Garden Phlox Phlox paniculata 'Monica Lynden-bell'
ABOUT
Phlox paniculata 'Monica Lynden-Bell' is a perennial garden phlox known for its showy floral display. This cultivar boasts lush clusters of delicate, fragrant flowers in a soft pink color with a more intense eye at the center of each blossom, giving it a charming two-tone effect. The individual petals are rounded with a slightly pointed tip, lending a gentle, romantic appearance to the flower heads. The blossoms are arranged in pyramid-shaped inflorescences that stand atop sturdy, upright stems which emerge from a base of bright green, oblong to lance-shaped leaves. The foliage is dense and provides a verdant backdrop for the striking blooms which can add color and fragrance to a garden during the blooming season.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Garden Phlox, Summer Phlox, Perennial Phlox, Tall Phlox, Fall Phlox
Common names
Phlox paniculata 'Monica Lynden-Bell'.
ToxicityTo humans
Garden phlox is not known to be toxic to humans. In general, if garden phlox was ingested, it is unlikely to cause any symptoms of poisoning. However, it is always best to avoid eating any part of ornamental plants due to the potential for pesticide contamination and the risk of gastrointestinal discomfort or allergic reactions in some individuals.
To pets
Garden phlox is also not known to be toxic to pets. It is generally considered safe for dogs, cats, and other domestic animals. Ingesting this plant should not result in poisoning symptoms in pets. Nonetheless, it is sensible to prevent pets from consuming non-food plants to avoid potential gastrointestinal upset.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
2-4 feet (0.6-1.2 meters)
Spread
2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Phlox Monica Lynden-Bell lures bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, which is vital for pollination in gardens.
- Aesthetic Appeal: With its striking pink flowers, it adds color and visual interest to garden beds, borders, and landscapes.
- Fragrance: The plant emits a pleasant fragrance, which can enhance the sensory experience of a garden.
- Long Blooming Period: This perennial has a relatively long flowering season, providing continuous blooms from early to late summer.
- Easy to Grow: It is known for being easy to cultivate and maintain, making it a good choice for both experienced and novice gardeners.
- Cut Flowers: Phlox makes excellent cut flowers for arrangements due to their long stems and vibrant colors.
- Naturalizing: It can spread and naturalize over time, filling in garden spaces and creating a full, lush look.
- Drought Resistance: Once established, Phlox Monica Lynden-Bell can tolerate periods of drought, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Wildlife Friendly: By attracting pollinators, it contributes to the local ecosystem and supports biodiversity.
- Companion Planting: Works well when planted alongside other perennials and annuals, supporting garden design and diversity.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Phlox paniculata 'Monica Lynden-bell', commonly known as garden phlox, can be used in potpourri due to its fragrant flowers, adding a pleasant aroma to homemade potpourri mixes.
- Garden phlox's vibrant flowers can serve as a natural dye for fabrics, creating varying shades of pink and purple depending on the mordant used.
- You can press the flowers of garden phlox to create artistic bookmarks, which preserve the beauty of the flowers in a practical item.
- Garden phlox can be incorporated into wedding decorations, such as table centerpieces or wedding arches, due to their lush clusters of flowers and range of colors.
- The long stems of garden phlox make them ideal for use in large floral arrangements for events or as a natural decor in office spaces.
- As a model in photography, the dense flower heads of garden phlox can create a vivid backdrop or focal point for creative photography projects.
- Garden phlox can serve as a natural confetti for celebrations, as the petals are biodegradable and less harmful to the environment compared to plastic confetti.
- You can use garden phlox in educational settings to teach children about pollination, as these flowers are attractive to butterflies and bees
- Garden phlox's sturdy nature allows for it to be used in crafting living wreaths or floral crowns for garden parties or festivals.
- The plant can play a role in sensory gardens where its fragrance and colorful appearance are used to engage the senses and provide a therapeutic environment.
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 and Harmony: Due to its dense clusters of flowers, garden phlox often represents unity and harmony as it showcases how individual blooms can come together to create a beautiful whole.
