Garden Phlox Phlox paniculata 'Mount Fuji'
ABOUT
Phlox paniculata 'Mount Fuji' is a highly attractive cultivar known for its showy and lush appearance. This summer bloomer boasts a profusion of flowers that form dense, panicle-shaped clusters at the top of its stems. The blooms are a radiant white, creating a cooling, snowy effect in the garden. The individual flowers have a classic phlox shape with five rounded petals that spread outward, offering a delicate and frothy visual texture. Each blossom exudes a sweet fragrance that can carry through the air, especially on warm summer evenings. The foliage of 'Mount Fuji' consists of lance-shaped leaves that are a deep, rich green, creating a perfect backdrop for the stunning white flowers. The leaves are arranged in an opposite fashion on the stems, contributing to the plant's dense and bushy habit. With its lush greenery and bountiful blooms, 'Mount Fuji' is an ideal choice for adding romantic white accents to borders, beds, and cottage gardens. It is a perennial that will return year after year, bringing with it reliable beauty and an enchanting presence.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Polemoniaceae
Synonyms
Garden Phlox, Summer Phlox, Perennial Phlox, Tall Phlox
Common names
Phlox paniculata 'Mount Fuji'
ToxicityTo humans
Garden Phlox is generally considered non-toxic to humans. There is no widespread evidence or reporting of severe reactions or poisoning from ingesting this plant. However, as with any plant material, individual allergies or sensitivities can exist, and ingestion of plant parts could potentially lead to mild gastrointestinal upset or discomfort in some people. It is always a wise precaution not to consume any plant parts unless they are known to be safe for human consumption.
To pets
Garden Phlox is also typically non-toxic to pets, which means that it is not known to cause serious harm if pets were to ingest parts of the plant. However, individual animals can have different sensitivities, and ingestion could potentially cause mild stomach upset. As with humans, pets should not consume plant material unless it is known to be safe. If you suspect your pet is experiencing adverse effects from ingesting any plant, it is best to consult a veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
2-3 feet (60-90 cm)
Spread
2 feet (60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Phlox paniculata 'Mount Fuji' is known to attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators to the garden, enhancing pollination for a variety of plants.
- Aesthetic Appeal: With its lush white blooms and green foliage, it adds beauty and visual interest to garden landscapes.
- Fragrance: The flowers of garden phlox emit a sweet fragrance that can be enjoyed on summer evenings, adding a sensory dimension to the garden.
- Cut Flower Use: The long-lasting blooms are ideal for creating attractive floral arrangements for indoor use.
- Disease Resistance: Cultivars like 'Mount Fuji' often exhibit improved resistance to common phlox diseases such as powdery mildew.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, these plants are relatively drought-tolerant, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Long Blooming Period: Garden phlox has a lengthy flowering period, often from mid-summer into early fall, providing color for an extended season.
- Versatility: Suitable for borders, garden beds, and as a backdrop for lower-growing plants, adding structure to garden design.
- Easy to Grow: Phlox paniculata is generally easy to cultivate and can thrive in a variety of soil conditions with minimal care.
- Wildlife Habitat: It provides shelter and breeding spots for beneficial insects within the garden ecosystem.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Garden Photography: Due to its stunning white flowers, Garden Phlox is ideal for garden photography enthusiasts looking to capture vibrant images of natural beauty.
- Educational Tool: Horticulture students and educators can use Garden Phlox to demonstrate plant care, propagation, and breeding techniques.
- Events and Celebrations: Garden Phlox can be used decoratively in outdoor events or ceremonies, adding a touch of elegance with its lush blooms.
- Art Inspiration: Artists may use Garden Phlox as a subject for painting, drawing, or even sculpting, thanks to its aesthetic appeal.
- Dye Production: Although not a common dye plant, in a pinch, the petals could potentially be used to create a natural dye for fabrics or crafts.
- Butterfly Garden: Planting Garden Phlox as part of a butterfly garden can attract various species of butterflies, providing an excellent opportunity to observe these insects up close.
- Potpourri: The dried flowers of Garden Phlox can be used in potpourri mixtures to add a pleasant fragrance to rooms.
- Theme Gardens: It can serve as a staple in theme gardens, for example, a white garden or a moonlight garden due to its color and night-time visibility.
- Winter Garden Planning: The sturdy structure of Garden Phlox can be used to visualize and plan garden designs during the winter months when the garden is less lush.
