Garden phlox Phlox paniculata 'Lilac Time'
ABOUT
The plant known as 'Lilac Time' is a variety of Garden Phlox, displaying enchanting flowers that live up to its name with their soft lilac color. The blooms are arranged in densely packed clusters, known as panicles, which stand out with their frothy appearance. Each individual flower within the clusters boasts a charming petal arrangement with a distinctive round to oval shape and a slightly trumpeted base, adding to the overall lushness. The petals of 'Lilac Time' may exhibit subtle shading, with a gradation of hues ranging from the center to the edges, sometimes accentuated towards the middle with a fainter or more vibrant eye. Together, the clusters create a visual effect of a lilac-hued cloud resting atop the plant's foliage. The leaves that form the backdrop for these lovely blooms are deep green, which makes the lilac color pop even more. They are lance-shaped and can have a slightly glossy finish, growing neatly along the stems. The foliage arrangement contributes to a full, bushy appearance, which complements the clusters of lilac flowers, providing a rich texture and color contrast throughout the blooming period. The plant also has a graceful habit, with the clusters of flowers held aloft on upright stems that emerge from the green foliage below. During its blooming season, 'Lilac Time' Garden Phlox can become a focal point in the garden, attracting butterflies, hummingbirds, and other pollinators. Overall, the Garden Phlox 'Lilac Time' is prized for its showy, fragrant flowers which are able to impart a nostalgic cottage garden feel to any landscape, with their delicate color and classic form.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Polemoniaceae.
Synonyms
Garden Phlox, Summer Phlox, Fall Phlox, Perennial Phlox, Panicled Phlox.
Common names
Phlox paniculata 'Lilac Time'
ToxicityTo humans
Garden Phlox is generally not considered toxic to humans. However, like many plants, it may cause irritation or an allergic reaction in some individuals if they have particular sensitivities. Ingesting significant quantities of any plant, including Garden Phlox, could potentially cause gastrointestinal discomfort, but Garden Phlox is not known for containing any toxic compounds that would lead to serious poisoning or severe health consequences in humans.
To pets
Garden Phlox is not known to be toxic to pets such as dogs and cats. While not poisonous, if a pet were to ingest a large amount of this plant, it might experience mild gastrointestinal upset, vomiting, or diarrhea due to the unusual plant matter in its diet. However, these symptoms are not specific to the toxicity of Garden Phlox but rather a general reaction that can occur when pets consume non-food plants.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Lilac
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: The plant's flowers are known to attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, which are vital for pollination.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Phlox paniculata 'Lilac Time' has beautiful lilac-colored flowers that can add visual interest and a pop of color to gardens and landscapes.
- Fragrance: The blooms emit a pleasant fragrance that can enhance the sensory experience of a garden.
- Perennial Growth: As a perennial, it regrows every spring, offering a long-lasting presence in a garden bed without the need for annual replanting.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, this garden phlox variety has good tolerance to dry conditions, making it suitable for gardens with less water access.
- Cut Flowers: The stems and blooms of Phlox paniculata 'Lilac Time' are suitable for cutting and can be used in floral arrangements.
- Easy to Grow: This plant is considered low-maintenance and easy to cultivate in a range of soil types, although it prefers well-drained soil.
- Summer Blooming: It flowers from mid to late summer, providing color and interest during a time when many other plants have finished blooming.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Floral Arrangements: With its long-lasting flowers, 'Garden Phlox' can be used in cut flower arrangements to add height and a touch of delicate lilac color.
- Educational Tool: 'Garden Phlox' can be used in educational gardens to teach about pollination, as it attracts various pollinators including butterflies and bees.
- Art Inspiration: The lilac blooms of 'Garden Phlox' can serve as an inspiration for artists, particularly in botanical illustration and landscape painting.
- Drought Resistant Landscaping: 'Garden Phlox' can be included in drought-resistant garden designs as it can tolerate periods of dryness once established.
- Photography: The vibrant clusters of 'Garden Phlox' make it an ideal subject for macro photography, highlighting the textures and details of the petals.
- Butterfly Gardens: 'Garden Phlox' is a favorite in butterfly gardens, as it provides nectar for adult butterflies.
- Mood Enhancing Environments: Planting 'Garden Phlox' in sitting areas or places of relaxation can help create a calming ambiance with its soft colors and gentle appearance.
