Product Description
Phlox paniculata 'Party Girl' PP32324(25) Bare Root Plants
GARDEN GIRLS® Collection
Common Name: Tall Garden Phlox
Party Girl' has white flowers with a star-shaped light pink centers.
Our flagship Phlox paniculata variety, 'Glamour Girl', has been admired for years because of its beautiful floral display. More importantly, 'Glamour Girl' is known for disease resistance, specifically mildew that often plagues Tall Garden Phlox. Now accompanying 'Glamour Girl' are three additional varieties that share the same characteristics, including rebloom. We've put them to the test with our hot, humid Michigan summers and compared to other varieties that turn white with mildew. These varieties proudly display their dark green foliage well into fall.
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: 28.0-32.0 Inches
Spread: 28.0-32.0 Inches
Hardiness Zones: 3,4,5,6,7,8
Flower Color: White shades
Foliage Color: Green shades
Full Sun
Average Water Needs
Average to Fertile Soil Quality
Bloomtime: Midsummer 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 paniculata 'Party Girl' is a stunning variety of garden phlox that is sure to be the life of any garden party. This herbaceous perennial boasts large, fragrant white flowers with a star-shaped light pink center that bloom for weeks from mid to late summer. It is a steady re-bloomer, meaning you can enjoy its beautiful flowers for an extended period. 'Party Girl' is a relatively low-maintenance plant that is easy to grow, making it a great choice for gardeners of all skill levels.
Appearance 'Party Girl' has a compact, upright growth habit and typically reaches a height of 28-32 inches with a similar spread. Its dark green foliage provides a beautiful backdrop for the showy white flowers, which are borne in large panicles. This variety is part of the Garden Girls™ collection, a series known for its disease resistance and reblooming capabilities. The flowers are not only visually appealing but also fragrant, attracting pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Images of 'Party Girl' phlox can be found on various gardening websites, such as showcasing its vibrant blooms and lush foliage.
Growth Habits Phlox paniculata 'Party Girl' is a clump-forming perennial that thrives in full sun to very light shade. It is a Mid-Atlantic native plant that prefers rich, moist, well-drained soil and needs good air circulation to prevent powdery mildew. This phlox is hardy in USDA zones 3-8 and is known for its excellent disease resistance, especially in hot, humid conditions.
Care Requirements
- Planting When planting 'Party Girl', choose a location with full sun and well-drained soil. Space the plants about 24-36 inches apart to ensure good air circulation. Amend the soil with organic matter like compost to improve drainage and fertility. It is best to plant on a cloudy day or in the late afternoon to reduce transplant shock. Water the plants thoroughly after planting and add a layer of mulch to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Watering Water 'Party Girl' regularly, especially during dry periods, using a soaker hose or drip irrigation to avoid wetting the foliage. Keeping the foliage dry is crucial in preventing powdery mildew.
- Fertilizing Fertilize 'Party Girl' in the spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer or a layer of compost. Avoid over-fertilization, as too much nitrogen can promote leafy growth at the expense of flowers and make the plant more susceptible to mildew.
- Pruning Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming and prevent self-seeding. Cut back stems after flowering is over to maintain a neat appearance. Divide the plants every 2-3 years in early spring to maintain vigor and control their spread.
Pests and Diseases While 'Party Girl' is known for its disease resistance, it is still important to monitor for potential problems. Here are some common issues and how to address them:
- Powdery Mildew: This fungal disease appears as a white or grayish powdery coating on the leaves. To prevent it, ensure good air circulation, avoid overhead watering, and water in the morning. If it appears, treat with an appropriate fungicide.
- Spider Mites: These tiny pests can cause white dots on the foliage and yellowing leaves. Treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Aphids: These small insects suck plant juices and can cause stunted growth. You can often wash them off with a strong spray of water or use insecticidal soap.
- Leaf Spot: This fungal disease causes circular spots with gray centers and dark margins on the leaves. Remove and destroy infected plant debris and avoid handling plants when wet.
- Root Rots: These soilborne diseases can cause yellowing and wilting. Ensure good soil drainage and avoid overwatering.
Companion Plants Phlox paniculata 'Party Girl' pairs well with a variety of other perennials. Consider these options:
| Plant Name | Benefits/Features |
| Monarda (Bee Balm) | Attracts pollinators, adds color and texture |
| Ornamental Grasses (e.g., Panicum, Miscanthus, Calamagrostis) | Provides contrast in texture and form |
| Russian Sage | Creates a beautiful contrast with its silvery foliage and purple flowers |
| Yucca | Adds architectural interest and drought tolerance |
| Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia) | Offers a vibrant pop of yellow and attracts pollinators |
| Coneflowers (Echinacea) | Provides long-lasting blooms and attracts beneficial insects |
Phlox paniculata 'Party Girl' is a fantastic choice for gardeners looking to add a touch of elegance and vibrancy to their landscapes. Its captivating white flowers with a delicate pink center, combined with its delightful fragrance and impressive disease resistance, make it a standout perennial. This variety thrives in sunny locations with rich, well-drained soil and is relatively low-maintenance, requiring only basic care such as regular watering, occasional fertilization, and deadheading of spent blooms.
'Party Girl' is an excellent choice for various garden styles, including cottage gardens, pollinator gardens, and mixed perennial borders. Its long blooming season ensures a continuous display of color throughout the summer months. By incorporating companion plants like those suggested above, you can create a dynamic and thriving garden ecosystem that benefits both the plants and the pollinators they attract.
When planting 'Party Girl', remember to space the plants adequately to promote air circulation and prevent powdery mildew. Water at the base of the plant to keep the foliage dry and monitor for any signs of pests or diseases. With proper care, 'Party Girl' will reward you with an abundance of beautiful blooms, transforming your garden into a haven for both you and the local wildlife.
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!