- Marker Plant: Garden Phlox's upright growth habit can be helpful as a marker plant to delineate spaces or borders in a garden layout.
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 paniculata 'Mount Fuji' with its clumping growth habit symbolizes harmony as it represents the uniting of multiple blossoms that grow together seamlessly.
- Unity: The clustering nature of this Garden Phlox's flowers also presents an emblem of unity, where individual florets are part of a larger, cohesive whole.
- Proposal: In Victorian flower language, giving a bouquet of Garden Phlox could indicate a proposal or courtship, as its vibrant flowers bring a sense of excitement and enthusiasm to the act of wooing.
- Sweet dreams: It is believed that Phlox brings about sweet dreams, translating the flower’s sweet fragrance into an equally pleasant experience in the dream world.
WaterGarden Phlox needs to be watered regularly, ideally with 1 inch of water per week, whether through rainfall or manual watering. During hot or dry periods, water needs may increase, requiring additional watering sessions. Ensure the soil remains moist but not waterlogged. Water at the base of the plants to keep the foliage dry and reduce the risk of fungal diseases. Adjust the watering frequency based on weather conditions and soil moisture level, but as a general rule, aim for thorough watering once a week.
LightGarden Phlox thrives in full sunlight, requiring at least six hours of direct sun daily to bloom optimally. It can tolerate partial shade, but flowering may be reduced in less sunny conditions. A location with morning sun and afternoon shade can help in areas with very hot summer weather, but generally, the more sun Garden Phlox gets, the more prolific the blooms will be.
TemperatureGarden Phlox is a hardy perennial that can withstand minimum winter temperatures down to -30°F and summer temperatures up to 90°F or higher. The ideal temperature for vigorous growth and blooming usually ranges between 65°F and 75°F. Ensure good air circulation around plants to prevent disease, especially in the higher end of the temperature range.
PruningPruning Garden Phlox is important for promoting robust blooms and managing plant health. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage more blooms and to keep the plants looking tidy. After the first killing frost, cut back the stems to 1-2 inches above the ground to prepare for winter. Prune again in the spring to remove any dead or damaged stems and to shape the plant.
CleaningAs needed
SoilGarden Phlox thrives in well-draining soil rich in organic matter with a pH between 6.0 and 8.0. A good mix for Garden Phlox would be two parts garden soil, one part peat moss or compost, and one part perlite or coarse sand to enhance drainage. Regular amendments with organic compost will help maintain soil vitality.
RepottingGarden Phlox, being a perennial plant, doesn't typically require frequent repotting. It is best to divide clumps every 3 to 4 years to rejuvenate and prevent overcrowding. This division should be done in the spring or early fall.
Humidity & MistingGarden Phlox prefers moderate humidity levels. It can tolerate some humidity variations, but consistently high humidity can lead to issues with powdery mildew, especially if airflow is poor.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright light and good air circulation indoors.
Outdoor
Plant in sun to part shade with good air circulation.
Hardiness zone
Garden Phlox is suitable for USDA zones 4-8.
Life cyclePhlox paniculata 'Mount Fuji', commonly known as Garden Phlox, begins its life cycle as a seed that germinates in spring under suitable temperature and soil conditions. It develops a root system and foliage as a young plant, and by the first or second year, it forms a sturdy stem and begins producing leaves. As it matures, usually by mid to late summer, it produces clusters of fragrant, white blossoms that attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies. After flowering, it sets seed which can be dispersed by wind or wildlife, or harvested for propagation. As a perennial, Garden Phlox will die back to the ground in autumn with the onset of colder weather, surviving the winter as a root system. In the following spring, it will again send up shoots to restart the growth cycle, continuing to enlarge its clump size each year.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to early summer
Phlox paniculata 'Mount Fuji', commonly known as Garden Phlox, can be propagated via stem cuttings, which is the most popular method for this perennial. In late spring or early summer, just as the new shoots are emerging, take a 4-6 inch cutting from a healthy plant. The bottom leaves should be stripped off, and the cut end should be dipped into a rooting hormone powder to increase the chances of successful rooting. Then, insert the cutting into a pot with moistened soil or a soilless mix. To maintain humidity, which is crucial for rooting, you may cover the pot with a plastic bag or place it in a propagator. In a few weeks, the cutting should develop roots, after which it can be transplanted into the garden.
