Garden Phlox Phlox paniculata 'Dodo Hanbury-forbes'
ABOUT
The Phlox paniculata 'Dodo Hanbury-Forbes', commonly known as garden phlox, is a perennial plant known for its attractive and colorful flowers. This cultivar of garden phlox is characterized by its vibrant blooms which typically appear on top of sturdy stems. The flowers are densely packed in clumps or panicles, and they exhibit a lovely shade that can range from a soft pastel to a more intense hue depending on the variety. Each individual flower has a tubular shape that flares out into five petal-like lobes that are often rounded on the edges, creating a delicate starry appearance. Garden phlox leaves are generally oblong with a smooth or slightly toothed margin, and they grow in an opposite arrangement on the stem. The foliage is typically a lush, dark green which contrasts strikingly with the vivid colors of the flowers. The plant overall has a bushy, upright growth habit with the bloom clusters prominently displayed atop the green backdrop of leaves. The 'Dodo Hanbury-Forbes' variety is valued for a number of reasons, including its role as a border plant and its ability to attract pollinators such as butterflies and hummingbirds to the garden. When in full bloom, this garden phlox makes for a visually compelling specimen with its masses of fragrant flowers and rich green foliage, contributing to a diverse and lively garden display.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Garden Phlox, Summer Phlox, Perennial Phlox, Fall Phlox
Common names
Phlox paniculata 'Dodo Hanbury-Forbes'.
ToxicityTo humans
Garden Phlox is generally not considered toxic to humans. There are no well-documented cases of toxicity arising from the ingestion of Garden Phlox. Therefore, no specific symptoms of poisoning are associated with this plant for humans.
To pets
Garden Phlox is also not considered toxic to pets. It does not typically cause any harmful effects if pets consume parts of the plant. There are no specific symptoms of poisoning associated with Garden Phlox in pets.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
3-4 feet (0.9-1.2 meters)
Spread
2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4-8
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts pollinators: Garden phlox is known to attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, helping to pollinate your garden.
- Flower display: It offers vibrant and colorful blooms that enhance the aesthetic appeal of any garden space.
- Fragrance: Garden phlox has a delightful scent that can add a layer of sensory pleasure to the garden experience.
- Cut flowers: The blooms make excellent cut flowers for arrangements and can bring the garden's beauty indoors.
- Drought tolerance: Once established, these plants have moderate drought tolerance, making them suitable for gardens with periodic dry spells.
- Easy to grow: This phlox cultivar is generally easy to care for and does not require much maintenance, making it a good choice for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Perennial growth: As a perennial, it returns each year, reducing the need to replant annually and maintaining a consistent structure in the garden design.
- Variety of uses: The plant can be used in borders, flower beds, and as a backdrop in the garden, offering a range of landscaping possibilities.
- Resistant to deer: Garden phlox is often resistant to grazing by deer, which can be beneficial in areas where deer are a common garden pest.
- Long blooming period: Phlox paniculata blooms for an extended period during the summer, providing a long-lasting display of color.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Garden Phlox can be used as a natural dye source. The flowers can be boiled to extract pigments, potentially used in fabric dyeing or inks.
- The infusion of Phlox flowers can be used in crafts, such as natural flower pressing, to add color and diversity to homemade paper or cards.
- While typically not a food crop, the leaves and blooms of Phlox paniculata can sometimes be used in small quantities as a decorative, edible garnish in salads
- Garden Phlox can be implemented in a sensory garden for its range of colors and fragrance to engage the senses.
- Phlox paniculata 'Dodo Hanbury-forbes' works as a visual attractant to support wildlife photography, as it can draw a variety of pollinators and birds.
- Dried Garden Phlox flowers can be incorporated into potpourri mixes for a subtle, sweet fragrance in homes.
- The plant can be a teaching tool in botany or horticulture classes to demonstrate plant structure, pollination and hybridization.
- Phlox stems can be used in floral arrangements for events, adding height and volume to bouquets due to their clustered flower heads.
- By planting them alongside vegetable gardens, Garden Phlox can serve as a companion plant, attracting pollinators that may improve the yield of vegetables.
- Phlox paniculata can be planted in memory gardens or as part of a green burial, symbolizing deep and enduring love.
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- Unity and Harmony: Phlox, with its bunches of flowers that bloom together, is often seen as a symbol of the unity and harmonious blend of souls, representing the coming together of people in life.
- Partnership: The way phlox's flowers are closely clustered can represent deep human connections and enduring partnerships, symbolizing commitment to a relationship, cause, or partnership.
