Garden Phlox Phlox paniculata Peacock Cherry Red (Peacock Series)

👤 Non-toxic to humans

🐾 Non-toxic to pets

🌸 Blooming

🍪 Not edible

‍🌱 Easy-care

ABOUT

The Phlox paniculata Peacock Cherry Red, commonly known as the Garden Phlox, boasts vibrant blooms that create a stunning visual display in gardens and landscapes. This particular variety in the Peacock Series is known for its cherry red flowers, which gather in large, dense clusters at the top of the stems. The blossoms are richly colored and typically exhibit a classic phlox shape with five rounded petals that spread outwards to create a flat or slightly funnel-form appearance. In the center of each flower, you may notice a small, darker eye that adds depth and contrast to the overall floral presentation. The flowers emit a delightful fragrance that can be detected when in close proximity. Complementing the striking blooms are the plant's leaves, which are oblong with a smooth or slightly toothed margin, and they are a deep, lush green that serves as the perfect backdrop to the intense Cherry Red tones of the flowers. The foliage and flowers together create a bushy and full appearance, making this Garden Phlox variety a popular choice for those seeking to add a bold splash of color and an aromatic charm to their garden spaces.

Plant Info

Care

Common Problems

About this plant

Names
- Synonyms
  Garden Phlox, Summer Phlox, Perennial Phlox, Tall Phlox.
- Common names
  Phlox paniculata Peacock Cherry Red.
Toxicity
- To humans
  Garden phlox is generally not considered toxic to humans. However, as with many plants, sensitivity can vary among individuals, and mild gastrointestinal upset or skin irritation could occur if ingested or handled without protection, respectively. These symptoms are not common, and serious consequences or poisoning from garden phlox are highly unlikely.
- To pets
  Garden phlox is also not typically toxic to pets. It is not listed on common toxic plant lists for animals such as dogs and cats. As with humans, ingestion might sometimes lead to mild gastrointestinal upset due to the plant's fiber content or if the pet is not accustomed to ingesting this type of plant material. However, it is unlikely to cause severe poisoning or serious health issues in pets.
Characteristics
- Life cycle
  Perennials
- Foliage type
  Deciduous
- Color of leaves
  Green
- Flower color
  Cherry Red
- Height
  2-3 feet (60-90 cm)
- Spread
  1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
- Plant type
  Herb
- Hardiness zones
  4
- Native area
  North America

Benefits

General Benefits
- Attracts Pollinators: Phlox paniculata 'Peacock Cherry Red' attracts bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, which are essential for pollination and healthy gardens.
- Aesthetic Appeal: With its vibrant cherry-red flowers, this phlox adds a splash of color to garden beds, borders, and flower arrangements, enhancing the visual beauty of outdoor spaces.
- Long Blooming Period: This variety of phlox provides a long blooming period from mid to late summer, offering sustained interest throughout the season.
- Fragrance: The flowers emit a pleasant fragrance that can create a sensory experience in the garden or when used in indoor cut-flower displays.
- Easy to Grow: Phlox paniculata 'Peacock Cherry Red' is known to be an easy-to-grow plant, requiring minimal maintenance, which makes it suitable for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Versatility: It can be used in a variety of garden settings including cottage gardens, cut flower gardens, and perennial borders, offering versatility in landscape design.
- Wildlife Habitat: By providing nectar, the plant helps in creating a habitat for wildlife, which is important for biodiversity.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, this phlox can be quite drought tolerant, reducing the need for frequent watering and making it a water-wise choice for gardens.
Medical Properties
This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying Qualities
This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses
- Garden Pest Control: The vibrant blooms of Phlox paniculata can attract natural predators of garden pests, thus serving as a biological pest control method.
- Natural Fabric Dyes: The petals of Phlox paniculata can be used to create natural fabric dyes, offering a range of red hues for textile projects.
- Educational Tool: Schools and nature centers may utilize Phlox paniculata in educational programs to teach about plant biology, pollination, and gardening.
- Artistic Inspiration: The striking red flowers can inspire artists and photographers, providing a beautiful subject for paintings, illustrations, and photos.
- Culinary Garnish: Though not widely recognized as an edible flower, the petals can occasionally be used as a colorful garnish for salads and desserts.
- Composting Material: As the plant matter decomposes, Phlox paniculata can contribute to a nutrient-rich compost used to enrich garden soil.
- Mood Enhancing Landscapes: With its bright flowers and pleasant fragrance, planting Phlox paniculata may contribute to a calming and joyful atmosphere in outdoor spaces.
- Botanical Research: Due to its characteristics and variations, Phlox paniculata may be used in botanical research to study plant genetics and hybridization.
- Soil Erosion Control: When planted in groups, Phlox paniculata can help stabilize soil and control erosion in certain landscapes.
- Wildlife Sanctuary: The flowers provide nectar for hummingbirds, butterflies, and other pollinators, making them an essential part of creating a wildlife-friendly garden.

