Phlox idahonis

Phlox idahonis is a botanical species endemic to Idaho and only found in this state of the United States. It is very rare in cultivation. This delicate phlox develops large loose umbels of small flowers in early summer with a changing colour depending on the time and light, appearing intense light blue or lilac blue. It appreciates clayey, moist and humus-bearing soil and sunny or semi-shaded locations. If pruned to the ground after its first flowering, it will develop a second, less abundant one. Plant it in borders or flowerbeds.

Phlox idahonis or Idaho phlox belongs to the Polemoniaceae family. It is a robust perennial still uncommon in our gardens, native to the northern part of the American state of Idaho. It is mainly found in humid meadows or at the edge of forests. It is a herbaceous perennial plant with a woody base forming a dense clump of leafy stems that reaches 50 cm in all directions. Its stiff and strong stems are covered with alternate, simple, lanceolate and narrow dark green, slightly shiny leaves. Flowering begins in June and continues through July, provided faded inflorescences are removed. The small 2.5 cm diameter flowers have a star-shaped corolla. They are clustered at the end of erect, dense, round panicles 15 cm in diameter. The flowering is nectar-rich. In good growing conditions, Phlox can live for many years in the garden.

Phlox idahonis appreciates a sunny or semi-shaded position. Its medium size makes it a good focal point in flowerbeds of any size. It makes a good cut flower. The Idaho phlox spreads moderately thanks to its thin rhizomes, but can colonise a nice spot in good conditions and proves to be resistant, simple, and quite long-lasting. In cottage gardens where they are at home, like in mixed borders or cottage gardens, phlox provide a long and generous flowering season. They pair well with lighter, differently shaped flowers like Liatris spicata, Helenium, Asters, or the small purple heads of Allium sphaerocephalon.