Garden phlox Phlox paniculata Peacock White (Peacock Series)
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ABOUT
Phlox paniculata Peacock White, commonly known as garden phlox, is a perennial plant that showcases lush green foliage. Its leaves are oblong to lance-shaped and provide a vivid backdrop for its striking blooms. The flowers themselves are a pristine white, giving off the impression of a freshly fallen snow or delicate white feathers. These blooms are densely packed into large, pyramidal clusters at the tips of sturdy stems. The individual flowers are composed of five rounded petals that spread outwards, forming a classic star shape typical of the garden phlox. The contrast between the pure white petals and the green foliage is both eye-catching and graceful. As an added feature, the blossoms emit a sweet fragrance that can attract a range of pollinators to the garden. This plant variety is particularly noted for the brilliance of its flowers which, when available en masse, create a compelling display of white that appears to hover like a frothy cloud above the garden bed.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Polemoniaceae
Synonyms
Summer Phlox, Garden Phlox, Perennial Phlox, Fall Phlox
Common names
Phlox paniculata Peacock White.
ToxicityTo humans
Garden Phlox is not known to be toxic to humans. There are no specific symptoms of poisoning associated with this plant, as it is generally considered safe with no significant toxic effects reported from ingesting parts of this plant.
To pets
Garden Phlox is also not known to be toxic to pets. It is considered non-toxic to dogs, cats, and other animals, and there are no significant symptoms or consequences of poisoning expected from pets ingesting this plant.
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
4-8
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Appeal: The Phlox paniculata Peacock White offers stunning white blooms that add beauty to garden landscapes and provide a classic and elegant look.
- Attracts Pollinators: It is known to attract butterflies and bees, contributing to pollination in the garden.
- Fragrance: These flowers emit a delightful fragrance that can add a layer of sensory enjoyment to an outdoor space.
- Borders and Edging: Ideal for creating borders or edges in gardens due to their structured growth habit.
- Continuous Blooming: They have a long blooming period from mid to late summer, providing consistent color for extended periods.
- Ease of Cultivation: Phlox paniculata is relatively easy to cultivate and is tolerant of diverse soil conditions.
- Mass Planting: Works well for mass planting owing to its dense growth, which can create a spectacular sea of white flowers.
- Cut Flowers: Blooms make excellent cut flowers for arrangements due to their longevity and appealing form.
- Varietal Versatility: As part of the Peacock Series, this plant has been bred for specific qualities like disease resistance and bloom size.
- Cottage Gardens: Perfect for cottage garden settings where their height and volume can be used to create a relaxed, informal display.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Photography Backdrop: Phlox paniculata's bright white blooms provide an excellent contrast for photography, making them great for use as a natural backdrop in portrait or macro photography.
- Culinary Garnish: The flowers of the garden phlox can be used as an edible garnish to add color and a slight peppery flavor to salads and desserts, though eating in moderation is advised.
- Aromatherapy: While not a traditional choice, the light scent of garden phlox can be used in homemade potpourris or sachets to create a calming atmosphere in the home.
- Artistic Inspiration: Artists may use the striking appearance of the garden phlox as a subject for paintings, drawings, and other forms of art.
- Natural Dye: The flowers and leaves of garden phlox potentially can be boiled down to create natural dyes for fabrics or crafts, providing a pale coloration.
- Educational Tool: Garden phlox provides a learning opportunity for children and adults alike on pollination and the life cycle of perennial plants.
- Decorative Pressed Flowers: The blooms of garden phlox can be pressed and used in crafting, such as in creating bookmarks, cards, or wall art.
- Ice Cubes: Flowers from the garden phlox can be frozen into ice cubes to add an elegant touch to summer drinks and cocktails.
- Garden Borders: Garden phlox's dense growth habit makes it suitable for creating clear and attractive borders or edges in garden design.
- Companion Planting: Planting garden phlox next to vegetable gardens can attract pollinators, potentially improving the yield of vegetable crops.
