Xela's Garden

Phlox

Genus: Phlox.

Species: Phlox paniculata.

Planted 05.12 in old pond bed, Vistabile back garden
Bought 04.12 from Wilkinsons for £1.98 a pck of 3, or 2 pks for £3

Common Name: Perennial phlox
Genus: Phlox
Species: paniculata
Skill Level: Beginner
Exposure: Full sun
Hardiness: Hardy
Soil type: Well-drained/light, Moist
Height: 120cm
Spread: 100cm
Time to divide plants: March to April
Flowering period: July to October

There are 67 species of phlox, including annuals and shrubs. This species is an erect herbaceous perennial with oval or lance-shaped leaves. Clusters of flowers appear from summer to mid-autumn, from white to deep lilac. This elegant perennial is ideal for a moist border in sun or partial shade. A wide range of cultivars is available from nurseries.

Looks good with:
Stachys byzantina 'Big Ears'
Penstemon 'Stapleford Gem'
[Source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/gardening/plants/plant_finder/plant_pages/11104.shtml ]

Phlox prefer rich soil that does not dry out and partial shade. Better to avoid all-day sunshine and grow your phlox in no more than six hours of sun a day. In fact, they will usually be happy in four hours of sun - or none at all if the shade is from a wall or fence rather than overhead from a tree. And keep the soil moist. The new dwarf types need no support, but be sure canes or brushwood are in place around taller varieties before they flop. Or give them the "Chelsea Chop" - cut them back at the end of May - to create shorter, bushier plants.
Good companions:
The new shorter varieties are ideally suited to small borders and containers. They look good with foliage perennials around them. Heucheras and hostas enjoy similar conditions. Choose heucheras with patterned leaves such as 'Regina' or with one-colour foliage in unusual colours like 'Caramel'. Planting bronze-leaved, blue-flowered Veronica umbrosa 'Georgia Blue' around the base creates an attractive combination from early in the season. Then with a dark-leaved weigela, such as 'Wine and Roses', behind and intermingling with one of the pretty blue sea hollies with masses of small flower heads, like Eryngium planum 'Blaukappe', you can create a beautiful plant picture that lasts for months.
[Source: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/gardening/howtogrow/3348715/Phlox-How-to-grow.html ]

This 600-900mm (24"-36") tall, stiff stemmed clump-forming plant, produces trusses of fragrant flowers in colors of crimson,lavender, purple, rose, scarlet and white.
These appear from July to September and are a big attraction to butterflies.

They will tolerate most types of soil but prefer the types that are enriched with compost and or organic manure that always remains moist.

The root system is quite shallow so mulch plants to increase root cover and retain moisture.

Cultivation;
Week 13; Thin out the weaker growth on established plants.
Thinning out also helps to keep mildew at bay as it allows more air to circulate around the plant/s
Take 75mm (3") basal cuttings from the base of the plants and insert into pots/tray of equal parts (by volume) peat and sharp sand, and place in a cold frame to root.
Alternatively; take root cuttings ( if not done in November) by scraping away the soil to expose suitable
lengths of main roots and cut off pencil-thick pieces with either a sharp knife or secateurs.

Week 14; Sow seeds in trays of seed compost and germinate at a temperature of 13°C (55°F)
Prick out the seedlings, when large enough to handle, into 75mm (3") pots of potting compost.
Grow on in a coldframe until planting out time the following year.
Note; Named varieties will not come true from seeds!

Week 17; Annually mulch with well-rotted manure or compost to preserve moisture around the roots.
Top dress with a balanced fertiliser prior to laying the mulch.

Week 30; Once the first flush of flowers is over, lightly clip the plant to encourage a second flush of flowers.
Ensure the plant does not become dry in its early stages, or it will flower early and fade sooner.

Week 40; Cut plants down to ground level when leaves die back in the autumn.
Divide established clumps any time from now until March.
Discard any woody growth, and replant sections from the sides of the clump only.

Week 42; Plant out in a sunny or partially shaded spot, 450mm (18") apart in a humus rich well drained but
moisture retentive soil.
Do not plant too deeply.

Week 46; take root cuttings by scraping away the soil to expose suitable lengths of main roots and cut off pencil-thick pieces with either a sharp knife or secateurs.
Cut the pieces into 50mm (2”) sections.
Lay each section down horizontally in deep trays and cover with 25mm (1”) of compost.
When the shoots are approximately 75mm (3") high, pot them up into 75mm (3") pots of potting compost.
Grow them on in a cold frame until planting out time the following year.
[Source: http://www.thegardenersalmanac.co.uk/Data/Phlox%20paniculata/Phlox%20paniculata.htm ]

Photos of this plant

Reminders for this plant