Phlox paniculata aka Garden Phlox

Taxonomy

Phlox paniculata, also known as fall phlox, garden phlox, perennial phlox, summer phlox, and panicled phlox, is a species of flowering plant in the phlox family (Polemoniaceae). It is native to the eastern and central United States, as well as eastern Canada, and is found in thickets, rich low woods, and streams. This erect, herbaceous perennial has dark-green lance-shaped foliage and grows in clumps to about 2-4 inches tall and 2-3 inches wide. It produces terminal clusters of fragrant tubular bright magenta-red flowers over a long period of time in summer. Phlox paniculata is extensively cultivated as an ornamental plant in temperate regions and is known for its robustness and strong disease resistance. It is a versatile perennial, available in a wide range of colors, and its deep green leaves add to its aesthetic appeal.

Common names

Garden Phlox, Sweet William, Perennial Phlox

How to care for Garden Phlox

Difficulty

If you're looking for a plant that offers a moderate level of challenge, Garden Phlox is a great choice to test your gardening skills.

Water

Garden Phlox should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Garden Phlox loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Garden Phlox requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Sweet William is always in the right place to thrive.

Dormancy

During the cold period, it is common for Garden Phlox to go dormant, resulting in a slowdown of growth. To accommodate this, waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

There is no verified data on the toxicity of this plant in the records of Ploi. If any person, including yourself, a family member, or a pet, consume plant material with an uncertain toxicity level, it is advisable to seek the advice of a healthcare expert.

Fertilizer

Repotting the Garden Phlox should be done either when it has doubled in size or on a yearly basis, whichever occurs sooner. Fresh potting soil with all the required nutrients, refreshed annually, will provide the plant with all the necessary sustenance, making the use of fertilizer unnecessary. Keep in mind that plants receive their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.

Growth-pattern

Clumping is a defining characteristic of the Garden Phlox, with new growth appearing from the soil surrounding the primary plant.

Region of origin

Garden Phlox’s native range is N. America - New Jersey to N. Carolina, west to Ohio and south to Louisiana.


More info:
Wikipedia