Phlox paniculata Amethyst

The Phlox paniculata 'Amethyst', also known as Garden Phlox or Summer Phlox, offers an elegant flowering display in large panicles of a precious hue reminiscent of amethyst, enhanced by a purple throat. Delicate, refined and highly fragrant, this variety is part of a generation rarely affected by powdery mildew. Blooming throughout the summer and even into autumn, it showcases beautiful, vibrant green foliage. This tall perennial, a staple in cottage gardens, is irreplaceable in borders and perfect for bouquets. It prefers sun and moist soil and may sometimes require staking.

Phlox paniculata 'Amethyst' belongs to the family of Polemoniaceae. It is an old variety derived from Phlox paniculata, native to fertile and cool prairies in the eastern United States. 'Amethyst' is a herbaceous perennial plant with a woody base that forms a clump of leafy stems reaching 80 cm (32in) in height and 50 cm (20in) in width. The stiff, brittle stems are covered with alternate, simple, ovate, and lanceolate dark green leaves. Flowering begins in early July, at the height of summer, and continues until September, provided that faded inflorescences are regularly pruned. The small flowers, measuring 1.5 to 2.5 cm (1in) in diameter, have a tubular corolla of a fairly pale bluish-violet colour, in harmony with the reddish-violet throat. They are clustered at the tips of the stems in dense and highly fragrant panicles, which weigh down the stems. The flowering is attractive to bees and nectar-loving insects.

The 'Amethyst' Phlox will be planted in perennial borders alongside red or subtly violet blooms with which it forms a perfect colour combination. Pair it with pink or violet asters, with 'Orange Perfection' Phlox, or with other simple perennials. Phlox plants are good companions for bush roses, creating a harmonious color scheme.