Garden Phlox Phlox paniculata Peacock Lilac (Peacock Series)
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ABOUT
The Peacock Lilac, belonging to the Peacock Series, is an ornamental perennial known for its luscious clusters of flowers that contribute a splash of vibrancy to gardens. These flowers exhibit a delightful lilac color, resembling a soft purple hue that invokes the charm of a picturesque meadow. The blooms come together in dense, pyramid-shaped bunches, creating a visually appealing impact with their abundance. Each individual flower is trumpet-shaped, which adds to the overall allure of the plant when observed up close. The vibrant flowers are contrasted beautifully against a background of lush green foliage. The leaves are typically pointed and oblong, providing a fresh, verdant backdrop that accentuates the pastel tones of the blooms. With its stunning floral display, the Peacock Lilac is a popular choice for garden enthusiasts who wish to add a touch of perennial color to their landscape.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Garden Phlox, Summer Phlox, Perennial Phlox, Tall Phlox
Common names
Phlox paniculata Peacock Lilac.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Lilac
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 brings bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects to the garden, aiding in pollination.
- Easy to grow: This variety of garden phlox is known for being hardy and relatively easy to cultivate in a variety of garden settings.
- Long blooming period: The Peacock Lilac phlox has a lengthy flowering season, usually from mid to late summer, adding long-lasting color to the garden.
- Fragrant flowers: The blooms are highly fragrant, adding a pleasant aroma to the garden area.
- Height interest: With its tall stems, which can reach up to 2-4 feet, this plant adds vertical interest to gardens and landscapes.
- Colorful blooms: It produces vibrant lilac-colored flowers that can enhance the visual appeal of any garden space.
- Perennial growth: As a perennial, it returns year after year, offering a reliable and consistent display in the garden.
- Cut flowers: The blossoms are suitable for cutting and can be used to create attractive indoor flower arrangements.
- Drought tolerance: Once established, it has good drought tolerance, making it suitable for gardens with less frequent watering.
- Deer resistance: Phlox paniculata is somewhat resistant to deer, which can be beneficial in areas where deer browsing is a problem.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Photography Subject: The vibrant lilac flowers of the Phlox make it a popular choice for photographers seeking to capture the beauty of ornamental garden plants.
- Educational Tool: Botany students and plant enthusiasts may use Phlox to learn about flower structure, pollination, and plant habit through observation and study.
- Artistic Inspiration: Artists may be inspired by the Phlox's vivid colors and form, using it as a model for paintings, illustrations, or textile designs.
- Creative Dye Source: The petals of the Phlox can be used to create natural dyes for fabric, offering a range of lilac to purple hues.
- Garden Theme Creation: Phlox can be used to create a “moonlight” garden theme with other white or pale flowers that are particularly luminous in the evening light.
- Culinary Garnish: While not common, the Phlox's flowers may be used as an edible garnish for salads or desserts, after ensuring they are free from pesticides and safe for consumption.
- Fragrance Extraction: The scent of Phlox flowers can be captured and used to make perfumes, although this is not a typical use.
- Sensory Garden Plant: Due to its fragrance and colorful blooms, Phlox can be planted in sensory gardens designed for therapeutic and educational experiences.
- Seasonal Celebrations: Phlox can be incorporated into floral arrangements or decorations for events and festivities that take place in the summer months when they are in bloom.
- Ecology Education: Phlox can be used as a case study for discussions on plant ecology, as it attracts various pollinators and plays a role in garden ecosystems.
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 symbolizes harmony, as it brings together many small flowers to create a larger, visually pleasing whole.
- Unity - The dense clusters of flowers on each stem of the garden phlox represent unity and the idea of many parts coming together to form a complete and beautiful entity.
- Agreement - In the language of flowers, phlox can signify agreement, suggesting that just as its flowers agree to grow in unison, so too can people.
- Proposal - The vibrant and lush blooms of garden phlox often hint at a proposal or an offer, owing to their striking appearance and the generosity they symbolize.
