Product Description
Phlox 'Cloudburst' PP30289 CPBR6263 (25) Bare Root Plants
Common Name: Tall Garden Phlox
A different type of Phlox that combines the rich color of Tall Garden Phlox and the dome-like habits of Cushion Phlox.
'Cloudburst' has dark purple buds open to lavender purple flowers with bright pink eyes that cover a broad, mounding, billowy habit. The pleasantly fragrant flowers cover the plant nearly all the way to the ground starting early summer and continue to bloom all summer long. Frustrated with mildew on your Tall Garden Phlox? 'Cloudburst' has excellent disease resistance; with broad, glossy, dark green leaves staying clean all summer long.
These perennials are a favorite of gardeners around the world and a staple of North American native gardens. A favorite of pollinators. Phlox is unequaled for its showy blooms over a long period in summer. Though it is one of the most popular perennials available, it does require some maintenance to sustain its health and vigor.
Phlox grows best in rich, moist soil in full sun. It will thrive with fertilizing every other month and consistent moisture levels. Overhead watering should be avoided since some varieties of Phlox are susceptible to powdery mildew. This can be avoided or diminished by providing ample air circulation around the plants and by thinning them out periodically. Deadheading will prolong bloom time and prevent self-seeding.
Height: 28.0 Inches
Spread: 42.0 Inches
Hardiness Zones: 4,5,6,7,8
Flower Color: Purple shades
Foliage Color: Green shades
Full Sun (> 6 hrs. Direct Sun)
Average Water Needs
Average to Fertile Soil Quality
Bloomtime: Early Summer to Late Summer
Rebloomer, Long Blooming
Attracts Butterflies
Attracts Hummingbirds
Bee Friendly
Growth Rate: Medium
Border Plant, Cut Flower, Cut Foliage, Fragrant Flowers, Fragrant Foliage, Mass Planting
Phlox 'Cloudburst' is a captivating flowering perennial that has garnered significant attention for its unique characteristics and resilience. This comprehensive overview delves into the intricate details of this plant, encompassing its attributes, cultivation requirements, and potential challenges. Whether you are a seasoned gardener or a novice enthusiast, this article will equip you with the knowledge to cultivate and appreciate the beauty of Phlox 'Cloudburst'.
Phlox 'Cloudburst' distinguishes itself through its mounding, billowy habit and prolific blooming nature. Its fragrant lavender-purple flowers, adorned with bright pink eyes, create a striking visual display. The dark green foliage exhibits remarkable disease resistance, further enhancing its appeal. This cultivar represents a harmonious blend of the vibrant colors characteristic of Tall Garden Phlox and the dome-like growth pattern of Cushion Phlox, offering gardeners the best of both worlds. Notably, Phlox 'Cloudburst' has been recognized as a Proven Winners® variety, signifying its exceptional qualities and performance. This hybrid variety is bred from North American species.
One of the remarkable features of Phlox 'Cloudburst' is its exceptional disease resistance, particularly its resistance to powdery mildew, which often plagues other Phlox varieties. This makes it a low-maintenance and reliable choice for gardeners seeking a vibrant and healthy addition to their landscapes.
Beyond its aesthetic appeal, Phlox 'Cloudburst' demonstrates versatility in its applications. It is well-suited for various garden settings, including rock gardens, where its mounding habit and vibrant blooms can add texture and color to rocky terrains. Its dense foliage also makes it an effective groundcover, suppressing weeds and adding visual interest to bare areas. Furthermore, its compact size and cascading blooms make it an excellent choice for hanging baskets, adding a touch of elegance to patios and balconies.
- Height: 28 inches
- Spread: 42 inches
- Flower Color: Lavender-purple with bright pink eyes
- Bloom Time: Early summer to fall
- Fragrance: Yes
- Foliage Color: Dark green
- Hardiness Zone: 4-8
- Growth Rate: Moderate
As an herbaceous perennial, Phlox 'Cloudburst' dies back to the crown each winter and regrows from the base in spring. This is an important characteristic to consider, especially for gardeners in colder climates. It attracts pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, making it a valuable addition to any garden that aims to support biodiversity. While generally low-maintenance, Phlox 'Cloudburst' thrives with regular fertilization and consistent moisture.
