Michigan State University Extension
Ornamental Plants plus Version 3.0 - 00001079
11/12/99

Phlox paniculata--Garden Phlox


Hardiness Zones: 4 to 8
Height: 48 in Spread: 24 in
Type: herbaceous perennial
Flowers: Orange, red, pink, purple, white

Comments: The many varieties of phlox reach a height of
from 1 to 4 feet and bear flowers in a wide variety of
colors. They prefer a fertile well-drained soil with a
constant supply of moisture. Wide spacings help control
disease problems and maintain maximum flower size. Full
sun is preferred but light shade is acceptable. Cut back
old flower stems to prolong the blooming period. Self-
seeded volunteers have inferior flower color. Dieback
occurs if plants are not divided often enough. Removal of
weak shoots enhances flowering on stronger shoots.

Propagation: Propagation is by seed, root cuttings,
division and softwood cuttings. The seed germinates in 3
to 4 weeks at 70 degrees but needs darkness. Seed sown in
the fall germinate the following year. Collected seed may
produce off types. Root cuttings be are obtained by
digging up the clump in fall and removing large roots to
within 2 inches of the crown. Cut them into 2 inch
lengths and place them a half inch deep in sandy soil.
Division may be done in fall or in early spring before
growth starts. Softwood cuttings may be taken from young
shoots in spring or summer.

Cultivars:
'Amethyst' - Blue flower.
'Blue Boy' - Flowers are nearly blue.
'Bright Eyes' - Pink flowers have red centers.
'Caroline van den Berg' - Lavender-blue flowers.
'Charlotte' - Light lavender flowers with white
centers.
'Creme de Menthe' - The foliage is variegated with white,
pink flowers.
'Darwin's Joyce' - White with a pink eye.
'David' - Fragrant white flowers (Vis. 1), mildew
resistant.
'Dodo Hanbury Forbes' - Pink flowers with red centers.
'Dresden China' - Shell pink flowers with pink centers.
'Elizabeth Arden' - Pink flowers with red centers.
'Europa' - White flowers with a pink eye.
'Eva Cullum' - Pink flowers with red centers are borne
in large heads and on plants that are reported as
disease resistant.
'Fairest One' - Shell pink flowers.
'Fairy's Petticoat' - Light pink flowers have darker
centers.
'Franz Schubert' - Lilac flower color.
'Fuchsia' - Purplish-blue flowers.
'H. B. May' - Bright pink flowers.
'Harlequin' - Purple flowers, the leaves are green with
white margins.
'Laura' - Purple flowers have a white eye.
'Leo Schlageter' - Large clusters of scarlet flowers.
x 'Miss Jill' - White flowers with small pink eyes.
x 'Miss Karen' - Dark pink with dark red eye.
x 'Miss Jo-Ellen' - White flowers blushed pink and with
a dark pink eye.
x 'Miss Margie' - Lilac-blue flowers.
x 'Miss Mary' - Red flowers with dark foliage.
'Miss Pepper' - Pink flowers have darker eyes.
x 'Miss Wilma' - Lilac blue flowers have lighter centers.
'Mt. Fuji' ('Mt. Fujiyama')- Very large clusters of
white flowers.
'Nicky' - Dark Purple flowers.
'Nora Leigh' - White flowers with variegated leaves.
'Orange Perfection' - Orange flowers.
'Pinafore Pink' - A dwarf plant less than 18 inches
tall produces pink flowers.
'Prime Minister' - White flowers have red centers.
'Red Super' - Bright red flowers, reported as mildew
resistant.
'Rhinestream' - Pink flowers,
'Russian Violet' - Violet-blue flowers.
'Sandra' - Scarlet flowers.
'Starfire' - Red flowers (Vis. 2).
'Tenor' - Bright red flowers.
'The King' - Dark purple flowers.
'White Admiral' - Large clusters of white flowers.

References for Cultivars: Walters Gardens 1999, Ray
Wiegand's Nursery 1999, Weston Nurseries 1999, Wayside
Gardens 1999, White Flower Farm 1999, Bailey Nurseries
1999, Sheridan Nurseries 1999, Midwest Groundcovers 1999.


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