Garden Phlox Phlox paniculata 'Kirchenfürst'
ABOUT
Phlox paniculata 'Kirchenfürst', commonly known as garden phlox, is a perennial plant renowned for its showy blooms and ability to bring vibrant color to the landscape. This cultivar boasts a profusion of flowers which gather in large, dense clusters at the top of sturdy stems. The flowers themselves are a striking shade, often described as magenta or a deep pink with a purplish hue that can appear almost iridescent in the right light. Each individual flower of the garden phlox has a tubular base that flares out into five flat, rounded petals that are arranged in a radial pattern. These blossoms give off a sweet, heady fragrance that is especially noticeable in the early evening and that can attract pollinators like butterflies and hummingbirds to a garden. The foliage of the garden phlox 'Kirchenfürst' forms a backdrop to its flowers with lance-shaped leaves that are a lush, deep green color. These leaves can appear glossy and provide a pleasant contrast to the bold colors of the blossoms above. As a deciduous plant, the garden phlox loses its leaves in the fall where it then goes dormant in the winter, especially in cooler climates. Overall, the vibrant display of the garden phlox 'Kirchenfürst' adds a splash of color and sweet fragrance to gardens and is a popular choice for many gardeners seeking to create an eye-catching floral display.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Polemoniaceae
Synonyms
Summer Phlox, Garden Phlox, Perennial Phlox, Tall Phlox
Common names
Phlox paniculata 'Kirchenfürst'.
ToxicityTo humans
Garden Phlox is generally considered non-toxic to humans. Ingesting any part of this plant typically does not lead to serious poisoning. However, as with many plants, individual allergic reactions or skin irritation may occur after handling the plant, especially if there is prolonged or repeated contact. If ingested in large amounts, there might be gastrointestinal discomfort or other mild symptoms, but these are not commonly reported.
To pets
Garden Phlox is not known to be toxic to pets. Both cats and dogs are generally not harmed by ingesting this plant. As with humans, the potential for allergic reactions cannot be entirely ruled out, but this plant is typically safe around domestic pets. Skin irritation or mild gastrointestinal upset could occur if a pet were to consume large quantities, but this is uncommon.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Purple
Height
2-4 feet (0.6-1.2 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: Summer Phlox lures bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects which are essential for pollination and maintaining a healthy ecosystem.
- Aesthetic appeal: With its vibrant purple blooms, it adds color and beauty to any garden or landscape setting.
- Fragrance: The flowers emit a pleasant scent that can create an enjoyable atmosphere in outdoor spaces.
- Hardiness: Summer Phlox is known for being a hardy plant that can thrive in a variety of climates and soil types.
- Long blooming period: It blooms from mid-summer until early fall, providing extended periods of color and interest.
- Drought tolerance: Once established, it has good resistance to short periods of drought.
- Ease of care: It requires minimal maintenance, making it a good choice for both novice and experienced gardeners.
- Versatility: The plant can be used in borders, flowerbeds, and as a backdrop for shorter plants, providing structure and depth to garden design.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Garden Border Accent: Phlox paniculata adds height and vibrant color as an accent in perennial garden borders.
- Butterfly Attraction: Gardens featuring Phlox paniculata invite numerous butterflies, adding life and motion to the garden ecosystem.
- Hummingbird Garden: Because of its nectar-rich flowers, this plant is perfect for creating a hummingbird-friendly garden environment.
- Natural Dye: The flowers of Phlox paniculata can be used to extract natural dyes for coloring textiles and art projects.
- Floral Arrangements: The bright, clustered flowers make them a charming choice for bouquets and floral decorations.
- Photography: With their striking appearance, they make a great subject for garden and nature photography.
- Educational Resource: Phlox paniculata is a useful plant for educational gardens, demonstrating pollination and plant growth to students.
- Garden Theming: Use Phlox paniculata to create a "moon garden" with its lighter colored varieties which reflect moonlight in the evening.
- Companion Planting: Can be planted alongside vegetables to draw beneficial insects that prey on garden pests.
