selling point. It is listed as being hardy only to zone 4. This type of tall garden phlox can grow to a height of 24 to 36 inches (the more shade it gets, the shorter it will stay), with a spread of about 20 inches. Annual phlox is particularly well suited to garden boxes, pots and pot arrangements. 96. The inner part of the petal is lavender-pink, while the edges are white. Garden phlox (Phlox paniculata) is a hardy, long-lived perennial with a romantic charm.From midsummer to early fall, the sturdy, upright plants are topped with large clusters of fragrant flowers that come in a fantastic range of colors including white, pink, fuchsia, red, lavender, purple and orange as well as dozens of eye-catching bicolors. It is not a very mildew-resistant variety. The most accurate description of the color would be purple-magenta. Watch for foliage that looks as though it has been dusted with talcum powder, and pinch off the affected leaves. In severe cases, treat the plants with fungicide. You may need to stake the plants if they become especially tall and if they are exposed to high winds. Garden phlox or Summer phlox (Phlox paniculata) is the tallest phlox in cultivation and is probably the species that most folks have in their gardens. They bloom in mid-summer or late summer (depending on where you live). Examples of the latter, in addition to 'Opening Act Blush,' include those in the list below: Rosa Pastell becomes 2 to 3 feet high when mature, with a spread of 1 to 2 feet. This is the perfect environment for tall garden phlox in vibrant, happy colors such as Goliath or Red Super, although the classic, mildew-resistant David can act as a beautiful contrast in blooms of pure white. Garden phlox (Phlox paniculata), also called summer phlox, is a sun-loving perennial with a long flowering season. The Spruce uses cookies to provide you with a great user experience. Introducing "One Thing": A New Video Series, The Spruce Gardening & Plant Care Review Board, The Spruce Renovations and Repair Review Board, Plants that are mildew-resistant. The overall impression created by the light-pink edges of its flowers and its light-colored leaves is one of brightness: It is dazzling in the way 'Wolf Eyes' dogwood is, but with more color and on a smaller scale. A sunny cottage garden is an exuberant collection of bright flowers and contrasting textures in a wildlife-friendly atmosphere. Numerous hybrid varieties exist and grow successfully in USDA hardiness zones 4 through 8. tall, leaving only five or six stems on the plant. 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'David' has white flowers and, like Volcano Ruby and Nora Leigh, is one of the more mildew-resistant varieties of tall garden phlox. Fujiyama Phlox. Dividing can breathe new life into these perennials when their performance begins to go downhill. Just as for annual phlox, it appreciates rather rich soil. Garden phlox is one of the most recognizable and widely grown perennials. Phlox. 99. David Beaulieu is a garden writer with nearly 20 years experience writing about landscaping and over 10 years experience working in nurseries. Place them in either the middle row or back row of a mixed. Nora Leigh is fairly resistant to powdery mildew, but that is no reason to chance it. Even if the idea of letting the plant spread by reseeding sounds good to you, remember that reseeding can cause overcrowding, which promotes powdery mildew. Like other plants in the species, Volcano Ruby offers a long blooming period, from mid-summer to early fall. Most phlox can be placed into two categories, which are creeping phlox and garden phlox, but there are other less common varieties as well. Tall garden phlox is categorized as an herbaceous perennial flower. To get the maximum height from tall garden phlox, clip the weakest stems from the plant when they are about 6 inches (15 cm.) Many people wonder how to grow tall garden phlox. Again, these can be divided into two groups: those that come in light colors and those that come in deep colors. Although their color is pink, a generous amount of orange is mixed in. If you fertilize once more after the flowers fade, you may get another flush of flowers. Sign up to get all the latest gardening tips! A long-blooming perennial, once it comes into flower, you can be assured of color in the yard until the frosts of fall arrive. Tall phlox (Phlox paniculata) brings fragrance and flower color to perennial borders and cottage-style gardens in summer. Even more compact varieties will be listed later. 