- New Beginnings - The perennial nature of garden phlox, returning year after year, can represent renewal and the start of new ventures or phases in life.
- Sweet Dreams - Sometimes, phlox is associated with the notion of sweet dreams or a pleasant sleep, perhaps because of its gentle, dreamy appearance.
WaterGarden Phlox should be watered thoroughly once a week, providing about an inch of water each time. During hot or dry periods, watering frequency should increase to every few days. It is crucial to water at the base of the plant, rather than from overhead, to avoid wetting the foliage which can lead to fungal diseases. Ensure the soil is well-drained and never waterlogged, as this can cause root rot. To maintain consistent moisture, applying 1-2 gallons per week for an established plant is generally sufficient, adjusting based on weather conditions.
LightGarden Phlox thrives in full sun, requiring at least six hours of direct sunlight daily to flower optimally. They can tolerate partial shade, but too much shade can result in fewer blooms and a higher susceptibility to disease. The ideal spot for Garden Phlox is an area with unfiltered sunlight throughout the day to promote strong stems and vibrant flowers.
TemperatureGarden Phlox performs best in temperatures between 60°F and 80°F, which encourage optimal growth and flowering. They can survive briefly in temperatures as low as 40°F and as high as 90°F, but extended exposure to these extremes may stress the plant. Ideal growing conditions include warm days and cooler nights, which is typical of their hardiness zones.
PruningGarden Phlox should be pruned to encourage bushier growth and more flowers, as well as to remove dead or diseased stems. Prune in early spring before new growth begins by cutting back the plant by about one-third. Deadheading, or removing spent blooms, throughout the growing season will promote continued flowering. The best time for major pruning is after the blooming season, in late summer or fall.
CleaningAs needed
SoilGarden phlox (Phlox paniculata 'Peacock Lilac') thrives in a soil mix containing equal parts garden soil, compost, and peat moss or a soilless potting mix for good drainage. The soil pH preferred is between 6.0 and 7.0. Rich organic matter helps with moisture retention and supports their growth during the flowering season.
RepottingGarden phlox does not typically need frequent repotting and can be left undisturbed for several years. Repotting can be done every 3-4 years or when the plant has clearly outgrown its current container, whichever is sooner.
Humidity & MistingGarden phlox prefers moderate humidity levels but can tolerate a range of conditions. They are not particularly sensitive to humidity as long as their soil moisture needs are met.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright light, good air flow, and consistent watering.
Outdoor
Plant in sun to part-shade, amend soil, mulch, and water regularly.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA.
Life cyclePhlox paniculata, commonly known as garden phlox, begins its life cycle when seeds are sown in the soil, ideally after the last frost for spring blooming. The seeds germinate and develop into seedlings, which then establish a root system and grow into young plants with characteristic foliage. As the plant matures, it enters a vegetative stage, forming robust stems and leaves, preparing for the reproductive stage. During the flowering phase in the summer, garden phlox produces vibrant, fragrant clusters of lilac-colored blooms that attract pollinators. After pollination, the flowers develop into fruit containing seeds, which complete the sexual reproductive cycle of the plant. As temperatures drop in late autumn, the plant enters a period of dormancy, with top growth dying back and the roots remaining alive to endure the winter, ready to regrow the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to early summer
The most popular method of propagating the garden phlox is via stem cuttings. This is typically done in late spring or early summer when the plant's growth is most vigorous. Cut a 4 to 6-inch (10 to 15 cm) section from a healthy stem, making sure that there are several leaves on the cutting. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end into rooting hormone powder to enhance root production. Then, place the cutting in a pot with well-draining potting mix, water it thoroughly, and cover the pot with a plastic bag to retain humidity. Place the pot in a warm location with indirect sunlight until roots develop, which can take several weeks. Once new growth appears, indicating successful rooting, the new phlox plants can be transplanted to their desired location in the garden.
