Perennials for the Summer Garden: Summer Phlox

Known as garden phlox, summer phlox, tall phlox or fall phlox, Phlox paniculata is a wonderful addition to your zone 4-8 summer garden. The huge flower heads, or panicles, bloom on long stems covered with bright green or variegated leaves. What I like about this perennial is how easy it is to grow and the spectacular floral show it puts on during the summer when most blooming plants are finished blooming. Phlox paniculata produces a long lasting and slightly fragrant cut flower. Don't confuse Phlox paniculata with Phox subulata, or Thrift, which is a smaller plant with a shorter bloom period.

Phlox paniculata grows from 16-36 inches, depending on the variety. It can be grown in full or part sun, However, a sunny location with good air circulation prevents mildew diseases. Phlox look great as a tall border or growing in the back of a mixed flower bed. There are now shorter varieties appropriate for containers that brighten up a patio or deck. A healthy dose of granulated organic fertilizer and plenty of compost mixed with the planting soil keeps phlox happy. Don't forget mulch and added moisture during the hottest part of the summer. Water regularly around the base of the plant because Phlox doesn't like wet foliage or flowers.

After the first flush of flowers fade, cut back by one-third and new flowering offshoots will grow from the remaining stems. The second round of blooms will be a little smaller. At the end of the season, cut the faded foliage back to the ground. Separate the root clumps in the fall if you would like. Phlox makes a great hand-me-down plant.

Phlox is so beautiful, and such a summer treat to see in the garden, it's a shame that powdery mildew has kept this perennial from becoming more popular. However, we are lucky there are now beautiful varieties available that are resistant to mildew diseases. My favorites are:

"Crème de'Menthe" with unusual variegated foliage and pink flowers. It grows to 36 inches tall.

"David" has very large white flower heads and grows taller than the average phlox-to 48 inches. It was named the 2002 Perennial Plant of the Year. Because the bloom is white, it is a spectacular choice for a moon garden. "David" is highly mildew resistant.

"Junior Dance" is mildew resistant and is a smaller variety only growing to 18 inches tall. The blooms are dark pink and the plant forms an interesting mound of color in mid-summer. Good container plant.

"Junior Dream" grows slightly taller than "Junior Dance" to 22 inches. The flowers are fragrant and the plant continues to bloom as long as you keep deadheading. "Junior Dream" remains more compact than other shorter varieties and is perfect for containers.

"Laura" is a purple blooming variety that is becoming very popular. It grows to 30 inches and is highly mildew resistant.

"Shortwood" is one of the larger varieties, despite the name, and grows to 42 inches, produces large panicles of pink flowers and is highly resistant to powdery mildew. A great choice for the garden.

"Red Magic" grows to 28 inches and is disease and mildew resistant.

"Miss Kelly" produces lilac flowers on 28 inch stems.

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