- Agreement: Phlox bloom in a variety of colors but often within the same plant, symbolizing consensus and the idea that different minds can agree on a single notion or cause.
- New Beginnings: As a plant that is perennial by nature, phlox can represent renewal or new beginnings, as it returns each year with fresh growth and blossoms.
- Sweet Dreams: Some cultures hold a belief that phlox can encourage sweet dreams and a peaceful state of mind, particularly when planted in a garden near where one rests.
- Proposal: With their showy blooms and sweet fragrance, phloxes are sometimes given as a symbol of a proposition or the start of something new, making them appropriate for occasions like engagements.
WaterGarden Phlox should be watered deeply and thoroughly once a week, making sure to saturate the soil to a depth of at least one inch. During hot or dry periods, increase watering to twice per week. When watering, avoid overhead irrigation to reduce the risk of mildew and other diseases; instead, use a soaker hose or drip irrigation to deliver water directly to the base of the plants. Newly planted phlox may require more frequent watering until they are established. The goal is to maintain consistent moisture without overwatering, as phlox does not like to be in overly soggy soil.
LightGarden Phlox thrives in full sun conditions, receiving at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. It tolerates partial shade, but too much shade can hamper its flowering and make it susceptible to disease. Ideally, plant it in a spot where it can bask in the morning sun and get some afternoon shade, especially in hotter climates to avoid scorching. Adequate sunlight also helps with air circulation around the plants, reducing the risk of mildew.
TemperatureGarden Phlox prefers moderate temperatures and can perform well in areas with summer temperatures ranging from 60 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. It can tolerate temperatures as low as 40 degrees Fahrenheit but will not survive in conditions where temperatures consistently drop below freezing. The ideal temperature range for optimal growth and flowering is between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
PruningGarden Phlox benefits from pruning to promote bushier growth, improve air circulation, and encourage more blooms. Deadheading, or the removal of spent flowers, should be done consistently throughout the blooming season to extend flowering. Cut back the entire plant by half in late spring or early summer to delay blooming and reduce the risk of powdery mildew. After the first killing frost, cut back the stems to 1-2 inches above the ground to prepare the plant for winter.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe garden phlox requires a soil mix that is rich in organic matter, well-draining, and has a pH of 6.5 to 7.0. A mixture of loamy garden soil, compost, and a handful of bone meal will provide the nutrients it needs. Mulching can help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
RepottingGarden phlox, being a perennial and not a typical houseplant, does not require repotting in the traditional sense. It should be divided every 3 to 5 years to maintain its vigor and prevent overcrowding. Dividing is preferably done in early spring or fall.
Humidity & MistingGarden phlox thrives in average outdoor humidity conditions and does not require any special humidity adjustments. However, ensure the plant has good air circulation to prevent issues with powdery mildew, particularly in humid climates.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright indirect light, consistent moisture, and good air circulation.
Outdoor
Full sun to partial shade, well-drained soil, regular watering, mulch around base.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleGarden Phlox (Phlox paniculata 'Dodo Hanbury-forbes') begins its life cycle with seed germination, typically occurring in early spring when soil temperatures warm up. Following germination, the seed develops into a young seedling with a basic root system and a few leaves, entering the vegetative growth stage where it focuses on developing a robust root system and foliage. As the plant matures throughout the spring and into early summer, it transitions to the flowering stage, producing tall, fragrant flower clusters in hues of pink and lavender. After pollination, which is often assisted by birds, bees, and butterflies attracted to the flowers, the plant sets seed in late summer. Once the seeds are mature, they disperse into the surrounding environment, and the parent plant's above-ground foliage begins to die back with the onset of cooler autumn temperatures. The plant then enters a period of dormancy throughout the winter, with the root system remaining alive underground, ready to regrow when favorable conditions return in the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to summer
Propogation: Phlox paniculata, commonly known as garden phlox, is typically propagated through stem cuttings. To propagate garden phlox by cuttings, one should select a healthy, non-flowering stem and cut a 4 to 6 inch (about 10 to 15 cm) section. This should be done in late spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. Remove the leaves from the lower half of the cutting and dip the cut end in rooting hormone powder to encourage root development. Then insert the cutting into a moist potting mix, making sure at least two nodes are buried where leaves were removed. Covering the pot with a plastic bag can create a humid environment to further facilitate rooting. Roots usually develop in a few weeks, after which the new plant can be transplanted.
