Garden Phlox Phlox paniculata 'Windsor'
ABOUT
The garden phlox, specifically the 'Windsor' variety, is a perennial plant that is known for its vibrant and eye-catching flowers. These blooms are typically a deep, rich purple color and form tightly clustered flower heads that produce a splendid display. Each individual flower is composed of five rounded petals that merge to create a flared profile, and they give off a sweet, perfumed scent, which is especially noticeable on warm summer evenings. The leaves of the 'Windsor' garden phlox are deep green, providing a lush backdrop for the flowers. They have an elongated shape with a pointed tip and a smooth texture. The leaves are arranged in an opposite manner on stiff, upright stems that hold the blooms aloft. The bloom time for this plant typically extends from mid-summer to early fall, and the vibrant display can last for several weeks. One of the distinguishing features of the 'Windsor' garden phlox is its ability to attract pollinators such as butterflies and hummingbirds, thanks to its nectar-rich flowers. As a garden specimen, the 'Windsor' garden phlox is often prized for its ornamental value, adding a splash of color to perennial beds, borders, and cottage gardens. It is equally well-suited for cutting gardens, as the flowers can be used in making fragrant and colorful floral arrangements.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Polemoniaceae
Synonyms
Garden Phlox, Summer Phlox, Perennial Phlox, Tall Phlox
Common names
Phlox paniculata.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
2-3 feet (60-90 cm)
Spread
2 feet (60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4-8
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: The Phlox paniculata 'Windsor' is known for attracting bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators to the garden, which is essential for plant reproduction.
- Easy to Grow: This variety of garden phlox is relatively easy to grow and can thrive in a variety of soil conditions, making it a good choice for novice gardeners.
- Long Blooming Period: With a long flowering season typically from mid-summer to early fall, it provides sustained color and interest in the landscape.
- Height and Structure: The plant adds vertical interest to garden beds and borders due to its tall, upright growth habit.
- Cut Flower Use: The flowers of Phlox are suitable for cutting and can be used in floral arrangements, adding both fragrance and color indoors.
- Fragrance: Garden phlox, including the 'Windsor' cultivar, is known for its sweet and pleasant fragrance, which can enhance the sensory experience of a garden.
- Visual Variety: The 'Windsor' features showy, purple flowers that provide a rich color contrast against green foliage, enriching garden aesthetics.
- Disease Resistance: Breeders have developed newer Phlox paniculata cultivars with improved resistance to powdery mildew, a common fungus that affects phlox plants.
- Wildlife Habitat: By attracting pollinators, phlox plants also support the local ecosystem by providing a habitat and food source for wildlife.
- Perennial Growth: As a perennial, Phlox paniculata 'Windsor' will return year after year, making it a staple in the garden landscape.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Garden Phlox can be used as a natural dye source for fabrics, providing soft shades of pink, red, or purple depending on the hue of the flowers.
- Pressed flower art often features Garden Phlox for its vibrant colors and its ability to retain pigment well when dried and pressed.
- Garden Phlox petals can serve as a colorful garnish for salads and desserts, giving an elegant touch to culinary presentations.
- These flowers can be submerged in water to create an infused bath experience, adding a light fragrance and color to bathwater.
- Educationally, schools can use Garden Phlox in botanical studies to teach cross-pollination, as its large flowers are attractive to pollinators.
- Crafted potpourri frequently includes Garden Phlox petals for their scent retention and contribution to a diverse color palette.
- Garden Phlox can be used to create flower crowns or boutonnieres for events, harnessing their robust form and hue.
- Photographers sometimes use Garden Phlox as a soft, natural backdrop for close-up nature photography due to its dense flower clusters.
- Plant enthusiasts might engage in hybridizing Garden Phlox to cultivate new colors or patterns, making it part of horticultural experimentation.
- As a tool for mindfulness or therapy, the act of deadheading or caring for Garden Phlox can provide a calming, focused activity.
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: Garden Phlox represents harmony due to the plant's ability to attract various pollinators, thus symbolizing an ecosystem's balance.