Interesting Facts

Feng Shui
Garden Phlox is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign Compitability
Garden Phlox is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism
- Harmony: Phlox symbolizes harmony, representing the blending of different hues within a garden to create a sense of unity and balance.
- Unity: With its clusters of flowers, phlox often represents unity or the coming together of hearts and minds, much like the individual blossoms join in a lush display.
- Partnership: Phlox can symbolize partnership, reflecting how its flowers work together to create an overall impact much greater than any single bloom could achieve alone.
- Proposal: In the language of flowers, phlox has been used to symbolize a proposal or an offer of marriage, with its striking appearance standing out as a bold romantic gesture.
- Sweet Dreams: Due to the gentle and pleasant fragrance of Phlox paniculata, it is associated with sweet dreams and is thought to bring about a peaceful sleep when planted near a bedroom window.

💧

Every 1-2 weeks

Water

☀️

2500 - 10000 Lux

Light

💦️

Humidity

🪴

Every 2-3 years

Repotting

🌱️

Spring to Summer

Propogation

✂️️

As needed

Pruning

Water
Garden phlox should be watered deeply and thoroughly to ensure that the water reaches the deep roots, roughly every week, providing about an inch of water. During hot, dry spells, watering may need to be more frequent to maintain moist but not waterlogged soil. It is crucial to avoid overhead watering to help prevent the onset of fungal diseases. A practical approach would be to apply approximately half a gallon per square foot every week, adjusting as necessary for weather conditions.
Light
Garden phlox thrives in full sun which means it should receive at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. An ideal spot would be an open area with clear exposure to the sun, away from larger plants or structures that could cast shade on it. Phlox can tolerate partial shade, especially in hot climates, but it blooms best in full sun.
Temperature
Garden phlox prefers temperate climates and does best in a temperature range between 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. It can survive minimum temperatures down to about -30 degrees Fahrenheit when properly established and mulched in winter. To encourage vibrant growth and flowering, aim to maintain a comfortable, moderate temperature around the ideal range.
Pruning
Pruning garden phlox is essential for maintaining its health and promoting a second bloom. Deadheading, or the removal of spent flower heads, can be done throughout the blooming season to encourage reblooming. Additionally, cut back the foliage to ground level in late fall or early winter after the first hard frost to help prevent disease and prepare the plant for its dormant period. The best time for substantial pruning is in the spring, just as new shoots appear.
Cleaning
As needed
Soil
Garden Phlox (Phlox paniculata) thrives in a soil mix that is rich in organic matter, well-draining, and has a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. To create the best soil mix, combine two parts garden soil, one part peat moss or compost, and one part perlite or coarse sand for drainage.
Repotting
Garden Phlox does not commonly require repotting as it is typically grown as a perennial in the garden. If growing in containers, repot every 2-3 years to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth.
Humidity & Misting
Garden Phlox prefers moderate humidity levels but is quite adaptable and can thrive in the average humidity found outdoors in its growing regions. It does not have specific humidity requirements.
Suitable locations
- Indoor
  Grow Garden Phlox in a bright spot with some direct light.
- Outdoor
  Plant in full sun to part shade, in fertile, moist soil.
- Hardiness zone
  4-8 USDA
Life cycle
Phlox paniculata Peacock Cherry Red begins its life cycle as a seed, sown in early spring or through division of established plants. Upon germination, the seedling emerges and establishes a root system, growing into a vegetative stage with characteristic lance-shaped leaves. The plant then enters a period of rapid growth, where it forms a sturdy stem and foliage, preparing for the flowering stage, which typically occurs in the summer months. During the flowering stage, the plant produces clusters of vibrant, cherry-red flowers that attract pollinators and can last several weeks. After pollination, the flowers give way to seed capsules if pollinators have been active, leading to seed dispersal and the potential for new plants to grow. As temperatures lower in fall to winter, the plant enters dormancy, with the above-ground parts dying back, while the root system remains alive to regenerate the next spring.
Propogation
- Propogation time
  Spring to Summer
- Phlox paniculata 'Peacock Cherry Red', commonly known as Garden Phlox, is typically propagated through division, as this is the most popular and reliable method for this perennial plant. The best time for division is in the early spring or late summer, when the plant is not in peak bloom. To propagate through division, the gardener should gently lift the clump of phlox from the soil using a spade or fork, taking care not to damage the root system. The clump should then be split into smaller sections, each with a good portion of roots and several shoots. Replant the divisions promptly, spacing them about 18 to 24 inches (approximately 45 to 60 centimeters) apart, in well-draining soil with ample sunlight. Watering the divisions thoroughly after planting helps establish the new plants. This method allows for rapid multiplication of the phlox while maintaining the characteristics of the 'Peacock Cherry Red' variety.