Garden Phlox Phlox paniculata Adessa Special Fire (Adessa Series)
ABOUT
Phlox paniculata Adessa Special Fire, commonly known as garden phlox, is a perennial plant renowned for its vibrant and showy flowers. The most striking feature of this variant is its bloom, characterized by a fiery array of colors, typically embodying various shades of red, orange, and pink. The petals are often vivid and slightly overlapping, with a gentle gradation of hues that attract the eye and add a splash of brightness to any garden setting. The flowers of the garden phlox come together in dense, pyramid-shaped clusters atop strong stems which are surrounded by lush green foliage. The leaves provide a deep green backdrop that highlights the brilliance of the blooms, and are usually lance-shaped with a smooth texture. Garden phlox's foliage adds to its overall bushy and rounded appearance, becoming a verdant frame for the spectacular floral display. Garden phlox is appreciated not only for its aesthetic appeal but also for its inviting fragrance. The blossoms emit a sweet and pleasant scent that intensifies during the warm evenings of its blooming season, attracting pollinators such as butterflies and hummingbirds, which further contributes to the enchantment of the garden space it occupies.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Polemoniaceae
Synonyms
Garden Phlox, Summer Phlox, Perennial Phlox, Fall Phlox
Common names
Phlox paniculata Adessa Special Fire.
ToxicityTo humans
Garden phlox is generally not considered toxic to humans. There are no well-documented cases of poisoning from ingesting garden phlox, and it is not known to contain any significant toxins that would threaten human health when touched or ingested in typical garden scenarios. However, individuals with sensitive skin may experience irritation upon handling the plant.
To pets
Garden phlox is also not known to be toxic to pets. Like humans, pets are unlikely to experience poisoning from ingesting parts of the garden phlox. While individual animals can have varying sensitivities, there is no widespread evidence to suggest garden phlox poses a significant risk to pets. As with any non-food plant, ingestion in large quantities could potentially cause gastrointestinal upset, but this is not specific to garden phlox toxicity.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Red
Height
2-3 feet (60-90 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4-8
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts pollinators: Phlox attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinating insects, improving pollination in your garden.
- Easy to grow: Summer phlox is a hardy plant that can thrive in a variety of conditions with minimal care.
- Long blooming period: It offers a long-lasting display of flowers throughout the summer months.
- Vibrant colors: Adessa Special Fire adds bold color to the garden with its bright red blooms.
- Fragrant flowers: The blooms emit a pleasant fragrance, which can add another layer of enjoyment to your garden.
- Can be used as cut flowers: The sturdy stems and attractive blooms make them suitable for cut flower arrangements.
- Versatility: Suitable for borders, containers, and as part of a mixed flowerbed.
- Disease resistance: The Adessa series are known for having good resistance to powdery mildew and other common phlox diseases.
- Deer resistant: Its foliage and flowers are less appealing to deer, reducing the likelihood of damage.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Adding vibrancy to wildlife gardens: Phlox paniculata attracts butterflies and hummingbirds, making it an excellent plant for creating a dynamic and attractive environment for wildlife enthusiasts.
- Photography subject: The vibrant colors and beautiful flowers of Phlox make it an ideal subject for photographers looking to capture the beauty of nature in their gardens.
- Educational tool: Phlox can be used in educational settings like schools and community gardens to teach about plant lifecycles, pollination, and the importance of native species in ecosystems.
- Companion planting: Phlox can be planted among vegetables like tomatoes to provide a splash of color in the garden and possibly help attract pollinators to the vegetable blooms.
- Crafting and dried flower arrangements: The blooms of Phlox can be dried and used in crafting projects or as part of dried floral arrangements for home decor.
- Themed gardens: Phlox's bright colors can be used to create a themed garden space, such as a red garden featuring various plants with red blooms or foliage.
- Fragrance garden: While the fragrance is not overpowering, Phlox does emit a subtle scent that can contribute to a sensory garden experience.
- Garden borders: The upright habit and cluster of flowers can provide structure and formality to garden borders, especially in traditional cottage garden designs.
- Nature-inspired art: Artists can draw inspiration from the shapes and colors of Phlox flowers for paintings, textiles, and other forms of art.
