Phlox paniculata Eva Cullum

Phlox paniculata 'Eva Cullum' has the advantage of having better powdery mildew resistance than its counterparts in the same genus. It is an easy-growing perennial that offers a fragrant and particularly cheerful flowering. Its numerous small flowers, which attract pollinators, bloom in July and August and bring life to flower beds with their two shades of pink. The flowers bear a vibrant eye, leaning towards carmine, submerged in a rather soft fuchsia. Ideal for creating sumptuous bouquets.

Phlox are essential in all cottage or romantically styled gardens. Their bushy habit is perfect for mixed borders and their size allows them to be interspersed at different levels. Their abundant, colourful, and fragrant flowering brings flower beds to life with the constant coming and going of insects that are attracted to them. Grow them in large numbers and use their blooms to create full and long-lasting bouquets. They appreciate moist, well-drained and rather rich soil. Their flowering is more spectacular in the sun, but they also thrive in partial shade. They are hardy below - 15°C (59°F). To enjoy a long flowering period, remember to remove faded flowers as they appear.

This vigorous herbaceous perennial has upright stems that reach up to 90cm (35in) and bear large panicles (10cm (4in)) at their tips, made up of multiple small flowers measuring 2 to 3cm (1in) in diameter. Their corolla, tubular at the base, abruptly opens into five lobes and takes on the shape of a cup, giving them a star-like appearance. Packed tightly side by side, they form a beautiful dome of vibrant colour that wakes up their neighbours. They stand out perfectly against the medium green foliage in the background, composed of deciduous, lanceolate and alternate leaves arranged regularly along the stems.

Thanks to a span of 60cm (24in) and a relatively tall height, 'Eva Cullum' creates a colourful display even when in small groups. If you want to add a splash of colour at the back of the garden or under windows, group it together with its counterparts or with summer flowers in the same tones: cosmos, echinaceas, dahlias. They will allow you to enjoy a bright and flowery summer and will gradually fade to make way for asters.