Product Description
Phlox 'Opening Act Blush' PP27462 CPBR5991 (25) Bare Root Plants
Opening Act Series
Common Name: Hybrid Phlox
Tall Garden Phlox are a mainstay in the midsummer sun garden, and this hybrid type will extend the color of Phlox by blooming even earlier; starting in early summer. The dark green, glossy foliage is mildew and disease resistant, an improvement on older varieties of Phlox that don’t hold up as well in the heat and humidity of summer. Plant these in an area with good air circulation and plenty of sunshine for the best performance. With a stoloniferous growth habit, this Phlox will spread slowly over the years.
'Opening Act Blush' boasts a long season of color in addition to being early blooming, with lovely light lavender pink flowers typically appearing from early summer well into midsummer, with some sporadic rebloom into early fall.
These perennials are a favorite of gardeners around the world and a staple of North American native gardens. Be sure to locate these plants in full sun for the best flowering performance and to help avoid powdery mildew concerns. 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 consistant 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: 18.0-20.0 Inches
Spread: 18.0-20.0 Inches
Hardiness Zones: 4,5,6,7,8
Flower Color: Pink shades
Foliage Color: Green shades
Full Sun (> 6 hrs. Direct Sun) - Part Shade (4-6 hrs. Direct Sun)
Average Water Needs
Average to Fertile Soil Quality
Bloomtime: Early Summer - Late Summer, Rebloomer, Long Blooming
Attracts Butterflies and Hummingbirds
Bee Friendly
Growth Rate: Medium
Border Plant, Container, Cut Flower, Cut Foliage, Fragrant Flowers, Mass Planting, Native to North America
Phlox 'Opening Act Blush' is a Proven Winners® hybrid variety of the Tall Garden Phlox, known for its early bloom time and mildew and disease-resistant foliage. It is a popular choice for gardeners due to its long blooming season, attractive flowers, and ability to attract pollinators. This lovely perennial begins flowering in early summer, several weeks before traditional garden phlox varieties , making it a standout addition to any garden. This article will explore the appearance, growth habits, care requirements, and where to purchase Phlox 'Opening Act Blush'.
Appearance Phlox 'Opening Act Blush' is a compact and upright plant, typically reaching 18 to 20 inches in height and width. It features dark green, glossy foliage that remains healthy throughout the summer. This North American native produces a beautiful light lavender-pink flower that blooms in clusters, creating a showy display. The blooms have a light fragrance and begin to appear in early summer, several weeks earlier than traditional garden phlox varieties. The plant continues to flower well into midsummer, with some sporadic rebloom into early fall. As an added bonus, the appealing flowers attract butterflies and hummingbirds.
Growth Habits Phlox 'Opening Act Blush' has a stoloniferous growth habit, meaning it spreads slowly over time by sending out horizontal stems that root at the nodes. This makes it a good choice for filling in gaps in borders or creating a mass planting. It is hardy in USDA Zones 4 to 8 and can tolerate a wide range of conditions, including heat and humidity.
Care Requirements Phlox 'Opening Act Blush' thrives in full sun and consistently moist, well-drained soil. It prefers fertile soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. Regular fertilization will help promote healthy growth and abundant blooms. Good air circulation is essential to prevent powdery mildew, although this variety is more resistant than older types of phlox. While generally disease resistant, keep an eye out for potential issues like powdery mildew, leaf spots, botrytis, and crown/root rots.
Watering While Phlox 'Opening Act Blush' has average water needs, it is important to water it thoroughly and then allow the soil to dry slightly before watering again. Overhead watering should be avoided to minimize the risk of powdery mildew.
Fertilizing This phlox performs best with light to moderate fertilization. A slow-release fertilizer can be incorporated into the soil at planting time, or a water-soluble fertilizer can be applied every few weeks during the growing season.
Pruning Deadheading spent flowers will encourage more blooms and can extend the flowering season. In late fall, it is beneficial to cut back the foliage to prevent powdery mildew and other fungal diseases from overwintering.
Companion Plants Consider pairing Phlox 'Opening Act Blush' with these companion plants for a stunning display in your garden:
- Echinacea 'The Price is White'
- Heliopsis 'Tuscan Sun'
- Hemerocallis 'Going Bananas'
- Leucanthemum DAISY MAY®
- Penstemon 'Midnight Masquerade'
- Veronica 'White Wands'
Phlox 'Opening Act Blush' is a delightful addition to any garden, offering an extended bloom time compared to other phlox varieties. This compact perennial boasts vibrant lavender-pink flowers that attract pollinators, while its mildew and disease-resistant foliage ensures a healthy appearance throughout the growing season. With its ease of care and adaptability to various conditions, Phlox 'Opening Act Blush' is an excellent choice for both novice and experienced gardeners alike.
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!
