Garden Phlox Phlox paniculata 'Wilhelm Kesselring'
ABOUT
The Phlox paniculata 'Wilhelm Kesselring' is known for its striking flowers and lush foliage. This variety of garden phlox is recognizable by its clusters of fragrant flowers that exhibit a unique coloration; the blossoms are deep violet to almost black with a white eye at the center. These eye-catching flowers are arranged in dense, pyramid-shaped groupings at the top of sturdy stems, creating a striking visual display when in full bloom. The petals have a soft, rounded appearance, contributing to the plant's overall romantic aesthetic. Complementing the dramatic flowers, the foliage of 'Wilhelm Kesselring' consists of pointed, lance-shaped leaves with a smooth texture. These leaves are a deep green color and provide a perfect contrasting backdrop to the vibrant flower clusters. The foliage is arranged in a bushy pattern, giving the plant a full and healthy appearance. The leaves are not only visually appealing but make the vivid hues of the flowers pop even more when they come into bloom. This combination of distinctive blossoms and luscious leaves makes 'Wilhelm Kesselring' a sought-after variety for gardeners looking to add a touch of captivating color and fragrance to their landscape.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Polemoniaceae.
Synonyms
Garden Phlox, Summer Phlox, Perennial Phlox, Tall Phlox.
Common names
Phlox paniculata 'Wilhelm Kesselring'.
ToxicityTo humans
Garden Phlox is generally considered non-toxic to humans. However, as with many plants, individual allergies and sensitivities can exist leading to mild irritation or discomfort when handled or ingested. It is always advisable to avoid eating plants that are not specifically grown for consumption, due to potential adverse effects or the presence of pesticides.
To pets
Garden Phlox is not known to be toxic to pets. It does not typically pose a risk if pets chew on the leaves or stems. However, as with any non-food plant, ingestion of large quantities could potentially lead to gastrointestinal upset or blockages. If your pet has ingested a significant amount of the plant and is showing signs of distress, it is best to consult a veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Purple
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- Attracts Pollinators: Garden Phlox draws butterflies, bees, and other pollinators to the garden, enhancing pollination of surrounding plants.
- Aesthetic Appeal: With its striking dark purple flowers, Garden Phlox adds dramatic color and visual interest to garden landscapes.
- Fragrance: The blooms emit a sweet fragrance that can create a pleasant sensory experience for those nearby.
- Cut Flowers: Sturdy and long-lasting, the blooms are excellent for use in floral arrangements.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, Garden Phlox has good drought tolerance and requires minimal watering.
- Cold Hardy: It is cold hardy and can withstand colder temperatures, making it suitable for a variety of climates.
- Easy to Grow: Garden Phlox is generally easy to cultivate and can thrive with basic garden care.
- Long Blooming Period: It flowers for an extended period from mid to late summer, providing long-lasting color in the garden.
- Versatility: Suitable for borders, flowerbeds, and containers, it offers flexibility in garden design.
- Disease Resistance: Selected cultivars like 'Wilhelm Kesselring' may have improved resistance to diseases such as powdery mildew.
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 accents: Phlox can serve as a vibrant border plant, bringing color and height to the edges of garden beds and walkways.
- Attracting wildlife: The flowers of Phlox are known to attract butterflies, hummingbirds, and other beneficial pollinators, enhancing biodiversity in the garden.
- Potpourri ingredient: Dried Phlox flowers can be added to potpourri mixes for their color and subtle fragrance, contributing a natural touch to home decor.
- Flower pressing: Phlox blossoms, with their diverse array of colors, are excellent for pressing and can be used in crafting personalized greeting cards or bookmarks.
- Photography subject: The vibrant and structured blooms make Phlox an ideal subject for garden photographers or for teaching botanical photography techniques.
- Educational tool: Phlox plants can be used in educational settings such as schools or botanical workshops to demonstrate plant growth, pollination, and horticulture practices.
- Color dye source: In some crafting communities, natural dyes derived from the petals of Phlox are used for fabric or paper coloring.
- Companion planting: Phlox can be used as a companion plant to various vegetables and herbs, potentially enhancing growth and deterring certain pests.
