Phlox paniculata Purple Eye Flame = 'Barthirtythree' (PBR)
![perennial phlox [Purple Eye Flame]](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fplants-admin.emdemapps.com%2Fimages%2Fplants%2F%2Fimages%2F604b5af0e6fe9.png&w=3840&q=75)
ABOUT
The Phlox paniculata Purple Eye Flame, often known simply as Garden Phlox, presents a visually striking appearance. The most prominent feature of this plant are its blossoms, which showcase a vibrant combination of colors. Each flower displays a rich purple hue with a distinct, contrasting white center or "eye," giving the impression of a flame due to the gradient of color intensity from the middle outwards. The blooms are densely packed in clusters known as panicles, giving the garden phlox a full, lush look that is particularly eye-catching when in full bloom. These flamboyant flower heads sit attractively atop sturdy stems, which are encased by oblong, pointy leaves. The foliage provides a deep green backdrop that further accentuates the bright colors of the flowers. Garden Phlox as a whole tends to create a sweeping display of color in the landscape, with its radiant blossoms attracting various pollinators such as butterflies and hummingbirds. The leaves may also offer a subtle texture that adds to the overall visual interest of the plant. As the season progresses, the flower clusters may take on a lighter shade, but they still retain their vividness, providing a sustained period of decorative flair.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Polemoniaceae
Synonyms
Garden Phlox, Summer Phlox, Perennial Phlox, Tall Phlox
Common names
Phlox paniculata 'Barthirtythree'
ToxicityTo humans
Garden Phlox is generally not considered toxic to humans. There are no significant toxic effects reported from ingesting or coming into contact with Phlox paniculata. However, as with any plant, individual allergies or sensitivities could potentially cause mild irritation or an adverse reaction. It's always best to err on the side of caution and not ingest any part of ornamental plants not meant for consumption.
To pets
Garden Phlox is not known to be toxic to pets such as dogs and cats. There are no widely recognized symptoms of poisoning from this plant in animals. However, as with any non-food plant, ingestion of large quantities could potentially cause gastrointestinal upset due to the unusual matter in the animal's stomach, which could result in symptoms like vomiting or diarrhea. It's advisable to keep an eye on pets and prevent them from ingesting plants that are not part of their standard diet.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Mixed
Height
2-4 feet (0.6-1.2 meters)
Spread
2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4-8
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Adds vibrant color and visual interest to gardens with its eye-catching purple blooms with a distinctive white eye.
- Attracts Pollinators: Invites beneficial insects such as butterflies and bees, which are essential for pollination.
- Fragrance: Emits a pleasant scent that can create a fragrant atmosphere in outdoor spaces.
- Perennial Growth: Returns year after year, ensuring a long-lasting presence in the garden.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it has a moderate tolerance to drought, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care beyond basic watering and occasional fertilization, making it an excellent choice for gardeners of all levels.
- Border and Cutting Garden Use: Works well in borders and can be used in cut flower arrangements due to its sturdy stems and long vase life.
- Versatility: Suitable for a wide range of garden settings, including flower beds, cottage gardens, and perennial borders.
- Resistance to Deer: Less likely to be eaten by deer, providing a practical option for gardens in areas with heavy deer populations.
- Seasonal Interest: Contributes to the garden's seasonal dynamics with its mid to late summer bloom time.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Garden Borders: Tall garden phlox can provide a vibrant backdrop for lower-growing plants, creating a layered landscape design.
- Butterfly Gardens: Its blossoms attract butterflies, making it an ideal choice for butterfly or pollinator gardens.
- Seasonal Bouquets: The long-stemmed flowers of the tall garden phlox can be cut and used in fresh floral arrangements to brighten indoor spaces.
- Photography: The striking purple-eye flame color can serve as an excellent subject or background for nature photography.
- Educational Use: The plant can be utilized in educational settings such as schools or botanical gardens to teach about plant biology and hybridization.
- Cultural Events: It can be featured in garden shows or floral exhibitions for its unique coloring and pattern.
- Privacy Screening: When planted in rows, tall garden phlox can provide a colorful screen for privacy in a garden or patio area.
- Nocturnal Garden Feature: It can be included in night gardens where its light blooms can be admired in the evening hours.