- Seasonal Interest: Phlox paniculata can be strategically planted for seasonal interest, showcasing its late summer blooms when other plants may be fading.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiGarden Phlox is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityGarden Phlox is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Unity: Phlox, in a general sense, symbolizes unity or harmony, as the individual flowers are tightly grouped together in a dense cluster, reflecting how individuality can coexist with collective strength. The name 'Kirchenfürst' could reinforce this symbolism by alluding to the ecclesiastical community.
- Agreement: Phlox is often used to signify a harmonious relationship or mutual understanding between people, suggesting that despite different opinions, a common ground exists.
- Proposal: In Victorian flower symbolism, giving someone phlox could signify a proposal or an offer of marriage, which may be due to its association with harmony and union.
- Sweet Dreams: Because of its delicate and sweet-smelling flowers, phlox can be associated with the expression of sweet dreams or wishes for pleasant thoughts.
- Partnership: The clustered nature of the phlox blooms can also be representative of partnership, endorsing the value of teamwork and collaboration.
WaterGarden phlox should be watered deeply and thoroughly once a week, providing about an inch of water each time. During hot or dry periods, increase watering frequency to every four to five days. Ensure that the soil is moist but well-drained, and avoid overhead watering to help reduce the risk of powdery mildew. It's best to water early in the day so the foliage has time to dry before evening. A total of 1 to 1.5 gallons per week per plant is a good guideline, adjusting based on weather conditions and soil type.
LightGarden phlox thrives best in full sun to partial shade. The ideal location is one where it can receive at least six hours of direct sunlight daily, though afternoon shade can be beneficial in extremely hot climates. Ensuring ample sunlight promotes strong growth and abundant flowering.
TemperatureGarden phlox is hardy and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, from approximately -30°F to 90°F. Flowering is most prolific when daytime temperatures stay between 68°F and 80°F. It's important to avoid the extremes, as prolonged exposure to temperatures beyond this range can stress the plant.
PruningGarden phlox benefits from pruning to encourage bushier growth, improve air circulation, and reduce the risk of disease. Deadheading spent flowers can also promote a second bloom. Cut back the plant by one-third to one-half after the first bloom period, typically in late summer. Annual pruning in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins, helps maintain plant health and vigor.
CleaningAs needed
SoilGarden Phlox thrives in rich, moist, well-draining soil with a pH of 6.5 to 7.0. A mix containing loam or garden soil amended with compost or well-rotted manure and a handful of bone meal will encourage strong growth and prolific blooms.
RepottingGarden Phlox, being a perennial garden plant, doesn't require frequent repotting. It is typically divided or transplanted every 3 to 4 years to maintain its vigor and to control its spread in the garden.
Humidity & MistingGarden Phlox prefers moderate humidity conditions but is adaptable to the typical humidity levels found in most garden environments, as long as adequate moisture is provided through regular watering.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright light and ensure good air circulation for Garden Phlox.
Outdoor
Plant in sun-rich area, ensure moist, well-draining soil for Garden Phlox.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cyclePhlox paniculata 'Kirchenfürst', commonly known as Garden Phlox, starts its life cycle from seed germination when the environmental conditions are favorable, usually in the spring. The seedlings emerge and grow into vegetative plants, developing a root system and foliage through photosynthesis during the growing season. As the plant matures, it enters the flowering stage in early to mid-summer where it produces clusters of fragrant, colorful flowers that are highly attractive to pollinators. After pollination, typically by insects, the flowers develop into fruit which contains seeds, completing the reproductive phase. Once the seeds are shed in late summer or autumn, the plant prepares for dormancy; the above-ground foliage may die back with the onset of colder temperatures. The plant overwinters with its root system and crown intact, ready to resprout when the next growing season begins.
PropogationPropogation time
Early spring
For Phlox paniculata 'Kirchenfürst', commonly known as Garden Phlox, the most popular method of propagation is by division. This process is typically carried out in early spring or late summer after the blooming season. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the plant, ensuring a substantial amount of root and crown is included with each division. With a sharp spade or a knife, split the plant into smaller sections, each with several shoots and a portion of the root system attached. These sections can then be replanted in well-prepared soil, spaced approximately 18 to 24 inches (45 to 60 cm) apart, to allow for adequate air circulation and room for growth. The divisions should be watered thoroughly after planting to help establish the new plants.
