Garden Phlox Phlox paniculata 'Brigadier'
ABOUT
The 'Brigadier' variety of Phlox, known for its showy and vibrant blooms, features clusters of striking flowers. Each cluster consists of numerous individual blossoms that come together in a lush display. The flowers themselves are richly colored with a deep, fiery red shade, which can add a dramatic flair to any garden setting. In the center of each petal is a subtle eye of a lighter or contrasting hue, adding depth and intricacy to the flower's appearance. These blossoms are renowned for their sweet fragrance, which can perfume the surrounding air, especially on warm summer evenings. The foliage is deep green, providing a perfect backdrop that further accentuates the red flowers. Leaves are lance-shaped, and the overall form of the plant is upright, with a tendency to produce a bushy growth habit.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Polemoniaceae
Synonyms
Garden Phlox, Summer Phlox, Perennial Phlox, Tall Phlox
Common names
Phlox paniculata.
ToxicityTo humans
Garden Phlox is generally not considered toxic to humans. There is limited information suggesting significant toxicity from ingestion. However, like with any plant material, individual sensitivities can vary, and ingestion of large amounts might cause stomach discomfort or an allergic reaction in some individuals.
To pets
Garden Phlox is not known to be toxic to pets. It does not typically cause any severe symptoms if ingested by animals such as dogs and cats. Nevertheless, as with humans, individual animals may have varying sensitivities and consuming plant material can sometimes lead to gastrointestinal upset or an allergic reaction in more sensitive pets.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Red
Height
3 feet 8 inches (1.12 meters)
Spread
2 feet (0.6 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
America
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Phlox Paniculata 'Brigadier' is known for attracting bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, contributing to a healthy ecosystem in the garden.
- Aesthetic Appeal: With its vibrant and colourful flowers, it adds visual interest and beauty to garden landscapes and floral arrangements.
- Fragrance: The flowers of the Garden Phlox emit a sweet fragrance that can add a pleasant scent to outdoor spaces.
- Long Blooming Period: Garden Phlox often has a long flowering season, typically from mid-summer to early fall, providing a continual display of blooms.
- Hardiness: This plant is perennial and hardy in many climates, meaning it returns each year with minimal maintenance.
- Variety of Uses: Suitable for borders, beds, and as a backdrop in gardens, it offers flexibility in landscaping design.
- Cut Flowers: The stems of Phlox Paniculata 'Brigadier' are sturdy and make excellent cut flowers for vases and bouquets.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Phlox langdugii, commonly known as the "Garden Phlox," can be used in thematic gardens, such as a moonlight or white garden, where its bright flowers add luminosity during twilight hours.
- In butterfly gardens, the Garden Phlox serves as a nectar source, attracting various species of butterflies and aiding in pollinator conservation.
- Their long blooming period makes them suited for use in educational gardens, where they can be used to teach about plant life cycles and perennial growth patterns.
- Garden Phlox can be planted as part of a living fence or border, creating a natural and attractive barrier that enhances privacy.
- In large public gardens or parks, they can be used to stabilize slopes and control soil erosion thanks to their clumping root system.
- The strong stems and vivid flowers of the Garden Phlox are ideal for floral arrangements and bouquets, providing height and a splash of color.
- Aromatic compounds in the Garden Phlox can be used to create scented oils and candles, minus the extraction of any medicinal qualities.
- In art, the vibrant colors of the Garden Phlox can inspire botanical illustrations and serve as the subject of still life paintings.
- The Garden Phlox can be integrated into sensory gardens for the visually impaired, providing textured foliage and a strong scent for sensory stimulation.
- During festive occasions, such as weddings or garden parties, Garden Phlox can be used to create a themed décor, aligning with specific color schemes.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiGarden Phlox is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityGarden Phlox is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Harmony: Phlox paniculata, commonly known as Garden Phlox, represents harmony because of its clusters of flowers that grow closely together, showcasing how individual beauty can create a cohesive and balanced whole.
- Union: The structure of garden phlox flowers, growing in dense clusters, symbolizes the coming together of many parts to form a union, making it a metaphor for marital or community unity.
- Proposal: In the language of flowers, offering a bouquet of garden phlox may serve as a romantic gesture akin to a proposal or an expression of deep love and affection.
- Sweet Dreams: The garden phlox has been attributed with the symbolism of sweet dreams and wishes due to its gentle appearance and pleasant fragrance, which was believed to attract good dreams.
WaterGarden Phlox should be watered deeply and thoroughly, ensuring that the soil is moist but not waterlogged. During the active growing season in spring and summer, water once a week with about one inch of water, which is roughly 0.623 gallons per square foot. During hot spells or dry periods, increase the frequency to twice a week. Reduce watering in the fall and almost stop during the winter months when the plant is dormant. It's important to water at the base of the plant to keep the foliage dry and prevent fungal diseases.
LightGarden Phlox thrives in an area with full sun to partial shade. The ideal spot for this plant is where it can receive at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. However, in regions with very hot summers, it benefits from some afternoon shade to protect from intense heat.
TemperatureGarden Phlox is a hardy perennial that can survive temperatures as low as 0°F and as high as 85°F. The ideal temperature conditions for this plant range from 60°F to 75°F. Phlox paniculata 'Brigadier' generally prefers the cooler temperatures of spring and fall and might show signs of stress if temperatures consistently exceed the upper limit of its comfort zone.
PruningPruning Garden Phlox is essential to encourage bushier growth, to remove spent flower heads, and to help control diseases. Deadhead spent blooms regularly to promote further blooming. After blooming has finished for the season, cut back the stems to about one to two inches above the ground. The best time for a more thorough pruning is in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for Garden Phlox is loamy, well-draining soil enriched with organic matter. The ideal soil pH for this plant should range between 6.5 and 7.0.
RepottingGarden Phlox, being a perennial, does not typically require repotting as it is normally planted directly in the garden rather than in containers.
Humidity & MistingGarden Phlox thrives in average garden humidity levels and does not require any special humidity considerations.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright light, good airflow, and moist, rich soil for indoor Garden Phlox.
Outdoor
Plant in sun, enrich soil, mulch, and ensure spacing for outdoor Garden Phlox.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cyclePhlox paniculata 'Brigadier', commonly known as Garden Phlox, starts its life as a seed planted in fertile, well-drained soil, usually in late winter to early spring. Upon germination, seedlings emerge and develop a basal rosette of leaves while establishing a root system. As spring progresses, stems elongate, leaves grow, and the plant enters a vegetative state of development. By mid to late summer, the Garden Phlox reaches the flowering stage, producing vibrant, fragrant clusters of reddish-pink flowers that attract pollinators such as hummingbirds and butterflies. After pollination, the flowers turn into seed capsules, completing the reproductive cycle as seeds are dispersed for future germination. As a perennial plant, Garden Phlox dies back to the ground during fall and enters dormancy over the winter, repeating its cycle the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Early Spring
Propogation: The most popular method of propagating Phlox paniculata 'Brigadier', often known as Garden Phlox, is by division. This is ideally done in early spring or late summer, just before the growing season begins or as it is winding down. To propagate by division, one should carefully dig up an established clump of phlox and gently separate the root ball into smaller sections ensuring that each one has a good amount of roots and at least a few shoots. These divided clumps can then be replanted at the same soil level they were previously growing at, spaced about 18 to 24 inches (approximately 45 to 60 centimeters) apart to ensure proper air circulation and room for growth. It's important to keep the newly planted divisions well-watered until they're established.
