Garden Phlox Phlox paniculata Famous Purple = 'Appotwpu' (PBR) (Famous Series)
ABOUT
Phlox paniculata Famous Purple, belonging to the Famous Series, is a vibrant herbaceous perennial known for its attractive features. The plant boasts lush green foliage, which provides a lush backdrop for its striking blooms. The flowers are the highlight of this variety, presenting in eye-catching shades of purple. They form in dense clusters at the tips of the stems, known as panicles, that create a bold, colorful impact in the garden. The blooms are richly colored and are often described as having a jewel-like quality, with individual flowers having a tubular base that flares out into five rounded, petal-like lobes. These blossoms give off a sweet fragrance that makes them very appealing not just to the human eye, but also to pollinators such as butterflies and hummingbirds. The Famous Purple variety adds a touch of elegance to outdoor spaces and can be used to create stunning borders or mass plantings. Its showy flowers and overall graceful appearance have made it a favored choice for gardeners looking to infuse their landscapes with color and fragrance.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Polemoniaceae.
Synonyms
Garden Phlox, Summer Phlox, Perennial Phlox, Tall Phlox.
Common names
Phlox paniculata 'Appotwpu'
ToxicityTo humans
Garden Phlox is generally considered non-toxic to humans. It's not known to have poisonous properties that would cause serious harm if ingested. However, it is always advisable to avoid eating ornamental plants as they are not intended for human consumption.
To pets
Garden Phlox is also generally considered non-toxic to pets. While it is not typically harmful, ingestion of any plant material can potentially cause mild gastrointestinal upset in some animals due to the novelty and fiber content. If a pet were to ingest a large amount of garden phlox, they could experience symptoms such as vomiting or diarrhea. It's always best to monitor your pets and prevent them from eating plants that are not meant for consumption.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Purple
Height
2-3 feet (60-90 cm)
Spread
2-3 feet (60-90 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4-8
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts pollinators: The plant’s vibrant flowers are known to attract butterflies, bees, and other pollinating insects, contributing to the ecological health of the garden area.
- Long blooming period: Phlox paniculata boasts a lengthy blooming cycle that lasts from mid-summer through early fall, providing sustained color and interest.
- Easy care: As a hardy perennial, it is relatively low-maintenance, requiring minimal care once established in the proper conditions.
- Versatile garden use: It can be used in a variety of garden settings, such as borders, flower beds, and cottage gardens, due to its upright, clump-forming habit.
- Cut flower potential: The long stems and attractive flowers of the plant make it suitable for use in fresh flower arrangements.
- Color variety: The Famous Series offers a range of colors, and the Famous Purple adds a particularly striking purplish hue to the garden palette.
- Resilience to pests and diseases: This particular variety has been bred for resistance to common pests and diseases, making it a robust choice for the garden.
- Height interest: With its tall stems, it adds vertical interest to the garden, which can be particularly useful for creating depth in planting designs.
- Aromatic flowers: The blooms emit a pleasing fragrance that can enhance the sensory experience of a garden.
- Decorative seed heads: After flowering, the seed heads provide autumn and winter interest, and can also be used in dried flower arrangements.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Photography Prop: The vibrant purple flowers of the Phlox add a beautiful background for close-up photography or macro shots.
- Natural Dye: The purple petals can be used to create natural dyes for fabric, offering a sustainable alternative to synthetic dyes.
- Garden Themed Artwork: Pressed flowers and leaves from Phlox can be used in crafting, such as in making bookmarks or in resin art.
- Educational Tool: Schools or educational programs can use the Phlox as a real life example when teaching botany and plant life cycles.
- Culinary Decoration: Edible flowers from the Phlox can adorn cakes and pastries, though they should be used sparingly due to their intense flavor.
- Floral Crafts: The stems and flowers of Phlox can be fashioned into wreaths and garlands for celebratory events such as weddings.
- Companion Planting: Phlox may be used in vegetable gardens to attract pollinators, thus enhancing the yield of crops like tomatoes and peppers.
- Fragrance Extraction: The subtle scent of Phlox can be captured and used in making homemade potpourri or scented sachets for drawers.
- Homemade Soap: Petals of Phlox can be incorporated into soap for texture and visual appeal, adding a natural element to handmade cosmetics.