One of the key features of Phlox 'Cloudburst' is its extended blooming period. It often starts flowering in early summer and continues to produce vibrant blooms until the first frost of fall, providing a long-lasting display of color in the garden.
Care Requirements
- Sunlight Requirements Phlox 'Cloudburst' thrives in full sun to partial shade. For optimal flowering and to minimize the risk of powdery mildew, it is best to provide at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. In hotter climates, afternoon shade can be beneficial.
- Soil and Mulching This plant prefers well-drained soil with average moisture levels. While it can tolerate some dryness, consistent moisture promotes prolonged and uninterrupted blooming. Rich soil is ideal, but Phlox 'Cloudburst' is adaptable to a range of soil types.
Applying a 3-4 inch layer of mulch around the base of the plant helps to retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and enrich the soil. However, ensure the mulch does not directly touch the plant's stems to prevent potential rot or disease.
- Watering Water regularly, especially during dry periods, to maintain consistent soil moisture. Avoid overhead watering, as this can increase the risk of powdery mildew. Water at the base of the plant to ensure the roots receive adequate moisture.
- Fertilizing Phlox 'Cloudburst' benefits from regular fertilization. A balanced fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 10-10-10 or similar can be applied in early spring and again after the first flush of blooms. Alternatively, a granular garden fertilizer can be used in early spring.
- Pruning Deadheading spent flowers encourages continuous blooming and prevents self-seeding. Cut back the foliage in late fall to prevent overwintering diseases.
- Pests and Diseases While Phlox 'Cloudburst' is generally disease resistant, it is essential to be aware of potential problems. Some common pests that can affect this plant include aphids, thrips, and spider mites. Diseases such as leaf spots, botrytis, and crown/root rots can also occur. Regular monitoring and appropriate treatment can help maintain the plant's health and vigor.
Ideal Growing Conditions Phlox 'Cloudburst' thrives in consistently moist, well-drained soil and full sun. It prefers fertile soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. Good air circulation is essential to prevent diseases, particularly powdery mildew.
Phlox 'Cloudburst' is a remarkable perennial that offers a delightful combination of beauty, fragrance, and resilience. Its long bloom time, vibrant flowers, and disease-resistant foliage make it an excellent choice for gardens of all styles. This comprehensive overview has highlighted the key features of Phlox 'Cloudburst', including its unique blend of Tall Garden Phlox and Cushion Phlox characteristics, its exceptional disease resistance, and its extended blooming period. By following the care guidelines outlined here, gardeners can ensure the successful cultivation and enjoyment of this exceptional plant. Whether used in borders, mass plantings, rock gardens, or containers, Phlox 'Cloudburst' is sure to be a valuable and attractive addition to any landscape.
Other Details
The most important part of the plant is its root system. Healthy roots are the foundation of a healthy, vibrant plant. The type of plug container used is based on the specific needs of the plants. Perennials offered as bare root traditionally perform better when planted as bare root.Planted in a specialized mix, potted plants have well established root systems. Top growth stage will vary depending on the current life cycle and time of year when shipped. In Winter and early Spring dormant plants may be shipped. Dormant plants may be planted right away, even before the last frost date.
Most bare root varieties are field grown for at least one season, though Hemerocallis and Hosta are grown for two seasons. The bulk of the soil is removed during the harvesting process and the tops of most varieties are trimmed back to the crown. They are graded, packed in shredded aspen or sphagnum moss and stored in freezers until ready to be shipped.
See our Container Sizes and Bare Root Perennials pages for more information.
Plant information and care is provided in the Overview section, Plant Genus Page and general information is provided in the Planting Care & Guides. Additional questions can be asked on each Plant page.
Plant Spacing: Using the maximum mature spread or width of a plant to guide spacing, ensures space to grow to full size. To fill an area sooner, plant them closer together. Just remember, future thinning or transplanting may be needed.
Water: Keep a close eye on newly planted perennials, especially throughout the first growing year. Most early plant loss is due to too much or too little water!