- Night Gardens: 'Garden Phlox' can be included in moon gardens where its pale lilac flowers reflect the moonlight, creating a luminous effect at night.
- Seasonal Celebrations: 'Garden Phlox' can be incorporated into festive decorations during spring and summer for its seasonal appeal.
- Ecological Gardening: 'Garden Phlox' can be used in native plant gardens to support local ecology and promote biodiversity.
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 and Unity: Phlox blossoms are known for their clustered flowers, symbolizing people coming together in harmony and unity.
- Proposal or Agreement: Giving someone phlox can also symbolize a proposal or mutual understanding in some cultures.
- Sweet Dreams: Phlox has a sweet fragrance, which is sometimes associated with giving someone sweet dreams or wishing them tranquility.
- Partnership: The way phlox plants support each other in growth can represent the idea of partnership or companionship.
WaterGarden Phlox should be watered deeply once a week, providing about one inch of water each time. During hot or dry spells, you may need to water twice a week, ensuring the soil remains consistently moist but not soggy. Avoid overhead watering to prevent powdery mildew; instead, use a soaker hose or water at the base of the plant. It's essential not to let the soil dry out completely, but also be careful not to overwater as this can lead to root rot. Adjust your watering routine to account for rainfall, and aim to provide approximately one gallon of water per square foot every seven days.
LightGarden Phlox thrives in full sun to partial shade. The ideal location is where the plant can receive at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. However, in areas with very hot summers, some afternoon shade can help prevent wilting and burning of the leaves. Avoid deep shade as it will result in fewer blooms and leggy growth.
TemperatureGarden Phlox prefers moderate temperatures and can generally tolerate a wide range from approximately 60 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. It can survive minimal winter temperatures down to about -30 degrees Fahrenheit but should not be exposed to severe frost after new growth begins. The ideal growing conditions for Phlox paniculata 'Lilac Time' are in regions with warm days and cooler nights that do not frequently exceed 85 degrees Fahrenheit.
PruningPruning Garden Phlox is crucial for maintaining vigorous growth and preventing disease. Deadhead spent flower heads regularly to encourage more blooms and cut back the stems to about two inches after the first killing frost. This should be done annually and can help to control powdery mildew by improving air circulation. Additionally, divide clumps every few years in early spring to rejuvenate older plants and to keep them from growing too large.
CleaningAs needed
SoilGarden Phlox thrives in fertile, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. For best growth, mix garden loam, compost, and peat moss in equal parts to enhance soil fertility and drainage, which are crucial for preventing root rot and promoting healthy bloom.
RepottingGarden Phlox generally does not require frequent repotting as it is a perennial plant. Repotting can be done every 2-3 years or when it is visibly root-bound or has outgrown its current space, to provide fresh soil and more room for root growth.
Humidity & MistingGarden Phlox is adaptable to a range of humidity levels but prefers moderate humidity. It does not require any special humidity considerations when grown outdoor, as it can thrive in the ambient humidity levels typically found in its recommended hardiness zones.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright light, good air flow, regular watering.
Outdoor
Plant in sun, well-drained soil; space 18-24 in.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cyclePhlox paniculata 'Lilac Time', commonly known as Garden Phlox, begins its life as a seed, which upon germination in early spring, develops into a small seedling. The seedling grows through spring into a juvenile plant with characteristic lance-shaped leaves. By early to mid-summer, the plant reaches maturity, showcasing robust, erect stems that hold panicles of lilac-colored, fragrant flowers attractive to pollinators such as butterflies and hummingbirds. After flowering, usually from mid-summer to early fall, the plant sets fruit in the form of small capsules that contain seeds, which are eventually dispersed to begin a new life cycle. In preparation for winter, Garden Phlox undergoes senescence, with the above-ground portions dying back, while the root system remains alive in a state of dormancy. Come the following spring, the plant resumes growth from the rootstock, thus repeating its life cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Early Spring
Phlox paniculata 'Lilac Time', commonly known as Garden Phlox, is best propagated in early spring or late summer. The most popular method of propagation for this plant is by division, which involves digging up an established clump and gently separating it into smaller sections. Each section should have a good root system and at least a couple of shoots. Replant the divisions at the same depth they were originally growing, spacing them about 18 to 24 inches (approximately 45 to 60 centimeters) apart to allow for growth. Water the new plantings thoroughly to help establish them. This technique ensures that the new plants will be true to the parent plant, maintaining the desirable characteristics of 'Lilac Time'.
