Garden Phlox Phlox paniculata 'Franz Schubert'
ABOUT
The Phlox paniculata 'Franz Schubert' is a perennial plant known for its vibrant and attractive flowers. It features clusters of fragrant, lilac-pink blooms that exude a sweet aroma, delighting both the eyes and the nose. Each individual flower presents a delicate appearance with a tubular base that flares into five rounded, petal-like lobes. The blossoms are densely packed together, forming impressive, showy heads that stand out in garden settings. The foliage of 'Franz Schubert' consists of pointed, lance-shaped leaves with smooth edges that are a deep, rich green. These leaves are arranged oppositely on the stem and provide a lush backdrop for the flowers, enhancing their visual impact. The plant's stems are sturdy and upright, which supports the heavy blooms and keeps them prominently displayed. Together, the blooms and foliage of 'Franz Schubert' create a harmonious and eye-catching combination that adds a touch of romance to any garden. Its ability to attract butterflies and hummingbirds is an added bonus, bringing a lively sense of movement and interest to its surroundings. This perennial is particularly favored for its long-lasting blooms that can grace a garden with their presence throughout the summer months.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Polemoniaceae
Synonyms
Garden Phlox, Summer Phlox, Perennial Phlox, Tall Phlox
Common names
Phlox paniculata 'Franz Schubert'
ToxicityTo humans
Garden Phlox (Phlox paniculata 'Franz Schubert') is not considered toxic to humans. There are no significant toxic effects reported for this plant if ingested by humans; hence, it is generally regarded as safe around people.
To pets
Garden Phlox (Phlox paniculata 'Franz Schubert') is also generally considered non-toxic to pets. There is no reported toxicity for dogs, cats, or other domestic animals from ingesting this plant. Therefore, it is not expected to cause any significant symptoms of poisoning or adverse health consequences in pets.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Lavender
Height
3-4 feet (91-122 cm)
Spread
2-3 feet (61-91 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Serves as a nectar source for butterflies and hummingbirds, enhancing pollination.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Adds visual interest to gardens with its vibrant lilac-colored flowers.
- Fragrant Flowers: Emits a pleasant fragrance, contributing to sensory garden experiences.
- Perennial Growth: Returns each year, providing continuity and reducing the need for annual replanting.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it can survive periods of low water availability, making it suitable for xeriscaping.
- Easy to Grow: Adapts to a wide range of soils and requires minimal care once established.
- Cut Flowers: Can be used in bouquets or flower arrangements due to its long stems and attractive blooms.
- Garden Design: Ideal for borders, mass plantings, and cottage gardens, offering versatility in landscape design.
- Wildlife Habitat: Provides cover and potential food source for wildlife such as birds and beneficial insects.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Educational tool for botany and horticulture students to study plant breeding and hybridization, as Phlox paniculata 'Franz Schubert' is a result of such processes.
- Flower photography subject because of its striking lilac-pink blooms, which are appealing for amateur and professional photographers alike.
- Natural dye source, where the petals can be used to create a soft pink dye for fabrics or paper.
- Insectary plant to attract beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings that may help control pests in a garden ecosystem.
- As part of sensory gardens for its textured foliage and fragrant flowers, providing a multi-sensory experience for visitors.
- Garden wildlife habitat enhancement, serving as a nectar source for native butterfly and moth species.
- Wedding decoration for rural or garden-themed weddings, often used in bouquets or as table centerpieces.
- Live painting subject in art classes or workshops, offering students a dynamic organic form to capture with paint or pencil.
- Floral arrangement teaching tool for demonstrating techniques in creating symmetrical or asymmetrical designs using garden flowers.
- A source of inspiration for artists and designers, with its blooms and growth habit providing natural patterns and shapes as creative muses.
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 stands for harmony and represents the blending of different minds or concepts.
- Unity: The clustering of Phlox flowers symbolizes unity and togetherness among people.
- Partnership: Because of its characteristic growth, Phlox is often associated with the concept of partnership and compatibility.
- Sweet Dreams: As a garden flower that blooms in clusters, Phlox is seen as a symbol of sweet dreams and wishes coming true.
- Proposal: In the language of flowers, Phlox is sometimes used to symbolize a timid proposal of love.
WaterSummer Phlox, also known as Phlox paniculata 'Franz Schubert', requires consistent moisture, especially during the growing season. It's important to keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy. Water the plant deeply once a week, providing at least one inch of water each time to encourage deep root growth. During particularly hot or dry spells, you may need to water twice a week. Be mindful of rainfall and adjust your watering accordingly to ensure the plant receives sufficient hydration without overwatering
LightSummer Phlox thrives in full sun to partial shade. For best growth and blooming, plant it in a location where it will receive at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. However, some afternoon shade can be beneficial, especially in regions with hot summers, to prevent stress and wilting
TemperatureSummer Phlox is hardy and can withstand a wide range of temperatures. It can survive winter temperatures as low as -20°F and summer temperatures well above 90°F. However, the ideal temperature range for this perennial is between 60°F and 85°F for optimal growth and flowering
PruningPrune Summer Phlox in early spring to promote vigorous growth and to maintain a tidy appearance. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage continued blooming throughout the summer. After the first killing frost, cut back the entire plant to about 1 or 2 inches above the ground to prepare it for winter and to prevent potential diseases the following season
CleaningAs needed
SoilGarden Phlox requires fertile, well-draining soil with a pH of 6.5 to 7.0. A mix containing loamy garden soil, compost, and perlite or sand is ideal to provide the necessary drainage and nutrients.
RepottingGarden Phlox, being a perennial, typically does not require repotting as it is grown outdoors. Instead, it can be divided every few years in spring to maintain vigor.
Humidity & MistingGarden Phlox thrives in average outdoor humidity levels; it does not have specific humidity requirements, making it quite adaptable.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light with ample airflow for indoor Garden Phlox.
Outdoor
Plant in sun to part shade in rich, moist soil for outdoor Garden Phlox.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cyclePhlox paniculata 'Franz Schubert', commonly known as Garden Phlox, begins its life as a seed that germinates in moist, well-drained soil during the spring. Following germination, the seedling emerges and develops into a young plant with a small rosette of leaves close to the ground. As the plant matures, it forms a robust root system and produces elongating stems with larger leaves, preparing for the flowering stage. During the summer months, the Garden Phlox reaches its full maturity and blooms, showcasing its distinct pink-lavender flowers that attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies. After the flowering stage, the plant produces seeds which are dispersed by wind or animals, allowing for the propagation of new plants. As winter approaches, the above-ground part of the Garden Phlox dies back, but the plant persists through its root system to reemerge and repeat the life cycle in the next growing season.
PropogationPropogation time
Early Spring
Phlox paniculata 'Franz Schubert', commonly known as Garden Phlox, is best propagated by division. This method involves separating the plant into smaller sections in early spring or fall. When dividing Garden Phlox, carefully dig around the plant and lift it from the ground. Gently tease apart the root ball into sections, making sure each new plant has a good amount of roots and shoots. These divisions can then be replanted at the same depth they were growing originally and watered well. Dividing not only helps to propagate new plants but also rejuvenates older clumps that may have become woody or less vigorous.