'Delilah' (32 to 36 inches tall, 30 inches wide). Thai Pink Jade grows to be 2 to 3 feet tall, with a spread of 15 to 24 inches. Its color is certainly one of the finest features of this garden phlox, and it is a feature that you get plenty of since the plant bears many flowers per square inch. Not only is it beautiful, but it helps you keep your yard colorful in the second half of the summer after the flowers of many other plants have gone by. Proven Winners - Garden Girls™ Cover Girl - Tall Garden Phlox - Phlox paniculata purple plant details, information and resources. layer of mulch around the plants to help the soil hold moisture. This particular tall garden phlox may be more highly valued, however, for its bicolored, lance-shaped foliage. Garden phlox (Phlox paniculata), also called summer phlox, is a sun-loving perennial with a long flowering season. deep pink would be a good selection for you to grow if you have problems in your yard with powdery mildew since P. maculata varieties have less trouble with mildew. Whether grown in perennial beds and borders, tall phlox is at home within informal cottage styles or cutting garden beds. Amethyst Tall Phlox is a sensational garden perennial that really puts on a show of vibrant pure purple blooms in late summer into early autumn. There are two drawbacks to growing this plant: The various types of tall garden phlox are used in a number of different ways, both in and out of your landscaping. Pinch out the tips of the remaining stems to encourage a tall, bushy growth habit. These plants were very popular with early twentieth century gardeners, but use waned with the decline of American interest in flower borders. As with most kinds of tall garden phlox, the center or "eye" of the flower is a different color from the rest of the petal. 'Opening Act Blush' (18 to 20 inches tall and wide). Use the recommended spacing on the plant tag, which is usually 18 to 24 inches (46 to 61 cm.). Phlox are herbaceous plants most commonly known for making billowing mounds of scented flowers in summer borders. Pink Flame or Flame Pink (the actual cultivar name is 'Bartwelve'). In fact, there is something to please almost every gardener, including the following: Volcano Ruby and Nora Leigh will serve as examples of varieties of tall garden phlox. This dwarf has a mature height of just 1 to 1.5 feet, with a mature spread of only a foot (or even less than that). Tall garden phlox have long-blooming, colorful flowers that pop in any garden. These perennials are tall enough to be inserted into the middle or back row of a bed of mixed perennials without getting lost. Planting perennial phlox. At the southern end of its range, it will require more shade. $6.96 $ 6. The leaves have light green centers and creamy white edges. Tall garden phlox (Phlox paniculata) is an old-fashioned beauty cultivated by generations of gardeners. With both upright and short, mat-like varieties, fragrant Phlox are a must for any perennial bed. Nora Leigh is listed as being suited to USDA plant hardiness zones 4 to 8. to 1 m.) tall. Nonetheless, the clusters of flowers are quite striking. Tall garden phlox is available in a number of different varieties. Some other types of colorful tall garden phlox flowers (P. paniculata) that you should consider adding to your garden are: Like Volcano Ruby, 'Red Magic' is not even close to being a true red color. Prefer sunbathed locations. Tall garden phlox thrive in full sunlight or in partially shady areas. Tall garden phlox (Phlox paniculata) grows in upright clumps and has long been a popular perennial for the landscape. Paniculata or tall phlox, is a native American wildflower that is native from New York to Iowa south to Georgia, Mississippi and Arkansas. Some species such as P. paniculata (garden phlox) grow upright, while others such as P. subulata (moss phlox, moss pink, mountain phlox) grow short and matlike. In much of the country, they will thrive in full sun, although partial shade is fine, as long as the plants receive at least 6 hours of direct sun. Nothing beats the appeal of garden phlox plants. 'Red Magic' (24 to 36 inches tall, 18 to 24 inches wide). Water garden phlox plants weekly for the first few weeks and often enough to keep the soil lightly moist thereafter. Growing 3-4' tall and 2-3' wide be sure to provide adequate space in your perennial bed, rock garden or formal planting area. Covered with star-shaped blooms, tall Garden Phlox are sweetly fragrant. But Volcano Ruby is not quite that cold-hardy. 