Garden Phlox Phlox paniculata 'White Admiral'
ABOUT
The 'White Admiral' is a variety of the garden phlox known for its striking, large white flowers. These flowers are densely packed in clusters, known as panicles, that bloom at the top of sturdy stems. The blossoms are noted for their pleasant fragrance and are a favorite among pollinators such as butterflies and hummingbirds. Each individual flower consists of five rounded, flat petals that are fused at the base, forming a tube-like structure. The flowers provide a vivid contrast to the plant's foliage, which consists of lush, green leaves with a lance-shaped appearance. These leaves are arranged opposite each other on the stem, creating a neat and orderly look. The 'White Admiral' stands out in the garden with its showy floral display that lasts through the summer months and into early autumn, providing a long season of interest. It is a popular choice for borders, beds, and cottage gardens, where its white blooms can provide a sense of brightness and purity.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Polemoniaceae
Synonyms
Summer Phlox, Garden Phlox, Perennial Phlox, Tall Phlox
Common names
Phlox paniculata 'White Admiral'
ToxicityTo humans
Garden Phlox is not known to be toxic to humans. It does not typically cause serious illness or symptoms if ingested. However, it is always prudent to avoid eating ornamental plants due to potential pesticide residues or individual allergic reactions.
To pets
Garden Phlox is generally considered non-toxic to pets. Ingesting this plant should not cause harm to dogs, cats, or other animals. However, as with any non-food plant, consuming large quantities might lead to gastrointestinal upset or an individual allergic reaction in some pets.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters)
Spread
1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4-8
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Garden Phlox is known for its beautiful white blooms that can enhance the visual appeal of any garden landscape.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers attract a variety of pollinating insects, including butterflies and hummingbirds, which can help pollinate other plants in the garden.
- Easy to Grow: This perennial is relatively easy to grow and can thrive in a range of garden conditions, needing only basic care and maintenance.
- Long Blooming Period: Garden Phlox has a long flowering period, often from mid-summer to early autumn, providing lasting color in the garden.
- Fragrance: The flowers emit a pleasant fragrance that can be enjoyed when walking by or sitting near the plants.
- Versatility: Phlox paniculata can be used in a variety of garden settings such as borders, beds, and as cut flowers for indoor arrangements.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, this plant can be quite drought-tolerant, making it suitable for gardens in drier climates or for water-wise landscaping.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Garden Border Accent: Phlox add a striking white backdrop to garden borders, helping other colors stand out.
- Moth Attraction: The white flowers of the garden phlox are particularly attractive to moths, which can be beneficial for evening pollination.
- Night Garden: The white blooms are ideal for 'moon gardens' designed to be enjoyed at night.
- Pressing: The flowers can be pressed and used for craft projects like greeting cards or bookmarks.
- Photographic Subject: Garden phlox, with its distinctive clusters of white flowers, can be used as a photography subject for nature photography.
- Frozen Flower Ice Cubes: Freeze small flowers in ice cubes for a decorative touch in summer drinks.
- Natural Dye: The flowers may be used to create a soft, natural dye for fabrics or paper.
- Educational Tool: Garden phlox can be used to teach botany and the importance of pollinators in the ecosystem.
- Bare Root Wrapping: The plants can be used for wrapping bare root plants during transplanting to help retain moisture.
- Floral Arrangements: Cut flowers of garden phlox can be used in floral arrangements to add height and volume.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiGarden Phlox is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityGarden Phlox is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Harmony: The phlox, with its clusters of flowers, symbolizes unity and the harmonious blend of hearts and minds.
- Proposal: In Victorian flower language, giving someone a bouquet of phlox meant you were proposing your love, making it a symbol of romantic intentions.
- Sweet Dreams: Due to its gentle appearance and pleasant fragrance, phlox is often associated with sending wishes for sweet dreams.
- Agreement: Reflecting the flower's harmonizing nature, it also symbolizes mutual understanding and the coming together in agreement.
WaterGarden Phlox should be watered deeply once a week, ensuring you provide enough water to soak the root zone. During periods of high heat or drought, watering frequency should increase to twice per week. Use 1 inch of water each time, which is roughly equivalent to 0.625 gallons per square foot. Avoid overhead watering to reduce the risk of fungal diseases; instead, water at the base of the plant early in the day to allow foliage to dry before nightfall.
LightGarden Phlox thrives best in full sun to partial shade. Ideally, provide the plant with at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. If possible, place it in a spot that receives morning sun and afternoon shade to protect it from the intense late-day sun, which can sometimes be too harsh.
TemperatureGarden Phlox prefers a temperate climate with temperatures between 60 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit. It can survive minimum temperatures down to about -30 degrees Fahrenheit but may not thrive in conditions where the temperature consistently exceeds 90 degrees Fahrenheit. The ideal growing conditions are warm days and cooler nights within the preferred temperature range.
PruningGarden Phlox benefits from pruning to encourage bushier growth, to remove spent flower heads, and to prevent disease spread. Prune in early spring to remove any dead or damaged stems and again after the first bloom to promote a second flush of flowers. The best time for pruning is just after the blooms have faded.
CleaningAs needed
SoilGarden Phlox thrives in rich, moist, well-draining soil mixed with compost and peat moss. A pH of 6.5-7.0 is ideal for this plant.
RepottingGarden Phlox doesn't typically require frequent repotting and can be done every 3-4 years or when it outgrows its space.
Humidity & MistingGarden Phlox prefers moderate humidity but is adaptable to the typical range found in outdoor garden settings.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright light, good air flow, and space for growth.
Outdoor
Plant in sun to part shade, in moist, fertile soil.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cyclePhlox paniculata 'White Admiral', commonly known as Garden Phlox, begins its life cycle as a seed, which germinates in late spring when soil temperatures warm. Seedlings establish themselves and grow quickly, developing into a clump of stems with oblong-lanceolate leaves. By mid-summer, the plant enters its flowering stage, producing clusters of fragrant, white flowers that attract pollinators such as butterflies and hummingbirds. After blooming, which typically lasts until early fall, the flowers develop into small seed capsules that release seeds for the next generation. Garden Phlox then enters senescence, with aerial parts dying back as winter approaches. The plant remains dormant during winter, with its root system surviving underground until conditions are favorable to start a new cycle in spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Early Summer
Propogation: The most popular method of propagation for Phlox paniculata 'White Admiral', commonly known as garden phlox, is through division. Division is typically done in the early spring or fall when the plant is not in full bloom. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the entire clump of phlox and gently shake off the excess soil. Then, using your hands or a sharp knife, divide the clump into smaller sections, ensuring that each section has a good amount of roots and at least a few shoots. These sections can then be immediately replanted in well-prepared soil, spacing them about 18 to 24 inches (approximately 45 to 60 centimeters) apart to allow room for growth. Water the new plantings thoroughly to help establish the roots. Division not only helps to propagate new plants but also rejuvenates older clumps that might be losing vigor.
