Product Description
Phlox 'Opening Act Romance' PP33101 CPBRAF (25) Bare Root Plants
Opening Act Series
Common Name: Hybrid Phlox
Just like its predecessors in the Opening Act series, 'Opening Act Romance' blooms 2-3 weeks earlier than Tall Garden Phlox (Phlox paniculata) and is mildew and disease resistant. 'Opening Act Romance' blooms later (1-2 weeks) than 'Opening Act Ultrapink'. If sheered back, these plants will rebloom later in the season. Spreads slowly by stolons.
It keeps getting better and better for Opening Act Phlox. This new variety is the pinnacle of refinement, with a low-wide habit that's nearly dome-like, a unique look for Hybrid Phlox. Rich lavender pink flowers have a small white halo at the centers.
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: 20.0-22.0 Inches
Spread: 32.0-36.0 Inches
Hardiness Zones: 3,4,5,6,7,8
Flower Color: Pink shades
Foliage Color: Green shades
Full Sun to Part Shade
Average Water Needs
Average to Fertile Soil Quality
Bloomtime: Early to Late Summer, Rebloomer, Long Blooming
Attracts Butterflies and Hummingbirds
Bee Friendly
Growth Rate: Medium
Border Plant, Cut Flower, Fragrant Flowers, Mass Planting
Phlox 'Opening Act Romance' is a delightful and long-blooming perennial that brings a vibrant splash of color to gardens. It is a popular choice for its early blooms, reblooming habit, and attractive appearance. Here is a closer look at what makes it so special:
Appearance:
- Flowers: 'Opening Act Romance' produces clusters of vibrant lavender-pink flowers with a small white halo in the center. The blooms are fragrant and attract pollinators like butterflies and hummingbirds.
- Foliage: The plant has dark green, lance-shaped leaves that form a compact and bushy mound. The foliage is disease-resistant, adding to the plant's overall appeal.
Growing Conditions:
- Light: Prefers full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight) for optimal growth and flowering. However, it can tolerate some light shade, especially in hotter climates.
- Soil: Thrives in moist, well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter.
- Water: Requires regular watering, especially during dry periods. While it is somewhat drought-tolerant once established, it is best to keep the soil consistently moist for best performance.
Characteristics:
- Mature Size: Reaches a height of 20-22 inches with a spread of 32-36 inches, forming a compact and mounded shape.
- Hardiness Zones: Suitable for USDA hardiness zones 4-8, making it adaptable to a wide range of climates.
- Bloom Time: Blooms earlier than most tall garden phlox, starting in early summer and continuing with reblooms throughout the season, especially if deadheaded.
- Growth Habit: Forms a dense, mounding shape and slowly spreads by stolons.
Why it is Popular:
- Early Blooms: 'Opening Act Romance' is one of the earliest phlox to bloom, extending the phlox season in your garden.
- Reblooming: With deadheading, it reblooms reliably throughout the summer, providing a long-lasting display of color.
- Disease Resistance: It exhibits good resistance to powdery mildew, a common problem with phlox, making it a low-maintenance choice.
- Attractive Flowers: The vibrant lavender-pink flowers with the white halo are eye-catching and add a touch of romance to the garden.
- Attracts Pollinators: The fragrant flowers attract butterflies, hummingbirds, and other beneficial pollinators to the garden.
Uses:
- Borders: Adds a cheerful and colorful touch to garden borders, providing a long-lasting display of blooms.
- Cottage Gardens: Ideal for cottage gardens, where their informal and colorful flowers blend in perfectly.
- Mass Plantings: Creates a stunning ground cover when planted in groups, providing a sea of color, and attracting pollinators.
- Containers: Suitable for container gardening, where its compact size and vibrant flowers can be enjoyed on patios, balconies, or decks.
Additional Information:
- 'Opening Act Romance' is part of the 'Opening Act' series of phlox, known for their early blooms and reblooming habit.
- Deadheading spent flowers encourages continuous blooming and prevents self-seeding, helping to maintain a tidy appearance.
- Dividing clumps every 2-3 years helps to maintain vigor and prevent overcrowding, ensuring healthy growth and abundant blooms.
Overall, Phlox 'Opening Act Romance' is a fantastic choice for gardeners looking for a beautiful, reliable, and long-blooming phlox with excellent disease resistance and a vibrant display of color. Its early blooms, reblooming habit, and pollinator-friendly nature make it a valuable addition to any garden, bringing joy and beauty throughout the summer months.
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!