'Delilah' bears purplish blooms, while those on 'Opening Act Blush' are a lavender-pink color. Some types of tall garden phlox plants have bicolored flowers. Tall garden phlox (Phlox paniculata) grows in upright clumps and has long been a popular perennial for the landscape. Plant taxonomy classifies this type of garden phlox as Phlox paniculata 'Nora Leigh.' David's Garden Seeds Flower Phlox Annual Tall Mix 8224 (Multi) 200 Non-GMO, Heirloom Seeds. Growing hardy garden phlox is simple and so is its general care. It grows in clumps that reach between 3 and 5 feet in height and produces panicles of flowers in mid- to late summer. In July and August, and through September with deadheading, it bears flowers in shades of white, coral, pink, red, lavender, and violet, depending on the cultivar. Not only is it beautiful, but it helps you keep your yard colorful in the second half of the summer after the flowers of many other plants have gone by. Some have a lighter or darker eye, and others have variegated leaves. Instead, its flowers are similar in color to those of Volcano Ruby. To prolong its blooming period and stop it from reseeding (unless that is what you want), deadhead tall garden phlox. By using The Spruce, you accept our, 15 Best Zone 8 Plants to Put In Your Garden, All About the Different Types of Phlox Flowers, 10 Best Full-Sun Perennials for Michigan Gardens, A Cut Flower Garden of Perennial Favorites, Best Perennials That Offer Long Bloom Periods, 24 Great Varieties of Echinacea (Coneflower), How to Grow Colorful Zinnia Flower Varieties, 30 Easy-to-Grow Perennials for Beginning Gardeners. Each has its own distinct beauty. Unfortunately, many of its cultivars are the most prone to powdery mildew, and cultivar selection is very important for success. The flowers are considered fragrant by many. Here, a colorful selection of Dianthus (Pink), Phlox subulata (Creeping Phlox), Aubrietia (Rock Cress), Euphorbia (Spurge), Stachys byzantina (Lamb's Ears), and Helianthemum (Rock … 'David' garden phlox is grouped with the herbaceous perennial plants. Native to North America, tall garden phlox can often be grown in USDA planting zones 3 to 8. This keeps the plants looking tidy, and also prevents the flowers from dropping seeds. Since garden phlox plants are generally hybrids, the seedlings that result from dropped seeds won’t resemble the parent plants. Mid-summer color for weeks and weeks, tall columns of fragrant flowers, and some of the easiest perennials to grow--just a few reasons you must have phlox, phlox, phlox. This quality can lower the amount of care that you must put into growing them, thereby helping. Large clusters of flowers, called panicles, sit atop stems that grow 3 to 4 feet (91 cm. 3.6 out of 5 stars 5. The name, "Ruby" is meant to suggest its flower color, but its fragrant flowers have less red in them than that name suggests. But its mildew-resistant trait means it can be grown further south than some other varieties can (to zone 10). The example used here for a light-colored kind is actually a type of P. maculata (as opposed to P. paniculata): 'Natascha.' Divide tall plants to reduce illnesses and problems, it also increases the power of the plant. Trim out the old flower heads once most of the blossoms on the cluster have wilted immediately after blooming. Garden phlox, summer phlox, tall phlox, border phlox . Growing hardy garden phlox is a challenge in hot, humid areas because the plant is sensitive to powdery mildew. But the cultivar name, 'Barthirtyone' is seldom used. Tall Garden Phlox Tall phlox varieties produce their flowers in clusters atop long stems for a period of six weeks in early to midsummer. The phlox is planted preferably in fall for species that bloom in spring and in spring for those that bloom in summer. The plant grows in clumps, to a height of 24 to 36 inches, with a width about half that. Find more gardening information on Gardening Know How: Keep up to date with all that's happening in and around the garden. Description: With its aromatic, bright, and showy long-lasting flower clusters Phlox paniculata has become a staple in today’s landscapes. At 2 to 4 feet tall, garden phlox blooms later in the summer with bursts of lavender, white, coral, red and violet, depending on the cultivar. In the southern or hot climes, partial shade is recommended. This native American wildflower thrives in USDA plant hardiness zones 4 to 8. Choose a sunny location with moist but well-draining soil. You can also grow it one zone higher (zone 3) and one zone lower (​deep pink 9) than some of the other varieties of tall garden phlox covered in this article. They grow quickly with full sun, and after a year or two, you'll be dividing your healthy perennial clumps. 