The genus Phlox is comprised of about 67 species (and innumerable cultivars) that are found within the family Polemoniaceae, which of course also includes the genus Polemonium (Jacob’s Ladder). The vast majority of Phlox are native to North America in habitats ranging from shaded woodlands to moist creek sides and even alpine conditions. As you might expect they vary greatly in size potential as well, with some species (i.e. P. subulata, etc.) reaching only a few inches in height while others ( P. paniculata, etc.) can grow to almost 6’ (2m) under ideal conditions. Flowers can range from white through pink, red, blues and purples with hybridization enlarging the color pool into yellows and oranges. Depending upon the species flowering takes place from early spring right through until late fall. Phlox is yet another North American native that has been embraced with enthusiasm by European breeders and gardeners who continue to develop new and interesting cultivars and then send them back home for us to enjoy.

One of the main goals of the breeding and introduction programs for all phlox is to select for resistance to powdery mildew, which unfortunately can be a problem with these lovely plants. Many of the older cultivars are no longer recommended for areas with humid summers as they can become quite unsightly. Fortunately the newest releases and several of the older stalwarts are quite resistant and worthy additions to any garden or growing program with only a few caveats as to care and sanitation. Phlox paniculata are native to the eastern United States, being found chiefly in moist, riverside location, so keep this in mind when situating them in the garden. 

They prefer full sun to partial shade, and moist but well drained soil. They don’t like to sit in water, but neither do the appreciate drying out. If the plant is kept stress-free it is far less susceptible to any disease or insect pressures. A well-ventilated area with excellent air circulation will also be of great benefit. Good sanitation – removal of any diseased foliage, cutting back and removal of dead stems in the fall and dead heading of finished flowers – will also reduce the possibilities of any disease taking hold. 

Phlox paniculata are garden favorites and deservedly so, as their height and color make them indispensable for summer display. Known by several common names, Tall Phlox, Garden Phlox, Summer Phlox, and even Flame Flower. The latter is probably in reference to the derivation of the genus name, Phlox is Latin for flame, an allusion to the shape and native color of the inflorescence, not any ability or tendency towards spontaneous combustion. In addition to having showy flowers, Phlox generally have a wonderful fragrance and are excellent cut flowers as well as being attractive to butterflies and hummingbirds, but not to deer. Great companion plantings include Eupatorium, Ornamental Grass, Echinacea, and Hemerocallis. 

Below are descriptions of a few favorite selections -

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  Phlox paniculata 'Laura' Zone 4 to 8.Full sun to partial shade. Plants reach 24 to 30 inches tall and 18 to 24 inches wide,upright, clump-forming. Months of enormous clusters of...

  

• Phlox paniculata 'Nicky' Zone 4 to 8.Full sun to partial shade. Plants reach 30 to 36 inches tall and 18 to 24 inches wide,upright, clump-forming. Magenta flowers, the darkest of...

  

• Phlox paniculata 'David' Zone 3 to 8.Full sun to partial shade. Plants reach 24 to 48 inches tall and 24 to 36 inches wide, upright, clump-forming.Perennial Plant of the Year 2002...

  

• Phlox paniculata 'Bright Eyes' Zone 4 to 8.Full sun. Plants reach 36 inches tall and 18 to 24 inches wide,upright, clump-forming.Pale pink flowers with a prominent, hot-pink eye...

  

• Phlox paniculata 'Orange Perfection' Zone 4 to 8.Full sun to partial shade. Plants reach 36 inches tall and 18 to 24 inches wide,upright, clump-forming. Giant 5...

  

• Phlox paniculata 'Blue Paradise' Zone 4 to 8.Full sun. Plants reach 40 inches tall and 24 to 30 inches wide,upright, clump-forming. Lavender blue blossoms with a white center and...

  

• Phlox paniculata 'Shockwave' PP23265 Zone 4 to 8.Full sun to partial shade. Plants reach 12 to 18 inches tall and 12 inches wide,upright, clump-forming.Variegated green and yellow...