- Plant study: Botany students and plant enthusiasts can study Phlox as an example of plant breeding and hybridization, given its variety within the species.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Garden Phlox is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Garden Phlox is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Harmony: Phlox paniculata symbolizes harmony because of its clustered flowers that grow together in unison, showcasing balance and unity in their natural arrangement.
- Agreement: The uniform bloom of phlox represents agreement, suggesting that all elements are in accord, similar to people being in agreement with one another.
- New Beginnings: The perennial nature of phlox, which blooms year after year, embodies the idea of new beginnings and fresh starts, especially as it re-emerges each spring.
- Partnership: Since phlox plants support a diverse ecosystem of pollinators, they are often associated with partnership and the idea of working together towards a common goal.
WaterGarden Phlox requires consistent moisture, so it should be watered deeply once a week, providing about one inch of water at each session. During hot or dry periods, watering frequency should increase to twice a week. The soil should remain moist, but not waterlogged, as Phlox paniculata does not like to sit in wet soil. It’s best to water this plant at the soil level, avoiding wetting the foliage, as damp leaves can promote fungal diseases. Use a soaker hose or drip irrigation to deliver water directly to the roots, which encourages deep root growth and healthy plants.
LightGarden Phlox thrives in full sun to partial shade, with at least six hours of sunlight per day being ideal for vibrant blooms and strong growth. Place the plant in a location where it will receive morning sun and some afternoon shade, especially in regions with intense midday heat. Good light exposure is essential for the development of full, robust flower clusters and to minimize the risk of fungal diseases.
TemperatureGarden Phlox grows best in temperature ranges between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit but can survive in temperatures as low as 40 degrees and as high as 85 degrees Fahrenheit. To encourage the most vigorous growth and optimal flowering, keep the plant in conditions where nighttime temperatures don't consistently drop below 50 degrees. This perennial is cold hardy in USDA zones 4 through 8.
PruningGarden Phlox should be pruned to promote bushier growth, improve air circulation, and to remove spent flower heads, which encourages reblooming. Prune in early spring to remove any dead or damaged stems and again after the initial flowering to deadhead and stimulate a second flush of blooms. The best time for major pruning is early spring, just as new shoots appear at the base of the plant.
CleaningAs needed
SoilGarden Phlox thrives in a soil mix that is fertile, rich in organic matter, and well-draining with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0. A good recipe for potting mix would be to combine equal parts of garden soil, compost, and perlite or coarse sand to ensure proper drainage and fertility.
RepottingGarden Phlox does not need frequent repotting and can be done every 2-3 years or when the plant shows signs of being root-bound. Repotting is best done in the spring before new growth begins.
Humidity & MistingGarden Phlox prefers moderate humidity levels but is quite adaptable to various conditions. It does well in typical outdoor humidity levels, so aiming for a range around 40-60% humidity is generally suitable.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright light, well-draining soil, and good airflow.
Outdoor
Plant in sun to part shade, in nutrient-rich, moist soil.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleGarden Phlox (Phlox paniculata Adessa Special Fire) begins its life cycle as a seed, which upon germination, develops into a small seedling. The seedling then grows into a vegetative plant, forming a strong root system and foliage. As it enters the flowering stage, the plant produces vibrant flower clusters on tall stems, typically during summer. After the flowering period, the plant sets seed, which can be dispersed by wind or wildlife, completing the reproductive phase. As a perennial, Garden Phlox will die back to the ground in winter, with its root system surviving to regrow the following spring. The plant continues this yearly cycle, with mature specimens expanding in size and flower production over time.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to early summer
The most popular method for propagating Phlox paniculata, commonly known as Garden Phlox, is through stem cuttings. This is typically done in early to mid-summer when the plant is in active growth. Select a healthy stem with at least two sets of leaves and cut a 4 to 6-inch (10 to 15 centimeters) length just below a leaf node. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end into rooting hormone powder to encourage root development. The stem cutting is then placed in a moist potting mix, burying the node where the leaves were removed. It's critical to maintain a humid environment for the cutting by covering it with a plastic bag or placing it in a propagator. Roots often develop within a few weeks, after which the new plant can be transplanted into the garden.
