Product Description
Phlox 'Opening Act Ultrapink' PP32093 CPBRAF (25) Bare Root Plants
Opening Act Series
Common Name: Hybrid Phlox
This Phlox isn't just pink, it's ULTRApink! With this addition to the Opening Act Phlox Collection, it is officially the brightest, most vibrant color of the set. In early summer, this plant produces fluorescent rose pink flowers that are slam-on-your-breaks intense. If sheered back, these plants will rebloom later in the season. Spreads slowly through stolons. A must have!
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.
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: 22.0-28.0 Inches
Spread: 32.0-36.0 Inches
Hardiness Zones: 4,5,6,7,8
Flower Color: Pink shades
Foliage Color: Green shades
Full Sun
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, Cut Foliage, Fragrant Flowers, Mass Planting
Phlox 'Opening Act Ultrapink' is a vibrant and early-blooming variety of phlox that will add a burst of intense pink color to your garden. Here is a rundown of its key features and growing requirements:
Key Features:
- Vibrant Color: 'Opening Act Ultrapink' boasts intensely bright, almost neon, pink flowers that are sure to catch the eye.
- Early Bloomer: It starts blooming in early summer, often weeks earlier than other phlox varieties, extending the phlox season in your garden.
- Long Blooming: With deadheading, it will continue to produce flowers throughout the summer, providing a long-lasting display of color.
- Disease Resistant: It is bred for improved resistance to powdery mildew, a common problem with phlox.
- Attracts Pollinators: The bright flowers attract butterflies and hummingbirds, making it a valuable addition to a pollinator garden.
- Compact Size: It typically grows to about 22-28 inches tall and spreads 32-36 inches wide, making it suitable for various garden settings.
Growing Conditions:
- Zones: 4-8 (It is hardy in a wide range of climates)
- Sun: Full sun is essential for best growth and abundant flowering. It can tolerate some light shade, but too much shade can reduce blooming and increase the risk of powdery mildew.
- Soil: Prefers rich, moist, and well-drained soil. Amend the soil with compost or other organic matter before planting.
- Water: Water regularly, especially during dry spells, to keep the soil consistently moist.
Care Tips:
- Deadheading: Remove spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming throughout the season.
- Pinching: Pinch back stems in spring to promote a bushier habit and more flowers.
- Division: Divide clumps every few years to prevent overcrowding and rejuvenate the plant.
- Fertilizing: Apply a balanced fertilizer in spring to promote healthy growth and abundant blooms.
Uses in the Landscape:
- Borders: Its upright and mounding habit makes it perfect for adding color and structure to borders.
- Mass Plantings: Planted in groups, it creates a stunning display of vibrant pink blooms.
- Cottage Gardens: Its cheerful flowers fit perfectly in cottage-style gardens.
- Cut Flower Gardens: The long-lasting flowers are excellent for cutting and arranging.
- Mixed Containers: It can be used in mixed containers to add a pop of color.
If you are looking for a phlox that blooms early, boasts vibrant color, and is relatively low-maintenance, Phlox 'Opening Act Ultrapink' is an excellent choice. Its cheerful flowers will brighten up your garden and attract pollinators throughout the summer.
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!