- Culinary decoration: Edible varieties of Phlox can add a decorative and edible flourish to salads and desserts, though care should be taken to ensure the variety is indeed edible before consumption.
- Memory gardens: Phlox, with its array of colors and perennial nature, is often planted in memory gardens to symbolize the enduring nature of memories.
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 - Phlox paniculata, commonly known as garden phlox, often symbolizes harmony due to its clustered flowers that live in unity on a single stem.
- Unity - Garden phlox represents unity, reflecting how its blossoms combine to create a beautiful whole.
- Agreement - The ease with which garden phlox inhabits gardens and attracts pollinators can signify agreement and effortless cooperation.
- New Beginnings - Blooming in spring and summer, garden phlox often represents new opportunities and fresh starts.
- Compatibility - With its ability to complement other garden plants, garden phlox can symbolize compatibility and finding one's place amidst diversity.
WaterGarden Phlox should be watered deeply once a week, providing about one inch of water each time. Water at the base of the plant early in the morning to allow foliage to dry out during the day, which helps prevent disease. During hot, dry periods, increase watering frequency to twice per week. Ensure the soil is well-draining to avoid waterlogging. It is important not to overwater, as this can cause root rot.
LightGarden Phlox prefers full sun to partial shade. The best spot for Garden Phlox would provide it with at least six hours of direct sunlight daily, though it can tolerate some afternoon shade. Avoid deep shade locations, as this can lead to poor blooming and a higher risk of fungal diseases.
TemperatureGarden Phlox thrives in a temperature range of 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit but can withstand temperatures down to about -30 degrees Fahrenheit once established. The ideal temperatures for this plant would be between 60 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit during the growing season. Garden Phlox is frost hardy once it is mature but should be protected from late spring frosts that can damage new growth.
PruningGarden Phlox should be pruned to remove spent flowers and encourage reblooming throughout the summer. Prune dead or infected stems anytime to improve air circulation. The best time to perform significant pruning is in early spring, cutting back the stems to about 1 to 2 inches from the ground to promote healthy new growth.
CleaningAs needed
SoilGarden Phlox thrives in a rich, moist, well-draining soil with a pH of 6.5 to 7.0. A good mix would consist of loamy garden soil, compost, and a handful of perlite or gritty sand to improve drainage.
RepottingGarden Phlox does not typically require repotting as it is a perennial plant best suited for outdoor gardens where it can spread via rhizomes.
Humidity & MistingGarden Phlox prefers moderate humidity levels but is quite adaptable and can tolerate the varying humidity levels typically found in outdoor garden environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright light, good airflow, and keep soil moist.
Outdoor
Plant in sunny spot with well-draining soil, moderate water.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA.
Life cycleGarden Phlox (Phlox paniculata 'Wilhelm Kesselring') begins its life cycle as a seed, which, when conditions are appropriate—warm temperature and moist soil—will germinate and sprout. The sprout develops into a young plant with a rosette of leaves close to the ground before it begins to send up taller stems. As the plant matures, it forms a clump of erect stems with lance-shaped leaves, and in summer to early fall, it reaches the flowering stage, producing clusters of fragrant, violet-purple flowers. After pollination, typically by butterflies and hummingbirds, the flowers develop into small seed capsules. Once the seeds are dispersed, the plant enters a period of dormancy during the colder months, with the above-ground stems dying back while the root system remains alive to regenerate the following spring. Each year, the plant continues to grow in size and produce more flowers, completing the perennial cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
The most popular method of propagating the Phlox paniculata 'Wilhelm Kesselring', commonly known as Garden Phlox, is by root division. This is typically done in the early spring or autumn. To propagate by division, one should carefully lift the clump of phlox from the ground with a shovel, making sure to keep a decent amount of soil around the roots. The clump should then be gently broken apart into smaller sections, ensuring that each section has a good amount of roots and at least a couple of shoots. These divisions can be immediately replanted in well-prepared soil, spaced about 18 to 24 inches apart (approximately 45 to 60 centimeters), and watered thoroughly to help establish them. This method promotes healthy growth and rejuvenates older plants that may have become woody or less vigorous.