3.8 out of 5 stars 23. Proven Winners - Garden Girls™ Glamour Girl - Tall Garden Phlox - Phlox paniculata pink light coral pink plant details, information and resources. Tall perennial phlox in a sumptuous pink. Garden phlox (Phlox paniculata): This is by far the best known of the tall phloxes, very commonly grown in perennial borders. Garden phlox is a sturdy, upright perennial reaches 2 to 4 feet tall. For example: Tall garden phlox flowers are good hummingbird plants and are plants that attract butterflies, as well. Learn tips for creating your most beautiful (and bountiful) garden ever. Since it is similar to P. paniculata, an example of it will be discussed later. Plant taxonomy classifies this flower as Phlox paniculata 'Barthirtyone.' Phlox prosper in a cool sunny climate, well-watered, in rich sweet soil. Tall Phlox. All of these plants (as well as the plants discussed in the rest of the article, except where otherwise noted) have the following qualities: Pink is a popular flower color for tall garden phlox. They were exported to Europe in the early 18th century, and many of the early cultivars originated in England and Germany. The soil should be rich and slightly sweet (alkaline), so if your soil tends towards the acidic side, regular applications of lime is recommended, say every two or t… True to its name, Little Boy is the smaller of the two perennials. A phlox that is speckled and has curling leaves may be a victim of garden phlox bugs. These are actually quite pretty insects, but their feeding habits can diminish the health of your plant. Since it is susceptible to powdery mildew (like all types of tall garden phlox are, to some degree), provide adequate air circulation. There are many potential bugs on phlox, but this particular pest targets only wild and cultivated species. Its common name is "meadow phlox." When the phlox flower gets faded, then cut it immediately, it will encourage new development, and the flowers will be more. As a result, this perennial has a perfectly cheerful look. Transforming a dull slope into a beautiful rock garden is easy when you chose the right plants. Bloom time is from mid-summer until early fall. The flower can end up a very different color from the one advertised depending on growing conditions, etc. Set out new garden phlox plants in early spring. 38" tall x 18" wide. Large clusters of flowers, called panicles, sit atop stems that grow 3 to 4 feet (91 cm. Apply a garden mulch to help the soil retain water. FREE Shipping. Nora Leigh produces clusters of flowers that are deep-pink in the middle, with light-pink edges. These tall, eye-catching perennials are ideal for sunny borders. Phlox in bloom are a sight to behold, with masses of small, star-shaped, colorful flowers blanketing the plants. to 1 m.) tall. G arden phlox (Phlox paniculata and cvs., USDA Hardiness Zones 4–8) is one of those “memory” plants for me—a plant I remember from a long way back, before I even knew its botanical name. There are several types, the most common of which are spring-blooming creeping phlox and summer-blooming tall phlox. If you live where powdery mildew is a big problem (as it is in the American Southeast) and you want to avoid planting anything that tends to be affected by this disease, try P. maculata (zones 3 to 8). This is because it sounds like Polemonium, a genus in the family that is better known by the common name, "Jacob's ladder.". Give the plants plenty of room, especially in hot, humid areas where air circulation around the plant will help keep powdery mildew to a minimum. Join Jeremy as he shares a few recommendations from his years of growing and trialing Tall Garden Phlox for Walters Gardens It's sometimes called perennial phlox, garden phlox or fall phlox to differentiate it from the sprawling, spring-blooming species. Tall garden phlox are hardy and vigorous when grown in the right conditions. The half-hardy annual group are useful as bedding plants and for growing in containers. Blooming for weeks from mid to late summer, the fragrant flowers are rich of nectar and visited by hummingbirds and butterflies. You will then be introduced to several other kinds, as well as how best to use these perennials in your yard. This tall garden phlox is best grown in full to partial sun (in the North) and should be planted in a well-drained, loamy soil enriched with compost. You may be able to avoid powdery mildew by choosing varieties labeled as “mildew resistant.”