- Agreement: The way the flowers are clustered together in panicles can be seen as a symbol of unity and consensus among different elements.
- Sweet Dreams: Given its gentle and sweet fragrance, Garden Phlox is often associated with pleasant dreams and comfort in folklore.
- Proposal: In Victorian times, presenting a bouquet with Garden Phlox was used to propose a relationship or express the sentiment "our souls are united."
- Partnership: Because of the plant’s tendency to spread and create a large flowering display with others of its kind, it's symbolic of creating partnerships and blending well in communities.
WaterThe garden phlox should be watered regularly, especially during hot, dry spells. Aim to keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy, which usually translates to about an inch of water per week, adjusting for rainfall. During peak summer heat, water the plants deeply with about 0.5 gallons per square yard once or twice a week, depending on the weather conditions. Water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage, as this can lead to fungal diseases. Make sure the garden phlox has good drainage to prevent water from pooling around the roots.
LightGarden phlox thrives in full sun to partial shade. It's best to provide the plant with at least six hours of sunlight daily, which encourages vigorous growth and optimizes flowering. The ideal spot is an area that gets morning sun and some afternoon shade, especially in regions with hot summers.
TemperatureGarden phlox prefers temperate climates and does well in temperatures ranging from about 60 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. It can survive minimum winter temperatures down to -30 degrees Fahrenheit, but the ideal growing conditions are between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit during the day.
PruningPrune garden phlox in early spring to promote bushy growth and prevent overcrowding, which can lead to disease. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage reblooming and maintain the plant's appearance. After the first killing frost, cut back the stems to about 1-2 inches above the ground. Pruning should be done annually for the health of the plant.
CleaningAs needed
SoilGarden Phlox thrives in a soil mix with good drainage, rich in organic matter. A blend of two parts garden soil, one part compost or peat moss, and one part perlite or coarse sand would create an ideal growing environment. Garden Phlox prefers a soil pH between 6.0 and 7.0 to ensure optimal growth and flowering.
RepottingGarden Phlox typically does not require frequent repotting as it is a perennial that is often grown directly in the garden soil. However, if grown in containers, repotting every 2-3 years, or when the plant outgrows its current container, can help maintain its health and vigor.
Humidity & MistingGarden Phlox prefers moderate humidity levels but is quite adaptable and can tolerate the varying humidity conditions commonly found in outdoor garden settings. To ensure good flowering, prevent overly dry air, especially in hot, arid regions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright light, regular water, and good air circulation.
Outdoor
Full sun to partial shade, moist but well-drained soil.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleGarden Phlox 'Windsor' begins its life cycle as a seed, which upon germination in early spring, develops into a small seedling. The seedling grows into a vegetative state, forming a clump of lance-shaped foliage and sturdy stems. As temperatures warm, it enters a phase of rapid growth and eventually produces tall flower stalks by mid to late summer. These flower stalks are topped with fragrant, showy flower clusters in varying shades of pink, purple, or white, attracting pollinators such as butterflies and hummingbirds. Following pollination, the plant produces small seed capsules which mature and release seeds, ensuring the next generation. As the cooler temperatures of fall arrive, Garden Phlox 'Windsor' enters dormancy, dying back to the ground to overwinter and restart its life cycle with the return of spring warmth.
PropogationPropogation time
Mid-summer
The most popular method of propagating Garden Phlox, specifically the Phlox paniculata 'Windsor', is by division, which is ideally done in early spring or early autumn. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the entire phlox clump, ensuring a generous amount of root is included. Using a sharp spade or knife, split the clump into smaller sections, making sure that each section has several shoots and a good portion of root system attached. Replant the divisions immediately at the same depth they were growing previously, spacing them about 18 to 24 inches (roughly 45 to 60 centimeters) apart to allow for ample growth. Water the new divisions thoroughly to settle the soil and eliminate air pockets, encouraging root establishment. This method of division helps to rejuvenate older clumps that may have become woody or less vigorous over time.
