Garden Phlox Phlox paniculata 'Velvet Flame'
ABOUT
Phlox paniculata 'Velvet Flame' is a striking perennial plant known for its vibrant and showy blooms. This particular variety boasts clusters of flowers with petals that have a rich, velvety texture and a flamboyant shade of pinkish-purple with darker centers that add depth to their appearance. The eye-catching flowers are vivid and create a striking contrast against the backdrop of green foliage. The leaves are lance-shaped and have a crisp, fresh green color that complements the stunning flowers. The foliage is dense, providing a lush, vibrant appearance even when the plant is not in bloom. The overall impression of Phlox paniculata 'Velvet Flame' is one of vitality and color that can add drama and intensity to any garden setting.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Polemoniaceae
Synonyms
Garden Phlox, Summer Phlox, Perennial Phlox, Tall Phlox
Common names
Phlox paniculata 'Velvet Flame'
ToxicityTo humans
Garden Phlox is not considered toxic to humans. Ingesting any part of this plant typically does not result in any symptoms of poisoning, and it is generally regarded as safe around adults and children. However, it is always best practice to avoid ingesting plants that are not specifically grown for consumption to prevent any potential gastrointestinal discomfort or allergic reactions.
To pets
Garden Phlox is generally considered to be non-toxic to pets, such as dogs and cats. Ingesting parts of this plant is unlikely to cause any severe symptoms of poisoning. Pets that consume Garden Phlox might experience mild gastrointestinal upset, but there are no significant toxic consequences associated with this plant. However, it is always wise to monitor pets around plants and discourage them from eating ornamental vegetation.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Red
Height
2-4 feet (60-120 cm)
Spread
2-3 feet (60-90 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4-8
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Attracts bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects to the garden, enhancing pollination of plants.
- Colorful Blooms: Offers vibrant flower clusters in a deep pink to purplish-red hue, adding striking color to the landscape.
- Fragrant Flowers: Produces sweet-smelling blooms that can add a pleasant scent to gardens and outdoor living spaces.
- Long Blooming Period: Flowers from mid-summer to early fall, providing extended visual interest.
- Perennial Growth: As a perennial, it returns year after year, reducing the need for replanting.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it can tolerate periods of low water, making it suitable for water-wise gardens.
- Easy to Care For: Generally easy to maintain, requiring minimal care beyond basic watering, and occasional fertilization.
- Naturalization: Can spread and naturalize in the garden over time, filling in spaces and potentially reducing the need for mulch.
- Cut Flowers: The long stems and attractive blooms make it suitable for use in cut flower arrangements.
- Deer Resistance: Often resistant to deer, which can help prevent damage to the garden from grazing.
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: Phlox paniculata 'Velvet Flame' can be used to create vibrant and colorful edges along garden borders, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of garden landscapes.
- Butterfly Gardens: These plants are excellent for attracting butterflies, making them a valuable addition to any butterfly garden.
- Pressing Flowers: The flowers of this Phlox can be pressed and used in craft projects such as making bookmarks, greeting cards, or framed botanical art.
- Scented Gardens: With its sweet fragrance, 'Velvet Flame' is ideal for planting in areas where garden visitors can enjoy its scent, like near patios or windows.
- Photography: The striking colors of the bloom make it a great subject for garden photography, helping amateurs and professionals alike capture the beauty of nature.
- Educational Tool: The plant can be used in educational settings to teach about pollination, as it is visited by various pollinators.
- Theme Gardens: Its vivid color fits perfectly into themed garden designs that focus on a palette of hot colors like reds, oranges, and purples.
- Cut Flower Gardens: Gardeners can grow Phlox paniculata 'Velvet Flame' specifically for cutting and creating indoor floral arrangements.
- Natural Dye: The flowers may be used to create a natural dye for fabrics, offering a soft tone of the color they exhibit.
- Companion Planting: The plant can be used in companion planting schemes to help protect neighboring plants from pests, as its strong scent can deter certain insects.
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- Unity and Harmony: Phlox, in general, symbolizes the idea of unity and harmony as their clustered flowers represent many individuals coming together as a whole.
