Garden Phlox Phlox paniculata 'Grenadine Dream' (PBR)
ABOUT
Phlox 'Grenadine Dream' is a perennial plant that is prized for its showy, fragrant flowers. The blooms are a striking shade of vibrant, deep pink with a lighter, almost white, eye at the center, creating a lovely contrast. These flowers are grouped together in large, rounded clusters at the ends of sturdy stems, giving the plant a lush and full appearance when in bloom. The foliage of 'Grenadine Dream' consists of Lance-shaped leaves that are arranged in pairs along the stems, providing a dense green backdrop that makes the flower color pop even more. The leaves are a deep green color, which complements the bright pink blooms and adds to the overall lushness of the plant. As with other varieties within the same genus, the flowers of 'Grenadine Dream' are known for their sweet fragrance, which can be a draw for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators throughout the blooming season. Its flowers and overall form make it an attractive choice for garden beds, borders, and as a cut flower for indoor arrangements.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Garden Phlox, Summer Phlox, Perennial Phlox, Fall Phlox
Common names
Phlox paniculata 'Grenadine Dream' (PBR).
ToxicityTo humans
Garden Phlox is generally considered non-toxic to humans, and there is no common documentation of poisoning from consuming this plant. However, as with any plant, individual allergic reactions or sensitivities may occur. If symptoms appear after contact or ingestion, medical attention should be sought.
To pets
Garden Phlox is typically recognized as a non-toxic plant to pets. There should be no toxic effects if pets consume parts of this plant. However, ingestion of any plant material may cause mild gastrointestinal upset in some animals. If an unusual reaction is observed after a pet consumes Garden Phlox, consulting a veterinarian is advised.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
2-4 feet (60-120 centimeters)
Spread
2-3 feet (60-90 centimeters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: 'Grenadine Dream' lures butterflies, hummingbirds, and other beneficial insects to your garden, enhancing pollination.
- Easy to Grow: This phlox variety is known for being hardy and relatively low maintenance, making it a good choice for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Long Blooming Period: It offers a profuse display of flowers from early summer to early fall, providing a long season of color.
- Color and Aesthetic Appeal: With vibrant pink-red flowers, this plant adds a splash of color that can vivify garden borders, beds, or containers.
- Fragrant: The blossoms emit a pleasant fragrance, which can create a more enjoyable and sensory outdoor space.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, 'Grenadine Dream' shows a degree of drought tolerance, requiring less frequent watering.
- Perennial Growth: As a perennial, it returns year after year, offering a long-term presence in the garden.
- Cut Flowers: The striking flowers are suitable for cutting and arranging, providing material for indoor bouquets.
- Disease Resistance: This cultivar has been bred for resistance to common phlox issues like powdery mildew, which can keep the plant healthier with less intervention.
- Landscape Versatility: It can be used in a variety of garden designs, from informal cottage gardens to more structured beds and borders.
- Non-Invasive: Adheres to good gardening practices by not aggressively spreading beyond its intended space.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Photographic Subject: Due to its vivid and striking blossoms, garden phlox can be used by photographers as a subject to practice macro photography or to enhance the aesthetics of garden photography.
- Garden Layout and Planning: Garden phlox can be used as an example species for garden design workshops, where students can learn about plant combinations, heights, and blooming seasons.
- Educational Tool: The growth pattern and life cycle of garden phlox could be used in educational settings to teach the basics of botany and plant biology.
- Artistic Inspiration: With its bright colors, garden phlox can serve as an inspiration for artists and craftspeople when creating paintings, fabric patterns, or other forms of artwork.
- Scented Bouquets: Garden phlox can be incorporated into scented bouquets for aromatherapy purposes or to naturally perfume indoor spaces.
- Butterfly Gardens: The nectar and pollen-rich blossoms can be planted to create habitats and food sources for butterflies in conservation areas or butterfly gardens.
- Dye Production: The pigments from garden phlox flowers can potentially be used to create natural dyes for textiles or crafts.
- Themed Events: Garden phlox can be used as a decorative element for themed events that require a specific color scheme, such as pink or purple.
- Companion Planting: Garden phlox can be used in companion planting to attract beneficial insects that help pollinate other plants or keep pest populations in check.
- Petal Confetti: Dried petals of garden phlox can be used as biodegradable confetti for eco-friendly celebrations.