- Holiday Decor: Can be potted and used as a natural decoration for outdoor holiday displays due to its seasonal blooming period.
- Craft Projects: Dried tall garden phlox flowers can be added to craft projects such as wreaths or potpourri for a touch of natural color and texture.
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 and Unity: Phlox, in general, often represents harmony and unity due to the way its flowers are densely clustered together, embodying a sense of togetherness.
- Partnership: The intricate blending of colors in the Purple Eye Flame variety of Phlox symbolizes a deep partnership where different aspects or individuals complement each other well.
- New Beginnings: The fresh and vibrant appearance of this Phlox can represent a fresh start or new opportunities ahead.
- Calmness: With its soothing purple hues, the Phlox Purple Eye Flame can symbolize a sense of calm and tranquility.
- Sweet Dreams: Phlox has also been associated with sweet dreams and wishes, making it a plant that might symbolize a hope for pleasant thoughts or desires.
WaterThe Garden Phlox should be watered deeply once a week, providing enough water to thoroughly saturate the root zone. During hot or dry spells, increase watering frequency to twice per week. Avoid overhead watering to prevent disease, and instead use a soaker hose or drip irrigation at the base of the plant. An adequate amount of water would be about one inch of water per week, equivalent to approximately 0.623 gallons per square foot of soil.
LightGarden Phlox thrives in full sun, where it receives at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. However, it can tolerate partial shade, especially in hot climates. The best spot for the plant is an area where it can bask in the morning sun but is protected from the intense afternoon heat.
TemperatureGarden Phlox prefers a temperate climate with temperatures ranging from 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal growth. Although it can survive temperatures down to 40 degrees Fahrenheit, it should not be exposed to sustained frost conditions. Summer heat and humidity are well-tolerated, but good air circulation helps prevent overheating.
PruningPrune Garden Phlox to encourage bushier growth and more blooms. Deadheading spent flowers periodically during summer will stimulate new flower production. After blooming has finished, cut back stems to maintain a tidy appearance. The best time for substantial pruning is early spring, just before new growth begins.
CleaningAs needed
SoilGarden Phlox thrives in a soil mix that is moist, well-drained and enriched with compost or other organic matter. The soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, ideally ranging from 6.0 to 7.0. A good base to create the soil mix is to blend two parts garden soil, one part compost, and one part perlite or coarse sand to ensure good drainage.
RepottingGarden Phlox planted in containers may need to be repotted every 2-3 years, or when the plant has outgrown its current pot. It is best to repot in the spring before the onset of new growth.
Humidity & MistingGarden Phlox does well in average outdoor humidity levels. It is adaptable but tends to prefer areas that are not excessively dry. Typical garden conditions with morning dew and general humidity are generally sufficient for this plant.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright light, good airflow, and regular watering.
Outdoor
Full sun, rich soil, good drainage, and regular watering.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleThe life cycle of the Phlox paniculata Purple Eye Flame begins with seed germination in spring, once temperatures warm and the threat of frost has passed. Seedlings emerge and slowly develop into young plants with a characteristic set of leaves indicative of the Phlox species. As the plant matures through the summer months, it develops sturdy stems and lush foliage, preparing for the flowering stage. By mid to late summer, vibrant purple flowers with a distinctive eye at the center bloom, attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies. After pollination, the flowers eventually fade, and the plant produces seeds in late summer to early autumn, which can be dispersed for the next generation or collected for controlled propagation. Phlox paniculata Purple Eye Flame dies back to the ground with the onset of winter, though its root system remains alive to regenerate the following spring, completing its perennial cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to early summer
The most popular method of propagation for Phlox paniculata Purple Eye Flame 'Barthirtythree' (PBR), more commonly known as Garden Phlox, is by division. This is typically done in the early spring or fall when the plant is not in active bloom. To propagate by division, you should carefully dig up an established clump of Garden Phlox and gently separate the roots into smaller sections, each with several shoots and a portion of the root system. These divisions should then be replanted at the same depth they were originally growing, spaced about 15 to 18 inches (approximately 38 to 46 centimeters) apart to allow for adequate air circulation and growth. Water the new plantings well to help establish the divisions. This method ensures that the new plants will be true to the parent plant, maintaining the unique characteristics of the 'Barthirtythree' cultivar.