- Agreement: Giving someone phlox can express the desire for mutual understanding and agreement, reflecting the cohesive nature of its blooms.
- New Beginnings: The lush growth and vibrant flowers of Phlox paniculata 'Velvet Flame' can signify new opportunities and fresh starts.
- Proposal of Love: In the language of flowers, phlox can be used to propose love or affection, with 'Velvet Flame' adding a touch of passionate intensity.
WaterGarden Phlox should be watered thoroughly once a week, providing about one inch of water each time. During hot or dry spells, increase watering to twice a week. Avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal diseases; instead, water at the base of the plant. To ensure deep root watering, use a soaker hose or drip irrigation which can provide the necessary amount slowly, allowing for better absorption. In general, it's crucial to keep the soil consistently moist but not saturated.
LightGarden Phlox thrives in full sun, meaning at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. However, it can also tolerate partial shade, especially in the hotter parts of the day or in regions with very intense sunlight. Planting them in a location that receives morning sun and afternoon shade is often ideal to prevent the foliage from scorching.
TemperatureGarden Phlox prefers temperatures between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal growth. However, they can tolerate a wider range, surviving minimum temperatures down to about -30 degrees Fahrenheit and maximum temperatures up to about 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Remember, these plants are cold hardy but can suffer in extreme heat without adequate moisture and shade during the hottest part of the day.
PruningGarden Phlox should be pruned to encourage bushiness, to remove spent flower heads for aesthetic reasons, and to prevent self-seeding if not desired. Pruning should be done in early spring to remove any dead or weak stems and again after the first bloom to encourage a second flush of flowers. Deadheading, or the removal of spent flowers, can be performed throughout the blooming season to keep the plant looking tidy.
CleaningAs needed
SoilGarden Phlox, including 'Velvet Flame', thrives in rich, moist, well-draining soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. A good soil mix for this plant can be achieved by combining garden loam, compost, and peat moss to improve fertility and moisture retention. Mulching around the base is also beneficial to maintain soil moisture.
RepottingGarden Phlox, such as 'Velvet Flame', is a perennial and typically does not require repotting as it is grown in the ground. Instead, periodically dividing the plant every 3 to 4 years in the spring can rejuvenate its growth and prevent overcrowding.
Humidity & MistingGarden Phlox, like 'Velvet Flame', is quite adaptable and can thrive in average outdoor humidity levels. While specific humidity levels are not critical, these plants prefer outdoor environments where humidity is natural and not too low.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright light, ample air circulation, and space.
Outdoor
Plant in sun, enrich soil, water regularly, mulch.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cyclePhlox paniculata 'Velvet Flame', commonly known as Garden Phlox, begins its life cycle when seeds germinate in the spring, provided they are sown in well-drained soil with adequate warmth and light. The seedlings establish a root system and grow into young plants, developing a foliage of bright green leaves. As the plants mature, they form sturdy stems and in early to mid-summer, the Garden Phlox progresses to the flowering stage, producing clusters of pinkish-red flowers with a velvety appearance. These blooms, which are attractive to pollinators such as butterflies and hummingbirds, last several weeks before fading. After flowering, if the blooms are not deadheaded, the plant sets seeds, ensuring the continuation of its life cycle. During the fall, the Garden Phlox prepares for dormancy, with the above-ground growth dying back after frosts, while the roots survive underground to regenerate the next spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to early summer
Propogation: Garden Phlox, known botanically as Phlox paniculata 'Velvet Flame', is commonly propagated by division, which is the most popular method used by gardeners. The best time to propagate Garden Phlox by division is in the early spring or early fall when the plant is not in active bloom. To do this, carefully dig around the plant and lift it from the soil, making sure to keep a good amount of root structure intact. With a sharp knife or spade, divide the clump into smaller sections, each with several shoots and a portion of the root system. The divisions should then be replanted in well-prepared soil, spaced about 18 to 24 inches apart (approximately 45 to 60 centimeters), and watered thoroughly to encourage root establishment. This method helps to rejuvenate older plants and increase the number of plants in your garden.