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 symbolizes harmony, as its various colors blend beautifully in gardens, invoking a sense of balance and unity.
- Agreement - The name "phlox" is derived from the Greek word for flame, suggesting a strong compatibility, much like flames that merge together.
- Partnership - Phlox often represents the idea of partnership, perhaps because of its clusters of flowers that all grow and bloom together.
- Unity - Phlox blooms in dense clusters, symbolizing unity and the importance of being together with those they care about.
- Proposal - In some flower language traditions, phlox can be given as a symbol of a proposal or an offer of marriage, with its lush, full blooms suggesting abundance and fertility.
- Sweet Dreams - With varieties like 'Grenadine Dream', phlox can also be associated with sweetness and pleasant dreams, encapsulating the wish for positive thoughts or experiences.
WaterGarden Phlox should be watered deeply once a week, providing about an inch of water each time. During hot, dry periods, increase watering to twice per week. It's best to water early in the morning so that the foliage has time to dry out during the day, which helps prevent diseases. Be sure to water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage, and provide enough water to moisten the soil to a depth of 6 to 8 inches. Overwatering or allowing the plants to sit in waterlogged soil can lead to root rot, so ensure good drainage.
LightGarden Phlox thrives best in full sun, meaning it should receive at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. It can tolerate partial shade, especially in the afternoon, but too much shade can result in fewer blooms and a leggy growth habit. The ideal spot for Garden Phlox would be an area with bright morning light and some protection from the intense heat of late afternoon.
TemperatureGarden Phlox prefers a temperature range between 60°F and 75°F for optimal growth and may struggle when temperatures exceed 85°F. It can survive winter temperatures down to about -20°F but dies back to the ground and reemerges in the spring. The plant's hardiness makes it suitable for many climates, but it does best in regions where it experiences a pronounced difference between the seasons.
PruningPrune Garden Phlox to encourage bushier growth and more blooms, and to prevent disease. Deadheading, or removing spent flowers, will also promote a second bloom. The best time to prune is after the plant has finished its first major bloom, usually in late summer. Cut back the stems by one-third to one-half to maintain a neat appearance and improve air circulation among the plants.
CleaningAs needed
SoilGarden Phlox thrives in a rich, moist, well-draining soil mix with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0. A good mix for Garden Phlox can be made by combining garden soil, compost, and perlite or coarse sand to improve drainage.
RepottingGarden Phlox, being a perennial garden plant, does not typically require frequent repotting. They are usually left in the same spot for several years unless the plant outgrows its space or the soil needs rejuvenation.
Humidity & MistingGarden Phlox prefers average outdoor humidity levels. They are quite adaptable but thrive in environments that mimic their natural humid habitat, without the need for specific humidity control measures.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright light, maintain moisture, fertilize monthly.
Outdoor
Full sun, well-draining soil, regular watering, mulch base.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleThe life cycle of Phlox paniculata 'Grenadine Dream' starts with seed germination, which typically occurs in spring when the soil warms up. The seedlings grow rapidly, developing into a clump of stems with opposite, lance-shaped leaves. By early to mid-summer, the plant reaches the flowering stage where it produces clusters of fragrant, vibrant magenta-pink flowers on top of tall stems. After pollination, often by hummingbirds or butterflies, the flowers develop into small seed capsules by late summer or early autumn. Once seeds are dispersed, the plant enters a period of senescence with the first frosts, where above-ground foliage dies back, leaving the root system dormant underground. The cycle begins anew in spring, as the plant emerges once again from its winter dormancy to start the growth cycle over.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
The most popular method of propagation for the garden phlox (Phlox paniculata 'Grenadine Dream' PBR) involves taking stem cuttings. This should be done in early to mid-summer, when the plant is actively growing. Cuttings should be about 4 to 6 inches (approximately 10 to 15 cm) long, with several sets of leaves. The lower leaves are removed, and the cut end can be dipped in a rooting hormone to encourage rooting. The cutting is then placed in a well-draining potting mix, ensuring that at least one set of leaves is above the soil. The soil should be kept consistently moist but not waterlogged, and the pot should be placed in bright, indirect light. Roots typically develop within 4 to 6 weeks, after which the cutting can be transplanted to a larger pot or directly into the garden.
