Phlox paniculata Flame White

Phlox paniculata Flame White Imp. is a beautiful variety with a compact habit forming a clump of lanceolate leaves. During the summer, the plant produces dense inflorescences of fragrant flowers with five white petals. It thrives in sunny borders and will be satisfied with any rich and light garden soil, which is damp and well-drained.  It will also do very well in pots.

Phlox paniculata Flame White belongs to the family of Polemoniaceae, which takes its name from other well-known ornamentals in our gardens: Polemoniums. Phlox paniculata is a robust perennial native to the eastern United States, where it can be found in open woodlands, woodland edges or in shrbby areas along watercourses. The plant forms a clump of lanceolate leaves about 10 centimeters long.  It produces stiff stems, between July and September with numerous paniculate clusters of helically arranged, often fragrant flowers. Removing faded flowers as they appear will extend the flowering period over several weeks. While appreciated by butterflies in Europe, it is primarily hummingbirds that visit phlox in its native regions.

Phlox paniculata Flame White is a pretty compact selection from the Flame series, which will not exceed 45 cm (18in) in height and about 40 cm (16in) in diameter. Its flowers, very delicate, are subtly scented and have 5 large pure white petals. It is also a variety resistant to powdery mildew, which manifests as grey spots on the leaves in dry conditions.

Resistant, Phlox paniculata Flame White, will decorate gardens with its simplicity and abundant flowers.  It is ideal for wild-rustic borders as well as cottage gardens. It will be content with any good garden soil in the sun, which is not too acidic or too chalky, does not dry out too much in summer, but above all is well-drained. In heavy soils, its longevity may be affected. Slugs can sometimes devour young leaves in spring. The small size of Flame White also allows it to be used in pots, to enhance your balcony or patio; it will then require a little more water.

You can associate it with other phlox, with perennials such as Geranium pratense 'Cluden Sapphire', meadow sage, or even Penstemon 'Husker Red'. It is also an excellent companion for shrubs such as Hydrangea paniculata 'Bobo' and its large white inflorescences.