Product Description
Phlox p. 'Pink Lightning' PPAF CPBRAF - (25) bare root clumps
Proven Winners® LUMINARY® Collection
Phlox paniculata 'Pink Lightning' is a truly electrifying addition to any garden. This exceptional variety of tall garden phlox boasts vibrant pink flowers that are sure to turn heads and attract pollinators. Bred for its outstanding mildew resistance, 'Pink Lightning' thrives even in humid conditions where other phlox varieties might struggle.
A Showstopper in the Garden Imagine a burst of brilliant pink illuminating your garden. Each flower of 'Pink Lightning' is a masterpiece, featuring a bright, true pink hue with a captivating white starburst pattern at its center. These are not just any pink flowers; they are the largest blooms in the entire Luminary series, making a bold statement. The intensity of the color rivals that of other standout varieties like 'Sunset Coral' and 'Ultraviolet', but with a unique charm all its own.
Thriving in the Summer Heat Gardeners often shy away from phlox due to its susceptibility to powdery mildew, especially in hot and humid climates. 'Pink Lightning' changes the game. This variety has been documented as mildew-free through September, offering exceptional performance and peace of mind. Its healthy foliage remains vibrant throughout the summer, providing a stunning backdrop for the dazzling pink blooms.
A Haven for Pollinators 'Pink Lightning' is not just a feast for the eyes; it is a magnet for pollinators. Butterflies, hummingbirds, and bees will flock to your garden, drawn by the allure of these vibrant flowers. As they flit from bloom to bloom, they will contribute to the health of your garden and the surrounding ecosystem.
Easy Care for Lasting Beauty While 'Pink Lightning' is a standout performer, it is also refreshingly easy to care for. This sun-loving perennial thrives in consistently moist, well-drained soil. To ensure a long and prolific bloom, simply deadhead spent flowers. This encourages reblooming and prevents self-seeding, keeping your garden tidy and vibrant.
A Versatile Choice for Any Garden Whether you are a seasoned gardener or just starting out, Phlox paniculata 'Pink Lightning' is a fantastic choice. Its vibrant color, long bloom time, and exceptional mildew resistance make it a versatile addition to any garden. Plant it in borders, mass plantings, or even containers to enjoy its beauty throughout the summer months.
Key Features at a Glance:
- Brilliant pink flowers: Large, true pink blooms with a central white starburst.
- Exceptional mildew resistance: Documented as mildew-free through September.
- Long blooming: Enjoy flowers from midsummer to late summer.
- Attracts pollinators: A favorite of butterflies, hummingbirds, and bees.
- Easy to grow: Thrives in full sun and consistently moist, well-drained soil.
- Hardiness Zones: 3-8
- Height: 30-36 inches
- Spread: 24-30 inches
With its stunning beauty, low maintenance requirements, and valuable contribution to the garden ecosystem, Phlox paniculata 'Pink Lightning' is a true gem. Add this vibrant perennial to your garden and watch it shine.
Height: 30.0-36.0 Inches
Spread: 24.0-30.0 Inches
Hardiness Zones: 3,4,5,6,7,8
Flower Color: Pink shades
Foliage Color: Green shades
Sunlight: Full Sun (> 6 hrs. Direct Sun), Part Shade (4-6 hrs. Direct Sun)
Water Requirements: Average Water Needs
Soil Quality: Average Soil Quality to Fertile Soil Quality
Bloomtime: Midsummer Late Summer, Rebloomer, Long Blooming
Attracts Wings: Attracts Butterflies and Hummingbirds, Bee Friendly
Growth Rate: Medium
Border Plant, Cut Flower, Cut Foliage, Fragrant Flowers, Mass Planting, Focal Point
Origin: Native to North America
Phlox paniculata 'Pink Lightning' is a vibrant and electrifying perennial that will illuminate your garden with its bold pink flowers and exceptional disease resistance. It is a standout variety in the Proven Winners LUMINARY® series, bred for its captivating blooms and ability to thrive even in challenging conditions. Here is a closer look at what makes 'Pink Lightning' so special, along with essential information for successful cultivation:
What Makes 'Pink Lightning' Special:
- Vibrant Pink Flowers: 'Pink Lightning' boasts large, pure pink flowers with a unique faded, star-shaped center. The striking color combination and eye-catching pattern create a dazzling display that will brighten any garden.
- Strong and Upright Habit: It has a robust, upright habit with strong, tall stems that hold the flower clusters proudly above the foliage. This adds vertical interest to the garden and ensures that the blooms are showcased beautifully.
- Excellent Mildew Resistance: 'Pink Lightning' has been bred for outstanding mildew resistance, making it a reliable choice even in humid conditions where other phlox varieties might struggle.
- Reblooming: It is a rebloomer, meaning it will produce multiple flushes of flowers throughout the summer, extending the season of color in your garden.
- Attracts Pollinators: The nectar-rich blooms are a magnet for pollinators, including butterflies, hummingbirds, and bees.
- Easy Care: Phlox paniculata is generally low-maintenance and easy to care for, requiring minimal attention once established.
Description:
- Type: Herbaceous perennial
- Hardiness Zones: 3-8
- Height & Spread: 30-36 inches tall and 24-30 inches wide
- Bloom Time: Midsummer to late summer, reblooming
- Flower Color: Pure pink with a faded, star-shaped center
- Foliage: Deep green, mildew resistant
Native Habitat:
- Phlox paniculata, commonly known as tall garden phlox, is native to the eastern United States, where it typically grows in moist woods and along stream banks.
Landscaping Design Tips:
- Borders: Its vertical growth habit makes it a great addition to the middle or back of borders, adding height and visual interest.
- Cottage Gardens: The vibrant pink flowers and charming flower form blend beautifully in cottage-style gardens.
- Pollinator Gardens: Its attractiveness to pollinators makes it a valuable addition to any pollinator garden.
- Cut Flower Gardens: The long-lasting blooms make excellent cut flowers for arrangements.
- Companion Planting: Combine it with other perennials that complement its pink flowers and bloom time, such as purple coneflowers (Echinacea), Russian sage (Perovskia), or ornamental grasses.
Planting and Care:
- Planting:
- Plant in spring or fall.
- Choose a location with full sun to partial shade (full sun is best for flowering).
- Prefers rich, moist, well-drained soil.
- Space plants about 24-30 inches apart.
- Dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball.
- Place the plant in the hole, ensuring the crown is level with the ground.
- Fill the hole with soil and firm gently.
- Water thoroughly after planting.
- Care:
- Water regularly, especially during hot, dry periods.
- Fertilize in spring with a balanced fertilizer.
- Deadhead spent flower clusters to encourage reblooming.
- Divide clumps every few years to maintain vigor.
With its vibrant pink flowers, exceptional disease resistance, and easy-care nature, Phlox paniculata 'Pink Lightning' is a dazzling addition to any garden. By following these planting and care tips, you can enjoy its beauty and attract pollinators to your yard for years to come.
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!
