Phlox paniculata Adinda

The Phlox paniculata 'Adinda' is a hybrid variety of panicled phlox with large, dense flower heads carried by strong, fairly tall stems. They bear multiple flowers of a rich purple colour, with a white eye, pleasantly fragrant. Its healthy foliage is dark green. This phlox is suitable for planting in open ground, in borders and flower beds, in any moist soil, preferably in the sun.

The Phlox paniculata belongs to the Polemoniaceae family. It is a robust perennial native to the fertile and cool meadows of the eastern United States. 'Adinda' is a hybrid from the 'Russian Ladies' series. It is a herbaceous perennial plant with a woody stump forming a dense clump of leafy stems that reaches a height of 90 cm (35in) and a width of 60 cm (24in). Its stiff and sturdy stems are covered with alternate, simple, lanceolate and narrow leaves, dark green, with a slightly shiny appearance. Flowering begins mid-July and continues until September, provided that faded flower heads are removed. The small flowers, 1.5 to 2.5 cm (1in) in diameter, have a bicoloured star-shaped corolla. They are grouped at the end of upright, dense, round panicles, 15 cm (6in) in diameter, fragrant, with the weight barely bending the stems. The flowering is nectariferous. Under good growing conditions, Phlox can live for many years in the garden.

This 'Adinda' panicled phlox appreciates a sunny location, although it tolerates some shade. Its relatively tall habit makes it an excellent mid-border plant in gardens of all sizes. It makes a good cut flower. In cottage gardens, where they are commonly found, and in mixed borders or cottage gardens, phlox offers a long and generous flowering period. They pair well with flowers of different shapes, lighter in appearance, such as Liatris spicata, Helenium, Asters, and the small purple heads of Allium sphaerocephalon.