- Bird Attraction: Its dense foliage can provide shelter for birds, and its seeds may attract species such as finches when other food sources are scarce.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiPhlox is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityPhlox is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Agreement - Phlox is often associated with the idea of agreement or unity because they grow in clusters with multiple flowers creating a harmonious display.
- Harmony - Due to their clustered growth habit and the way different colors can be combined in a garden setting, phlox symbolizes harmony and cooperation.
- Proposal of love - In the language of flowers, giving someone phlox can be a way to propose love or affection.
- Sweet dreams - Some cultures consider phlox to be a symbol of sweet dreams and wish them upon others by giving the flowers as gifts.
- Calmness - The gentle appearance of the phlox can be symbolic of calmness and serenity in stressful times.
WaterGarden Phlox should be watered deeply once a week, providing about one inch of water each time. During hot or dry periods, increase watering frequency to twice a week to ensure the soil remains moist but not waterlogged. It's important to avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal diseases; instead, use a soaker hose or drip irrigation to apply water directly to the base of the plant. For potted Phlox, check the soil moisture regularly and water when the top inch feels dry to the touch. Depending on the pot size and environmental conditions, this may equate to approximately a gallon of water per week.
LightGarden Phlox thrives in full sun, meaning at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. An ideal spot would be an open area that receives unobstructed sunlight for most of the day. However, in areas with very hot summers, some afternoon shade can help prevent the foliage from scorching. Avoid deeply shaded sites as this can lead to leggy growth and poor flowering.
TemperatureGarden Phlox is hardy and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, but it grows best when daytime temperatures are between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. It can survive minimum temperatures down to about -30 degrees Fahrenheit, making it suitable for many temperate climates. The plant's ideal growing conditions include warm days and cooler nights, as excessively hot temperatures can stress the plant.
PruningGarden Phlox should be pruned to encourage bushier growth, better air circulation, and more blooms. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to promote continuous flowering. After the first killing frost in the fall, cut back the stems to about 2 inches above the ground. This helps to prevent disease and prepares the plant for winter. Dividing the clumps every few years in early spring can also rejuvenate and maintain the health of the plant.
CleaningAs needed
SoilGarden Phlox requires a soil mix that's rich in organic matter, moist but well-draining, with a pH level of 6.0 to 7.0. You can create an ideal soil environment by incorporating compost, loamy soil, and a small amount of sand to improve drainage.
RepottingGarden Phlox, being a perennial, typically doesn't require frequent repotting. It can be divided and transplanted every 2-3 years to maintain vigor and manage its size, preferably in the early spring or fall.
Humidity & MistingGarden Phlox thrives in an environment with average humidity. It does not require special humidity conditions; typical outdoor humidity levels are generally adequate for this plant's growth.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright light, regular watering, and good air circulation for Phlox indoors.
Outdoor
Plant in sun/partial shade, rich soil, and water regularly for outdoor Phlox.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleThe life cycle of Phlox paniculata Famous Purple 'Appotwpu' (Famous Series), commonly known as Garden Phlox, begins with seed germination, typically occurring in spring to early summer when temperatures are warm and soil moisture is adequate. The seedlings grow rapidly, developing a rosette of leaves at the soil surface. As the season progresses, these rosettes give rise to sturdy stems that elongate and produce lance-shaped leaves. By mid to late summer, the plant reaches maturity and starts to bloom, displaying clusters of fragrant purple flowers that attract pollinators. After pollination, seeds develop and are eventually dispersed near the parent plant or by other means, such as wind or animals. In winter, the plant dies back to the ground, with the root system persisting to initiate the next cycle in the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Phlox paniculata, commonly known as Garden Phlox, is best propagated through stem cuttings, which can be taken during late spring or early summer. To propagate through stem cuttings, select a healthy, non-flowering stem and cut a 4 to 6-inch segment just below a node. Remove the leaves from the lower half of the cutting and dip the cut end into a rooting hormone powder to encourage root development. Plant the cutting in a pot with well-draining soil, ensuring that at least two nodes are buried beneath the soil surface. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, and place the pot in a location with indirect light. Rooting typically occurs in 4 to 6 weeks, after which the new plant can be hardened off and eventually transplanted outdoors.