- New Beginnings: As a popular choice in gardens, the blooming of garden phlox signifies the start of a new growing season, thus representing renewal and new beginnings.
- Agreement: In the language of flowers, phlox is said to symbolize agreement, making it a fitting gift for someone with whom you've reached an understanding or concord.
- Proposal of Love: Garden phlox, with its attractive and fragrant flowers, can be used to symbolize a proposition of love or the sweet dreams of the lover.
- Partnership: With its growth habit of supporting one another within the cluster, garden phlox also embodies the idea of partnership.
WaterGarden Phlox should be watered deeply once a week, providing about an inch of water which approximately equals six gallons per 100 square feet. The soil should be kept evenly moist, but not saturated, to encourage healthy growth and blooms. During hot, dry spells, you may need to water garden phlox more frequently, especially if you notice the leaves drooping. Always water at the base of the plant to keep the foliage dry and help prevent the spread of disease. It's best to water early in the morning to allow any moisture on the leaves to dry during the day.
LightGarden Phlox thrives best in full sun to partial shade. The ideal location would receive direct sunlight for at least 6 hours a day; however, it can also prosper in spots with filtered sunlight or afternoon shade. Avoid deep shade as it will result in fewer blooms and a higher susceptibility to disease. The plant's vibrant flowers will be most prolific with ample sunlight, though in regions with very hot summers, some afternoon shade can be beneficial.
TemperatureGarden Phlox is hardy and can survive temperature extremes from approximately -30 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit. However, the ideal growing temperature for Garden Phlox lies between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure that the plant is mulched to protect the root zone from cold in winter and to keep the soil cooler during the hot summer months.
PruningPruning Garden Phlox is important to maintain plant health and encourage bushier growth with more blooms. Trim back the foliage in early spring to allow for new growth. Deadheading spent flowers will promote continued blooming throughout the season. After the first killing frost, prune back the stems to about 1 to 2 inches above the soil line. The best time for major pruning is in late winter or early spring.
CleaningAs needed
SoilGarden Phlox requires rich, moist well-draining soil with a pH of 6.5 to 7.0. A mix of two parts garden soil, one part peat moss, and one part perlite or coarse sand is ideal for providing the necessary drainage and fertility.
RepottingGarden Phlox doesn't typically require frequent repotting as it is usually grown as a perennial in the garden. Repot only if the plant outgrows its current container, generally every 2-3 years to refresh the soil.
Humidity & MistingGarden Phlox thrives in average humidity levels typical of outdoor garden environments; it does not have specific high humidity requirements.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright light, well-draining soil, and adequate space.
Outdoor
Plant in sun, enrich soil, water well, ensure good air flow.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cyclePhlox paniculata 'Monica Lynden-Bell', commonly known as garden phlox, begins its life cycle as a seed that germinates in moist, well-drained soil after a period of stratification to break dormancy. Upon germination, it develops a root system and sprouts its first true leaves, growing into a young plant. With adequate sunlight, water, and nutrients, the young plant matures into a full-sized perennial with a robust root system capable of surviving through winter dormancy periods. Garden phlox then enters its flowering stage in the summer, producing clusters of fragrant, tubular flowers attractive to pollinators like bees and butterflies. After pollination, the plant produces seeds which are dispersed by wind or wildlife to propagate the next generation. With the onset of fall and colder temperatures, the plant's above-ground growth dies back, while the root system remains alive underground to repeat the cycle the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to summer
Phlox paniculata 'Monica Lynden-Bell', commonly known as garden phlox, is usually propagated through division, a method most commonly employed in the spring or early fall. To propagate garden phlox by division, carefully dig up the plant, ensuring to get as much of the root system as possible. Gently separate the clumps into smaller sections, each with several shoots and a portion of the root system attached. These sections can then be replanted immediately into well-prepared soil, ensuring they are planted at the same depth as they were originally growing. Water the newly planted divisions thoroughly to help establish them in their new location, maintaining even moisture until they show signs of new growth.