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- Agreement - Phlox often represents unity or agreement in the language of flowers, making it symbolic of harmony in relationships.
- Proposal of Love - With its striking appearance, phlox can symbolize a proposition of love or used as an expression of sweet dreams.
- Matching Souls - The uniformity and abundance of blooms in phlox signify the idea of souls in harmony, suggesting a perfect match or partnership.
- Sweet Dreams - Due to its pleasant fragrance, especially in the evening, phlox is often connected to the concept of sweet dreams or wishes.
- Beauty and Ornament - Aesthetically pleasing, the phlox 'Peacock White' in particular, with its elegant blooms, is associated with notions of beauty and as an adornment in gardens.
WaterGarden Phlox should be watered deeply once a week, providing about an inch of water which can equate to roughly 0.6 gallons per square foot of soil. During periods of drought or extreme heat, increase the frequency to twice a week. Water at the base of the plant early in the morning to allow foliage to dry before nightfall, reducing the risk of fungal diseases. Avoid overhead watering to keep the leaves and flowers dry. Watering should be consistent to maintain even soil moisture, especially during the blooming period.
LightGarden Phlox thrives in full sun to partial shade. The ideal spot for these plants is where they can receive at least six hours of sunlight a day. They can tolerate some afternoon shade, especially in hotter climates where the intense midday sun can be too strong. Providing ample sunlight ensures the healthiest growth and best blooms.
TemperatureGarden Phlox is hardy in USDA zones 4 through 8 and can withstand temperatures down to -30°F and up to 90°F, though it prefers a range of 60°F to 80°F for optimal growth. They can tolerate occasional fluctuations outside these ranges, but prolonged exposure to extreme temperatures can be detrimental to the plant's health.
PruningPrune Garden Phlox to improve air circulation, shape the plant, and remove spent flower heads, which encourages reblooming and prevents self-seeding. Pruning is best done in early spring to remove any dead or damaged stems and again after the first bloom to promote a second flush of flowers. Deadhead regularly during the blooming season to keep the plant looking tidy.
CleaningAs needed
SoilGarden Phlox (Phlox paniculata 'Peacock White') thrives in a soil mix that is well-draining, rich in organic matter with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0. A blend of garden soil, compost, and a bit of perlite or coarse sand is beneficial.
RepottingGarden Phlox generally does not require frequent repotting and may only need it every few years if it outgrows its current space or to refresh the soil.
Humidity & MistingGarden Phlox prefers moderate humidity levels and can tolerate the humidity levels typically found in outdoor garden environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright indirect light and ensure good airflow.
Outdoor
Ensure full sun to partial shade and good air circulation.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cyclePhlox paniculata, commonly known as Garden Phlox, starts its life cycle as a seed, which upon germination in spring, develops into a young seedling. The seedling grows and establishes itself rapidly, forming a clump of stems with foliage. By summer, the mature plant begins to flower, showcasing the characteristic large, fragrant, white flower clusters for which the Peacock White variety is known. After pollination, typically by butterflies and hummingbirds, the flowers produce seeds that are then dispersed to give rise to new plants. In fall, as temperatures drop, the Garden Phlox's above-ground parts die back, and the plant enters dormancy, relying on its perennial root system to survive the winter. The cycle recommences in the following spring when new shoots emerge from the base, continuing the plant's life process.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to early summer
Phlox paniculata, commonly known as Garden Phlox, is best propagated through division, a process which is ideally carried out in early spring or late summer to early fall. To propagate by division, carefully dig up an established clump of Garden Phlox and gently separate it into smaller clumps, ensuring that each new section has a good amount of roots and shoots. These divided clumps can then be immediately replanted into prepared garden soil that is rich in organic matter, with each new plant spaced about 18 to 24 inches (approximately 45 to 60 centimeters) apart to allow for adequate air circulation and growth. Water the new plants thoroughly after planting to help establish them. This method of propagation not only helps to rejuvenate and revitalize older plants by reducing overcrowding, but also allows gardeners to increase their stock of this beautiful flowering perennial.