. The color is not very consistent. The name, 'Orange Perfection' stays truer to what the flowers on the plant actually look like. Spread a 2- to 3-inch (5 to 7.5 cm.) Garden and meadow phlox are perfect for garden borders, since they grow quite wide and tall. Natascha (also sometimes spelled "Natasha") grows to be 1.5 to 2 feet tall, with a width of 1 to 1.5 feet. Fertilize with a shovelful of compost for each plant or a light application of 10-10-10 fertilizer at planting time and again just before the flowers open. Phlox is a lovely plant that can be grown as an annual or a perennial. For the same reason, avoid overhead watering: Moisture on leaves invites fungus (powdery mildew being a fungal disease). It requires the same growing conditions as Volcano Ruby in terms of sun and soil needs. It also comes with a variety of colorful blooms that range from a pale blue to a deep red. Care of garden phlox also includes the clipping of flower stems after the flowers fade. Tall Summer Phlox, also called Garden Phlox, are the princesses of the summertime garden, with their vibrant colors and lush panicles. Some come in a deep pink color, others in a light-pink color. 'Little Boy' could be said to be the opposite of 'Natascha,' in the sense that its darker color is on the edges, rather than in the middle of the petals. $20.99 $ 20. The P. paniculata species are commonly called "panicle," "summer," "tall," or, more often, "garden" phlox to distinguish it from P. subulata, for example, which, unlike its upstanding cousin, is a creeping plant.The creeping kind also blooms in spring, while P. paniculata flowers in summer. American Beauties Native Plants divaricata Moon' (Woodland Phlox) Perennial, 1-Size Container, Blue Flowers. X Research source Low-growing phlox varieties are perfect to use as groundcover in shady areas, especially as many are mildew-resistant. Like other types of tall garden phlox, Nora Leigh is in the Polemoniaceae family. It grows in clumps and its leaves are lance-shaped. 'Orange Perfection' (30 to 36 inches tall, 18 to 24 inches wide). Water your tall garden phlox well during periods of high heat. Keep the foliage as dry as possible by applying the water to the soil rather than the foliage. History and origin: Phlox are native to many parts of the eastern and central United States. Flame Pink is sometimes confusingly called "Pink Flame." Garden Phlox, Tall Phlox. Types of Tall Phlox . Other more diminutive species grow in sunny rock gardens and shadier situations. Sign up for our newsletter. Garden phlox prefers fertile soil that stays moist. Garden phlox is native to the east coast and midwest, growing in the mountains South Carolina. So let's take a close look at the features of these two, plus how to grow them. [4] The flowers bloom in cone-shaped clusters. Bright Eyes reaches 1.5 to 2 feet in height and spreads to be 1 to 1.5 feet wide. Water the plants during periods of drought. The cultivar name, 'Nora Leigh' is commonly misspelled as 'Norah Leigh.' Work some compost into the soil before planting if your soil doesn’t manage water well. In addition, the large clusters of pink, purple, lavender or white flowers bloom for several weeks in summer, and make excellent cut flowers. They should be grown in full sun to partial sun (in the North) and in well-drained soil. It would be a bit more accurate to group them with the purple flowers than with the red flowers, although they are not deep enough to be a true purple, either. Phlox paniculata David is a white-flowering garden phlox, and an improvement over our old favorite, Mt. It is similar to P. paniculata but has less of a problem with powdery mildew. The flower is more often referred to by the catchier names, "Ruby" or "Volcano Ruby" (it is part of the Volcano series). These stunning Dutch-sourced perennials are hardy in zones 3 through 9 and thrive in well-drained clay, loamy or sandy soil. Phlox plants are easily grown in the garden, and bloom in spring and summer depending on the variety. Notable for its June display of enormous, brilliant white flower heads and delicious fragrance, Phlox David also has highly mildew-resistant foliage. About phloxes There is a type of phlox suitable for almost any garden … In contrast with its ground-hugging relative Phlox subulata, Phlox paniculata, or "garden phlox," is sometimes referred to simply as "tall phlox." If you have garden phlox long, then after the first Killing Frost, cut the stem from the soil surface above1 to 2 inches.